Medical Assisting FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I gain admission to the program?

  You must complete assessment testing to determine your readiness for college coursework in math, reading and writing. There are minimal course prerequisites. Students will need computer access, drug screening and background checks, Hepatitis B and MMR vaccination, proof of immunity for Varicella (Chicken Pox) and a Tuberculosis skin test within the last six months by the last portion of the program. Students will also maintain an American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR certification while in the program.

• What are the residency requirements for MCC?

  Please refer to the MCC college catalog or online.

• Will my degree transfer to a four-year university?

  AAS degrees are not usually designed to transfer as a block; however, many institutions have programs that accept medical assisting coursework toward a bachelor of science degree, transferring as general education credits or electives. NAU, for example, has a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Assisting. Check with the institution to which you will be transferring for more information.

• How long does it take to complete the Medical Assisting programs?

  The individual certificates require one year to complete. The associate’s degree can be completed in two years, if you are a full-time student. Most of the coursework is delivered in the classroom or is web enhanced. For the Generalist certificate and the associate’s degree, there is an unpaid externship experience in local physicians’ offices. It is strongly recommended that full-time student not work more than 10-15 hours per week while school is in session. Academic demands such as class and lab time, homework, study time and clinical assignments require about 30-40 hours per week.

• What Medical Assisting degree or certificate does MCC offer?

  The Medical Assist program offers multiple certificates including an Insurance and Coding specialty, Phlebotomy specialty and a Generalist track. In addition, MCC offers an associate’s degree in Medical Assisting. Almost all coursework in the specialty certificates will apply to the associate degree coursework.

• Is professional certification part of this program?

  This program will equip students with the knowledge necessary to take the examination given by the AMT (American Medical Technologist) and AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) and to obtain work in the field at entry-level. The courses offered in this program were designed toward that goal and are not meant as transfer credits. Colleges and universities may not offer equivalent training and they may not grant transfer credits.

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• Who can I contact for more information on the Medical Assisting program?

  Contact program director Jeff Turner at 928.758.3926 ext. 4454. In addition you can contact an admissions counselor or academic advisor on the nearest campus.

• Are the Medical Assisting programs accredited?

  MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. All MCC Medical Assistant programs currently prepare students for a national-level certification exam. Students in the AAS and Generalist programs take the American Medical Technologist (AMT) Registered Medical Assistant exam. Students in the Insurance Billing and Coding certificate program take the AAPC’s CPC exam; and those seeking the Phlebotomy Certificate take the AMT’s Registered Phlebotomy Technician exam. The process has begun for accreditation of MCC's Medical Assistant program.

• Who determines if coursework transfers to MCC?

   The MCC Registrar makes all decisions regarding transfer of courses and will only evaluate official written transcripts. Visit your local MCC campus Student Services office for more information.

• Is financial aid available?

  Yes, MCC has financial aid available. Please visit our Financial Aid page for information on applying for financial aid, and available scholarships. Students who are interested should apply for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov for an online application.

• What do Medical Assistants do?

  Medical Assistants are essential in the medical office. Their work includes administrative duties, appointment scheduling, billing, taking vital signs, assisting with office surgery, administering medications, laboratory procedures and controlling the spread of infection.

• Where are Medical Assistants employed?

  The vast majority of medical assistants work in a physician’s office or for a group of physicians. Some become personal assistants to surgeons. They can also work for hospitals, public health agencies and in education.

• How often are classes offered?

  Medical Assisting classes are offered every semester including summers. Classes are available during day and evening hours, limited weekends and online through MCC's distance education program. Some programs may have specific fall semester start dates.

• What are the working conditions?

  Medical assistants work in a controlled climate setting and have a busy schedule for most days. There are often long periods of standing and helping patients with exams and other procedures. The medical assistant is a vital member of the healthcare team.

• Can I improve my GPA?

  Yes, classes may be repeated in order to improve your final grade.

• What do Medical Assistants earn?

  Every day there is a growing need for medical assistants here in Mohave County. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual income for a trained medical assistant is in the lower to mid $30,000. Mean income is the middle in a range of all people in the profession, with varying degrees of experience and training. Starting salaries are, naturally, lower.

• What are the prerequisites for the medical assisting certificates and degrees?

  Appropriate score on the compass assessment or completion of transitional classes in math (TRM 090) and/or English (TRE 089).