ATA College in El Cajon provides a flexible Medical Assistant program designed to quickly get you ready for the healthcare field. You have the option of completing a short, 8-month diploma program costing $16,090, or continuing to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in around 14 months at $23,490. Classes are offered in the evening, allowing students to balance their studies with work or family responsibilities. Students gain both clinical and administrative skills through hands-on training and externships, preparing them thoroughly for medical assistant roles.
Program Overview
ATA College offers two pathways for students interested in becoming medical assistants. You can choose the faster diploma track first and later decide if you’d like to continue your education by pursuing the AAS degree. This approach gives students the flexibility to explore the field without a large upfront commitment.
The diploma option requires completing 760 hours over roughly 8 months. The extended Associate Degree path totals 1,240 hours, taking approximately 14 months to finish. Both programs blend classroom instruction with real-world clinical experience, ensuring graduates are fully equipped to enter the healthcare workforce confidently.
Curriculum Highlights
Diploma Program (8 Months): In just 34 weeks, students learn foundational clinical skills including anatomy, pharmacology, patient care procedures, medical terminology, and basic lab techniques. They also become proficient in administrative duties such as patient scheduling, medical billing, and office management.
AAS Degree Program (14 Months): For those continuing into the AAS degree, additional courses expand your knowledge base significantly. This track covers general education courses such as psychology, earth science, U.S. history, and math, alongside advanced medical assistant training like electrocardiography (EKG) and phlebotomy.
Training and Classroom Facilities
ATA College’s medical assistant classroom is adequately equipped and sized for effective learning. It comfortably seats around 18-20 students, ensuring personalized attention from instructors. The space is designed for both lectures and practical training, supporting a thorough understanding of healthcare concepts.
Hands-on Externship Experience
A key advantage of ATA College’s medical assistant program is the mandatory externship, where students spend four weeks (approximately 160 hours) in real healthcare settings. This critical experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, greatly enhancing their job readiness.
Class Schedules and Flexibility
ATA College offers flexible scheduling options with both day and evening classes. Classes typically run Monday through Friday, making it easier for students with family or job responsibilities to fit education into their busy schedules. Evening class availability is especially beneficial for working adults seeking a career change without giving up their current jobs.
Financial Aid and Veteran Support
ATA College provides financial aid options to eligible students, helping ease the financial burden of tuition. Additionally, it supports military veterans through approved VA benefit programs, making it accessible for students with diverse financial backgrounds to pursue their career goals.
Career Opportunities after Graduation
Graduates of ATA’s Medical Assistant program are ready for entry-level positions in various healthcare environments, such as hospitals, medical clinics, outpatient centers, dental offices, and more. Potential job titles include Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, and Electrocardiogram Technician.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for medical assistants, predicting an employment increase of about 23% over a ten-year period. This makes medical assisting a stable and promising career choice.
Required Courses for the Diploma Program
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- Medical Office Administration
- Medical Insurance/Coding
- Patient Communication
- Medical Principles and Foundations
- Keyboarding
- Clinical Procedures (five progressive levels)
- Laboratory Procedures (two levels)
- Career Development
- Externship (real-world clinical practice)
Required Courses for the AAS Program
In addition to diploma-level courses, AAS students take:
- Business Ethics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Earth Science
- College Math
- Business Computer Applications
- U.S. History
- Phlebotomy
- Electrocardiography
- Certification Preparation (NCCT)
Admission Prerequisites
- High School Diploma or GED
- Meet with an Admissions Advisor
- Completion of the school’s admissions process
Who Should Consider ATA College?
ATA College is an excellent choice for students who desire flexibility and career support. It’s ideal for individuals needing evening class options, those looking to enter the workforce quickly, or students unsure about committing long-term to an associate degree right away. The excellent externship and career placement assistance are also big benefits. We would encourage you to reach out to the school to get more details about paying for tuition as you may not need to pay the full tuition sticker price listed on their website.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Diploma: $16,090; AAS Degree: $23,490 |
| Duration | Diploma: 8 months; AAS Degree: 14 months |
| Class Schedules | Day and Evening Classes (Mon-Fri) |
| Online Classes? | Yes (Hybrid – online lectures and on-campus labs) |
| Requirements | High School Diploma or GED, admissions advisor meeting |
| Address | 1810 Gillespie Way #104, El Cajon, CA 92020 |
| Phone | (619) 596-2766 |
| No | |
| Website | https://atacollege.edu/programs/medical-assistant-diploma/ |
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