San Ysidro Health’s Medical Assistant Accelerated Program (MAAP) is a no-tuition, six-month apprenticeship training program that provides participants with medical assisting education in partnership with Southwestern College and the San Diego Workforce Partnership. The program condenses a traditional 12-24 month curriculum into 6 months, featuring both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience, totaling 162 clinical hours. Successful completion prepares students for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exam and job placement at San Ysidro Health facilities.
Program Overview and Structure
The Medical Assistant Accelerated Program (MAAP) offered by San Ysidro Health is a unique opportunity, particularly suited for individuals looking for rapid entry into the healthcare field. It accelerates what is usually a year-long or longer medical assistant program into a manageable, yet intensive, six-month format.
The coursework is delivered at Southwestern College’s Higher Education Center located at 880 National City Blvd, National City, CA. Classes occur from January 7, 2025, to May 30, 2025, running Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 1:45 pm. The fixed schedule helps participants balance other commitments while maintaining an intensive pace.
Clinical rotations are essential components and will begin in July 2025. Participants complete 162 supervised clinical hours at various San Ysidro Health locations within San Diego County, allowing practical, real-world application of the skills learned in class. This hands-on experience is crucial, as it not only prepares students for the responsibilities of medical assisting but also increases their marketability to employers.
Cost and Financial Considerations
A standout feature of this program is its affordability—it’s entirely free to participants. All costs associated with tuition, textbooks, scrubs, certification exam preparation, and exam fees are completely covered. This financial support makes the program highly accessible, especially appealing for students facing financial barriers to career advancement.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the program, students gain both clinical and administrative medical assistant skills. While specific curriculum details aren’t fully outlined, participants can expect a comprehensive blend of knowledge covering patient intake, examination procedures, medical terminology, lab tests, and basic administrative functions. The curriculum closely aligns with requirements for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification, a respected credential enhancing employment prospects significantly.
The practical experience gained through clinical rotations ensures that graduates aren’t just theoretically prepared, but fully ready to handle real clinical environments immediately upon entering the workforce.
Program Requirements
To be eligible for the MAAP, participants must fulfill certain prerequisites:
- High School Diploma or GED
- At least 18 years old
- Attendance at the mandatory orientation session (scheduled for December 13, 2024, at Southwestern College)
- Successfully clear a background check before clinical rotations
- Complete 162 hours of supervised clinical training starting in July 2025
- Pass the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam upon completion
These requirements ensure that participants are well-qualified and ready to benefit fully from the accelerated pace and rigorous nature of the program.
Career Outcomes and Job Placement
A significant benefit of the MAAP is the guaranteed job placement assistance provided by San Ysidro Health for students who successfully complete the clinical hours and certification exam. Graduates typically find themselves in entry-level positions within the various clinics and healthcare facilities operated by San Ysidro Health, offering stability and promising career advancement opportunities within the healthcare industry.
This guaranteed placement opportunity considerably reduces the job-search stress graduates often face, making the program attractive to those who value a clear pathway from education directly into employment.
Who Should Consider San Ysidro Health?
The San Ysidro Health MAAP is particularly beneficial for motivated individuals seeking a rapid and cost-free entry into medical assisting careers. Ideal candidates are those able to manage an intensive six-month commitment and who appreciate a structured learning environment with clear progression from training to employment. Given the rigorous pace, students should be disciplined and prepared for the demands of accelerated learning.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free (includes tuition, scrubs, books, exam fees) |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Class Schedules | Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am – 1:45 pm; clinicals begin in July 2025 |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Requirements | High school diploma or GED, age 18+, attend orientation, background check, 162 clinical hours, pass NHA exam |
| Address | 880 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950 |
| Phone | Not provided for program, but general line: (619) 662-4100 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://us242.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/syhealth/Posting/View/21944 |
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