GTCC’s Medical Assisting program provides a thorough training experience for students interested in careers in healthcare. The curriculum is specifically designed to equip graduates with the practical and theoretical knowledge to work effectively in doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
Students gain competence in clinical tasks like taking vital signs, drawing blood, administering injections, assisting in minor surgeries, and performing lab tests and EKGs. Additionally, students become skilled in critical administrative duties such as managing patient records, scheduling appointments, insurance billing, and understanding medical coding systems.
Coursework and Structure
The coursework at GTCC covers essential medical knowledge, administrative procedures, and practical clinical skills. The program takes place over five semesters and includes specific courses like:
- Medical Terminology
- Administrative Office Procedures
- Laboratory Procedures
- Drug Therapy and Pharmacology
- Patient Education
- Clinical Practicum
General education courses in anatomy, psychology, communication, mathematics, and humanities round out the degree to provide a balanced education.
The program totals 68 credit hours, combining theoretical classes with hands-on lab practice and an intensive clinical practicum in the final semester. The clinical practicum is particularly beneficial, allowing students to experience real-world environments and gain direct patient interaction experience before graduation.
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Costs and Tuition
Tuition costs at GTCC vary significantly depending on residency. In-state tuition is charged at $76 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $268 per credit hour. For full-time students taking 12 credits, this equates to approximately $912 per semester for residents and $3,216 per semester for non-residents. Fees such as student insurance ($8.25 per semester or $16.50 per year) are also required. It’s advisable to directly contact GTCC’s financial aid office for detailed and accurate information regarding total costs.
Accreditation and Certification Opportunities
One major advantage of GTCC’s Medical Assisting program is its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), recommended by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Accreditation ensures the quality and recognition of the degree, facilitating easier access to employment and certification exams post-graduation.
Upon graduating, students are eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Examination (CMA (AAMA)), making them Certified Medical Assistants upon passing. Certification significantly boosts career prospects and credibility within the healthcare field.
Admission Requirements
GTCC’s Medical Assisting program has specific entry requirements due to its competitive, limited enrollment status. Applicants must fulfill the following:
- Complete GTCC’s general application for admission
- Attend a required online information session
- Demonstrate college readiness in English and math
- Demonstrate biology competency through coursework
- Submit an application specifically for the Medical Assisting program
Additionally, once accepted, students must pass:
- A criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Physical exam with updated immunizations
- CPR and first-aid certification
Applicants should carefully review deadlines and required documents to avoid missing opportunities for enrollment.
Program Outcomes and Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the GTCC Medical Assisting program will be trained to:
- Communicate effectively with patients and medical professionals
- Perform clinical and administrative duties with competence
- Utilize critical thinking skills for patient care
- Implement legal and ethical standards within healthcare practices
Successful graduates typically find employment quickly, given the program’s solid employment rate (85.48% job placement). Typical workplaces include physicians’ offices, hospitals, urgent care centers, and healthcare clinics. Salaries typically range from $15 to $20 per hour starting, depending on experience and geographic location.
Faculty and Support
The program at GTCC is led by dedicated professionals with practical industry experience. Notable faculty members include Program Director Mindy Wray and instructor Pamela Watson, both committed to providing students personalized guidance and support throughout their educational journey.
The school offers financial aid and scholarships for qualifying students, which helps to alleviate the cost barrier associated with healthcare education. Students are encouraged to inquire with the Financial Aid Office for specific scholarship details.
Additional Considerations
Students interested in GTCC’s program should consider their compatibility with medical assisting as a career. Effective medical assistants typically possess strong communication skills, patience, empathy, attention to detail, manual dexterity, and resilience under pressure. The job involves substantial interaction with patients, healthcare providers, and administrative tasks, so interpersonal skills and professionalism are vital.
GTCC’s rigorous and structured curriculum is best suited for students prepared for significant classroom and practical work, who thrive in structured yet hands-on environments.
Who Should Consider This School?
GTCC’s Medical Assisting Associate Degree is an excellent choice for students who prefer structured, practical, hands-on learning and thrive in smaller class sizes due to the program’s limited enrollment. It is ideal for those wanting clear preparation for CMA certification and quick employment. The program is particularly suited for detail-oriented students committed to patient care who seek a straightforward pathway into the healthcare field with strong accreditation backing their qualifications.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | $76/credit (in-state), $268/credit (out-of-state); additional student fees apply |
| Duration: | 2 years (5 semesters) |
| Class Schedules: | Traditional daytime classes; starts each fall with limited 35-student enrollment |
| Online Classes?: | Partially – General education courses may be offered online |
| Requirements: | GTCC admission, program application, online info session, biology competency, college-level math/English |
| Address: | 601 E. Main Street, Jamestown, NC 27282 |
| Phone: | (336) 334-4822 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Website: | https://www.gtcc.edu/academics/academic-programs/programs/health-and-wellness/medical-assisting.php |
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