San Diego Mesa College Medical Assisting Program

Clinical training at Mesa is designed to teach practical skills needed daily in a medical office. Students will practice how to:

• Take vital signs, perform injections, and administer medications
• Assist with minor surgical procedures
• Conduct basic lab tests including blood draws, urine tests, and ECGs
• Maintain sterile environments and apply infection control procedures

A crucial component is the Directed Clinical Practice (DCP), which provides 225 hours of unpaid, hands-on externship at local medical offices or clinics. This allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments under professional supervision.

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Medical assisting isn’t just about patient care—students must also master office management. At Mesa, administrative courses include:

• Appointment scheduling and patient intake
• Medical billing, bookkeeping, and insurance claims processing
• Medical records management
• Understanding legal and ethical guidelines in healthcare

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To get started, prospective students should first complete general admission to Mesa College. Following this, applicants need to meet program-specific requirements:

Recommended Courses Before Applying:

• English 047A (Integrated Reading, Writing, and Reasoning)
• English 048 (College Reading and Study Skills II)
• English 049 (Basic Composition)
• Math 038 (Pre-Algebra and Study Skills)

Required Before Program Admission:

• MEDA 055 (Human Anatomy & Physiology) or BIOL 160
• MEDA 110 (Medical Terminology)

Additional Recommendations:

• ALLH 048 (Basic Skills for Health Careers)

Returning or academically challenged students should consider classes such as Communication Studies, Psychology, or Personal Growth to improve their academic readiness.

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Mesa College’s Medical Assisting Program emphasizes professional behavior, ethics, and adherence to strict safety and confidentiality protocols.

Uniform and Appearance Standards

Students must maintain professional appearance standards during clinical practice, including:

• Wearing clean, matching dark gray or black scrubs with a program patch
• Clearly displayed college-issued ID badges
• Neat hairstyles, trimmed nails (no acrylics), no heavy perfumes, and limited visible tattoos or piercings

Professional Behavior and Ethics

Mesa College expects students to maintain high professional and ethical standards, including:

• Confidentiality in patient care
• Respectful communication and teamwork
• Strict adherence to safety regulations and infection control standards
• Integrity in academics (zero tolerance for cheating or plagiarism)

Students who violate these policies can face probation or dismissal from the program.

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Mesa’s Medical Assisting Program is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This ensures that the program meets high standards for educational quality.

Upon completing the Certificate of Achievement, graduates are eligible to take state and national certification exams, significantly enhancing job opportunities and career advancement.

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The program typically takes about one academic year (two semesters) to complete for the certificate. Courses are offered in Fall and Spring semesters, with a structured sequence to efficiently move students from foundational to advanced topics. It’s important to note that each course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Students also must pass medical screenings, provide proof of immunizations, and undergo a background check before clinical placement.

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Mesa College provides excellent student support services:

• Tutoring services and academic advising to enhance student success
• Counseling for students with disabilities through Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS)
• Health services and personal counseling available on campus

The program encourages students to proactively seek support early if challenges arise during their training.

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Mesa College’s Medical Assisting Program is highly regarded locally, with strong connections to healthcare employers in San Diego. Being named a Preferred Provider by the San Diego Regional EDC is a significant benefit, offering direct pathways to local employment opportunities.

The clinical externship requirement (225 hours) is extensive and ensures graduates have real-world experience, making them highly marketable. However, students should consider their ability to commit to this unpaid externship alongside regular coursework.

The structured curriculum and rigorous standards mean the program is ideal for individuals who are dedicated, organized, and disciplined. It may not be suitable for students looking for flexibility or self-paced study options.

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