Piedmont Community College

One of the program’s biggest strengths is its flexibility. PCC allows students to select from three distinct pathways based on their career goals and time availability:

• Associate Degree: This comprehensive option typically takes two years (about five semesters) and covers extensive clinical and administrative training.
• Diploma: A shorter, focused option that takes about four semesters and emphasizes key clinical and office skills.
• Certificate: A concise program concentrating primarily on administrative and basic medical skills, usually completed within two semesters.

This flexibility is beneficial for students who may need quicker entry into the workforce or those aiming for a full degree.

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Courses are structured clearly and logically, balancing foundational knowledge with practical skills. Key classes include:

• Medical Terminology
• Medical Law and Ethics
• Exam Room Procedures
• Laboratory Procedures
• Drug Therapy and Pharmacology
• Administrative Office Procedures

The A.A.S. and Diploma options also include general education courses like psychology, communication, computers, and anatomy, making graduates well-rounded employees.

The clinical externship is particularly valuable, providing at least 240 hours of real-world experience, giving students direct patient care exposure and networking opportunities with local healthcare employers.

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Tuition at Piedmont Community College varies widely based on program choice and residency status. Typical costs for North Carolina residents are around $76 per credit hour, whereas out-of-state students pay approximately $268 per credit hour. There are additional fees, such as the mandatory fee for MED-264, totaling around $243 (including certification exam costs).

Due to the complexity of the fee structure, it’s important to discuss specific expenses directly with PCC’s admissions or financial aid office before enrolling to understand your exact financial commitment.

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Accreditation by CAAHEP positions PCC graduates strongly for employment and professional certification. Recent statistics underscore the effectiveness of the program:

• Retention rate (students staying in the program): 95.65% (2019-2023)
• Job placement rate for 2023 graduates: 100%
• Employer satisfaction rate for recent graduates: 100%

These outcomes suggest a high-quality program that effectively prepares students for real-world healthcare careers.

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Admission to PCC’s Medical Assisting program is selective and requires the following prerequisites:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Placement testing or completed relevant college coursework
• Official college transcripts (if applicable)
• Personal interview with the Medical Assisting Coordinator
• Performance standards review per the MA Student Handbook
• A “B” or higher in the prerequisite course MED 140
• Passing a criminal background check
• Meeting immunization requirements

Students are advised to consult PCC’s admissions department early, as the program admits only one cohort each fall.

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Once accepted, students must follow the outlined semester schedule closely and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Crucially, any MED-specific course must be passed with a “B” or higher, while general education courses require at least a “C.”

Additionally, students transferring credits from institutions outside the North Carolina Community College System must pass cumulative final exams with at least an 80% score to validate their previous coursework.

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Graduates from PCC’s Medical Assisting program are well-prepared for roles in various healthcare environments like physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and urgent care centers. Certification through NHA or AAMA significantly enhances employment opportunities, as certified medical assistants are highly sought after by employers.

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PCC emphasizes student support through regular advising with Medical Assisting faculty. Personalized academic guidance ensures students select courses that fulfill their requirements effectively. Faculty actively monitor student progress, ensuring students meet academic standards and helping resolve issues early.

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Students benefit from two convenient campus locations:

• Person County Campus (Roxboro, NC)
• Caswell County Campus (Yanceyville, NC)

Having multiple locations provides accessibility for students residing in different parts of the region.

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