Dallas Career Institute Medical Assistant Program

Dallas Career Institute (DCI) offers an affordable and efficient Medical Assistant program designed to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in healthcare. With a 31-week duration and a cost of $5,000, the program emphasizes flexibility, hands-on training, and practical experience for entry-level medical assisting roles.

The Medical Assistant program at DCI is tailored to equip students with both clinical and administrative skills, preparing them for roles such as clinical assistant, medical receptionist, and insurance billing specialist. With 722 total hours of training, including coursework, labs, and a 160-hour externship, students gain comprehensive exposure to the duties required in medical offices, clinics, and outpatient settings.

The curriculum is structured into several focused modules covering topics like medical terminology, pharmacology, EKG tracing, and patient care. Clinical training emphasizes hands-on learning, enabling students to gain practical experience in skills like vital sign collection, lab specimen processing, and medical office procedures.

DCI offers flexible class schedules to accommodate working adults and those with other responsibilities. Classes are available in both morning (9 AM – 1 PM) and evening (5 PM – 9 PM) slots. Clinical training is scheduled during daytime hours (8 AM – 5 PM) over four weeks, ensuring students can gain real-world experience in a professional healthcare environment.

The $5,000 tuition includes uniforms and textbooks, making it a relatively affordable option compared to similar programs. A $250 deposit is required at registration, and the remaining balance can be paid in installments before graduation. However, licensing exam fees are not included in the tuition, so students should budget for those additional costs.

The curriculum is comprehensive, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Key components include:

• Clinical Skills: Courses such as Positioning & Bandaging, Phlebotomy, and Surgery Settings provide essential clinical training.
• Administrative Training: Students learn office management, patient billing, and medical insurance coding.
• Technical Skills: The program incorporates EKG tracing, electronic medical records management, and basic computer proficiency.
• Externship: A 160-hour externship allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings under professional supervision.

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass a personal interview with an enrollment representative.
• Have no criminal record and not be listed on the Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR).

The program prioritizes hands-on training through its well-equipped medical laboratory. Students practice critical skills like administering medications, performing EKGs, and collecting lab specimens under the guidance of experienced instructors. This practical approach ensures students are job-ready upon graduation.

Graduates of the DCI Medical Assistant program are prepared for a variety of roles in healthcare, including:

• Medical Assistant
• Clinical Assistant
• Medical Receptionist
• Insurance Billing Specialist

The skills learned also provide a strong foundation for specialization in fields like pediatrics, OB/GYN, and cardiology.