Dalrada Career Institute Medical Assistant Program

The institute provides flexible schedules to accommodate diverse student needs. Options include:

• Weekday Classes: Primarily daytime, combining live in-person labs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with virtual instruction on Thursdays.
• Evening and Weekend Classes: Ideal for students with daytime commitments, this schedule includes virtual evening sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, full-day Saturday classes, plus a few Friday lab sessions.

Each cohort begins with a mandatory orientation session to clearly outline expectations and requirements.

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Students complete 160 hours of clinical externship, typically at healthcare facilities partnered with DCI. This critical hands-on experience allows students to practice skills learned in class, such as patient interaction, vital sign measurement, administrative tasks, and laboratory procedures.

Externships are usually assigned by the school, although arrangements can be personalized in some cases. Completion of the externship within three months after finishing the coursework is required for graduation. Students facing challenges in meeting this timeline can request a leave of absence on a case-by-case basis.

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Dalrada’s Medical Assistant program covers an extensive range of practical medical skills and administrative duties. Students learn:

• Clinical procedures including taking medical histories, recording vital signs, performing basic lab tests, administering injections, conducting electrocardiograms (EKGs), and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
• Administrative duties such as patient scheduling, phone etiquette, electronic health record management, medical billing, and coding.
• Communication techniques to effectively interact with patients and healthcare teams.
• Essential medical knowledge including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology basics, medical terminology, and infection control protocols.
• Important topics in medical law, ethics, and patient confidentiality.

Coursework emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring graduates are job-ready upon program completion.

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Admission into Dalrada’s Medical Assistant Program is selective, with applicants required to meet the following criteria:

• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass the Wonderlic SLEQ assessment with a minimum score of 20.
• Successfully complete an American Data Bank background check.
• Provide proof of required immunizations (details provided upon enrollment).
• Pass a drug screening, which may be required for clinical externship participation.

Because admission is limited, prospective students should apply promptly and ensure all necessary documents are prepared beforehand.

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The total cost for the program is $5,000, covering tuition and fees. Dalrada offers flexible payment plans to help students manage costs, along with scholarship opportunities for those facing financial hardships.

Financial Assistance Options:

• Payment plans to spread the cost over time.
• Scholarships for eligible students receiving government assistance or demonstrating financial need.
• Work scholarships that require a work commitment with healthcare partners upon graduation.

These options significantly enhance affordability and accessibility for prospective students.

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Dalrada Career Institute boasts spacious, modern lab facilities at both the San Diego and Chula Vista campuses. These well-equipped labs provide realistic environments where students practice and master essential clinical skills.

Additionally, the institute emphasizes career readiness beyond clinical training. Students benefit from comprehensive job preparation courses covering resume writing, interview techniques, and career guidance from experienced healthcare professionals.

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Graduates of the Dalrada Medical Assistant program are thoroughly prepared for entry-level positions in healthcare settings such as clinics, doctors’ offices, hospitals, and outpatient facilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant roles are projected to grow significantly, ensuring ample job opportunities.

While California does not mandate certification to work as a medical assistant, DCI encourages students to pursue voluntary certification exams offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Achieving certification can enhance job prospects, salary potential, and professional credibility.

Historically, Dalrada’s students maintain an impressive 90%-100% pass rate on state and national exams, highlighting the program’s effectiveness.

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Dalrada Career Institute offers a distinct advantage for students seeking rapid entry into the medical assisting profession. Key highlights include:

• Accelerated format ideal for those needing quick career entry.
• Hybrid courses combining online flexibility with hands-on lab experiences.
• Strong network of local healthcare employers aiding in job placement.
• Excellent pass rates on certification exams, reflecting program quality.
• Financial aid options and scholarships to reduce economic barriers.

However, the fast-paced nature requires students to be highly motivated, disciplined, and capable of handling intensive coursework over a condensed period.

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While DCI provides valuable career preparation and comprehensive training, the intensity of the 10-week format may not suit all learners. Students must be prepared for rapid coursework delivery and significant weekly study and lab hours. Additionally, students unable to attend in-person labs regularly might struggle, as hands-on sessions are mandatory.

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