North Central Texas College Clinical Medical Assistant Program

The Clinical Medical Assistant Program at North Central Texas College (NCTC) is a detailed training course designed to equip students with the essential clinical and administrative skills for entry-level roles in healthcare. Combining 142 hours of lecture with 112 hours of hands-on externship, this program ensures students are prepared to meet the demands of the medical field.

NCTC’s program offers students an introduction to medical office operations, equipment handling, patient care procedures, and interpersonal skills. Key clinical skills include taking vital signs, wound care, performing phlebotomy, and conducting EKGs. Students also learn medical terminology, sterilization techniques, and OSHA guidelines, making the curriculum practical and industry-relevant.

The course is led by experienced healthcare professionals, including nurses and lab technicians, providing real-world expertise. Classes are supplemented by lab-based learning and culminate in an externship, where students apply their knowledge in a supervised healthcare setting. Tuition includes textbooks, ensuring that students have access to all necessary learning materials.

The program is divided into four key sections:

1. Basic Medical Assistant Technology
   • Covers administrative skills, HIPAA compliance, ethical behavior, and professionalism in healthcare settings.
   • Focuses on developing efficiency in managing medical office tasks.
2. Procedures in a Clinical Setting
   • Includes patient assessment, asepsis techniques, and supporting physicians during treatments.
   • Prepares students to handle medical emergencies and adhere to government healthcare guidelines.
3. Medical Assistant Laboratory Procedures
   • Emphasizes specimen collection, venipuncture, and compliance with quality standards for laboratory testing.
   • Teaches safe handling of biological materials and proper use of medical equipment.
4. Clinical Externship
   • A 112-hour work-based learning experience supervised by healthcare professionals.
   • Students gain practical exposure to patient care, record management, and clinical procedures.

To enroll in the Clinical Medical Assistant program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
• Provide proof of a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts.
• Pass a CASAS reading and math assessment or provide acceptable substitute scores (e.g., TSIA2, TEAS, or HESI).
• Complete a criminal background check.
• Submit proof of current immunizations, including Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, and seasonal flu shots.
• Obtain CPR certification through the American Heart Association.

Interested students must attend an information session to understand the program’s structure and requirements. Following the session, they must complete an online registration packet and submit supporting documents, including immunization records and CPR certification. Tuition must be paid prior to the start of the program, with payment plans available for those needing financial assistance.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have developed the ability to:

• Perform essential clinical tasks, including taking vitals, conducting lab tests, and assisting in minor surgical procedures.
• Handle administrative duties such as scheduling, maintaining patient records, and managing finances.
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior in healthcare environments.
• Apply for entry-level positions as clinical medical assistants, phlebotomists, or EKG technicians.