Tarrant County College (TCC) offers a practical and affordable Medical Assistant Program designed for individuals ready to launch a healthcare career. This program combines administrative and clinical training, preparing students to meet the demands of a dynamic healthcare environment.
Program Overview
The TCC Medical Assistant Program is structured as a 40-credit-hour certificate program that can be completed in two semesters (approximately 8 months). With tuition costs at $2,960, this program offers an accessible option for those pursuing a career in medical assisting without incurring significant debt.
Students gain a mix of hands-on clinical training and classroom instruction, learning to handle a wide range of duties such as taking patient histories, managing electronic medical records, and performing laboratory tests. The program includes 192 clinic hours, ensuring students develop practical skills in real-world healthcare settings.
Course Schedule and Format
The program runs on a full-time schedule, with classes and labs held Thursday through Sunday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Part-time and distance learning options are currently unavailable, requiring students to commit to a consistent schedule. Clinical rotations are arranged with the program director, allowing students to apply their skills in professional medical settings.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills required for a variety of tasks, including:
- Administrative Duties: Scheduling appointments, managing finances, and maintaining patient records.
- Clinical Duties: Taking vital signs, assisting with examinations, infection control, and performing basic lab tests.
Key courses cover pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, medical law and ethics, and more. Students also gain critical skills in patient communication, teamwork, and computer literacy.
Prerequisites
- Hold a high school diploma or GED.
- Be at least 18 years old by the clinical portion of the program.
- Provide proof of CPR Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Submit immunization records, including Hepatitis A/B, MMR, Varicella, and annual flu vaccines.
For non-native English speakers, proof of language proficiency through TOEFL (83 minimum) or IELTS (6.5 minimum) is required. Post-acceptance, students must pass a drug screening and background check and provide proof of health insurance.
Program Costs and Additional Expenses
The total tuition for in-district residents is $2,960, excluding costs for books, immunizations, and other program-related fees. Estimated additional expenses include:
- Textbooks: $250
- Immunization Tracker: $40
- Certification Exams: $565 (for all four exams)
- Scrubs and Supplies: $150
Program Goals and Outcomes
The program aims to prepare competent, entry-level medical assistants who can thrive in various healthcare settings. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for certification exams such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA) or NCCT Medical Assistant Exam. Graduates gain skills in communication, patient care, and technical tasks, such as performing lab tests and EKGs.Program outcomes highlight strong results, including an 85.71% certification exam pass rate and an 80% job placement rate. These statistics demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.
Accreditation
The Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring that students receive high-quality education aligned with industry standards.
Why Apply?
TCC’s Medical Assistant Program is ideal for students seeking a cost-effective, hands-on education in healthcare. With its focused curriculum, robust clinical training, and low tuition, this program offers excellent value for those ready to commit to a full-time schedule. Graduates benefit from strong job placement rates and the ability to sit for national certification exams, opening doors to a variety of healthcare roles.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Program Type | Medical Assistant Certificate (Level 1) |
Cost | $2,960 (excluding books, immunizations, and other fees) |
Duration | 2 semesters (40 credit hours, approximately 8 months) |
Class Schedules | Thursday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Requirements | High school diploma or GED, CPR BLS certification, immunization records, age 18+, drug test |
Online Classes? | No |
Address | 245 East Belknap, Fort Worth, TX 76102 |
Phone | 817-515-8223 |
[email protected] | |
Website | https://www.tccd.edu/academics/courses-and-programs/programs-a-z/credit/medical-assistant/ |