The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting at ECPI University in Greensboro, North Carolina, is an accelerated, comprehensive program lasting 15 months. It includes 61 credits and covers both clinical and administrative medical assisting skills, along with a mandatory 5-week externship at a medical facility. Coursework is available online, making it suitable for those needing flexibility. Graduates are prepared for certifications including CMA, RMA, Phlebotomy, and EKG Technician credentials.
Detailed Curriculum and Learning Structure
Clinical Training
Clinical aspects of the program include key skills such as preparing patients for examinations, conducting laboratory tests, performing EKGs, administering injections, and maintaining sterile environments. The hands-on labs and clinical training ensure graduates can immediately contribute in medical settings after graduation.
Administrative Instruction
In addition to clinical skills, the curriculum emphasizes administrative tasks essential to medical assisting careers, including appointment scheduling, electronic medical record management, billing, insurance processing, and inventory control.
Professional Skills Development
The program also fosters professional skills like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to effectively interact with patients, healthcare providers, and handle the dynamic environment of medical offices.
Notable Courses
The coursework comprises both core medical assisting courses and general education:
- Medical Ethics (MED149): Exploring important topics like malpractice, confidentiality, critical healthcare ethics, and current ethical issues.
- Medical Office Procedures (MED160): Essential training in office management, safety, record handling, and procedural policies.
Additional coursework includes pharmacology, phlebotomy, advanced diagnostics, cardiology/EKG, and medical terminology, providing a robust foundation of medical knowledge.
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Externship and Certification Preparation
One major advantage of ECPI’s medical assisting program is the mandatory 5-week externship, embedded directly into the coursework. This externship allows students real-world experience in local healthcare settings, bridging classroom knowledge with practical application.
Additionally, ECPI strongly encourages and actively prepares students for industry-recognized certifications upon completion of the program, including:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- Certified EKG Technician (CET)
Students are also provided vouchers by ECPI to take these certification exams at a reduced cost, offering significant value and enhancing employability after graduation.
Accreditation and Recognition
ECPI’s medical assisting program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a well-respected accrediting body for allied health programs. This accreditation is recognized at multiple ECPI campuses, including the Greensboro location. Additionally, ECPI University itself is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring overall academic credibility and recognition of degrees earned.
Admission Prerequisites
For employment post-graduation, students typically must meet the following prerequisites:
- Pass a routine physical examination
- Background check
- Credit check
- Drug screening
- Mantoux tuberculosis test
- Updated immunizations, including Hepatitis B
- Compliance with HIPAA and OSHA federal regulations
Program Evaluation and Grading Criteria
Students’ progress and performance are assessed through diverse evaluation methods such as practical lab exams, written exams, assignments, competency checklists, and demonstration of professional behavior. A passing grade of at least “C” (73%) in all medical courses is required to continue successfully in the program.
Career Opportunities and Job Market Outlook
Graduates are typically well-positioned to enter entry-level medical assisting roles in settings including:
- Physician offices
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Urgent care facilities
Given the growing healthcare needs driven by an aging population, medical assisting remains a career with strong demand and growth potential. Medical assistants are valuable in the healthcare team, performing clinical procedures, administrative tasks, and acting as critical communicators between healthcare providers and patients.
Additional Information on Costs and Consumer Details
ECPI University provides extensive information regarding costs, financing options, and graduation outcomes through their website’s consumer information section. Prospective students are encouraged to review this information thoroughly to make an informed decision about enrolling.
Who Should Consider This School?
ECPI University’s Medical Assisting program in Greensboro is ideal for students seeking a fast-paced, flexible option that blends clinical and administrative training effectively. It’s especially suited for learners who want a streamlined path to industry certifications and appreciate the combination of online convenience and hands-on clinical training. However, students who prefer a slower academic pace or exclusively in-person learning might consider alternatives. Overall, it’s a strong option for career-focused, motivated individuals aiming to quickly enter the medical assisting field.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | Not publicly listed; visit ECPI’s website or contact admissions for details. |
| Duration: | 15 months (approximately 60 weeks) |
| Class Schedules: | Year-round; details vary, includes online and in-person components |
| Online Classes?: | Yes – Several courses are available online through the University’s consortium agreement |
| Requirements: | Physical exam, background check, drug screening, TB test, current vaccinations, HIPAA/OSHA compliance |
| Address: | 7802 Airport Center Dr., Greensboro, NC 27409 |
| Phone: | (336) 792-7594 |
| Email: | Not listed; contact via website or phone |
| Website: | https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/medical-assistant-associate-degree |
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