The Medical Assistant program at Health Occupations Center (HOC) offers affordable training at $625 plus approximately $255 in additional expenses. The program is completed in about 5 months, totaling 160 hours, and is structured around a flexible hybrid model, combining online coursework, hands-on lab experiences, and a clinical internship.
Graduates are prepared for both clinical and administrative roles in healthcare settings, meeting the standards for certification by the California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants (CCBMA). Classes have two main schedules: mornings and evenings, making it easy for students to balance life commitments.
Program Overview
The Medical Assistant program at HOC equips students with the practical knowledge and skills required to perform both clinical and administrative tasks. This dual training is valuable because medical assistants often need to multitask and cover different roles in a healthcare environment.
What You’ll Learn (Clinical)
On the clinical side, students gain experience in:
- Taking patient vital signs (such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse).
- Administering medications, including giving injections.
- Performing basic lab tests, including drawing blood, handling specimens, and conducting tests like blood glucose checks and pregnancy tests.
- Assisting physicians during physical exams and minor surgical procedures.
- Using medical instruments such as EKG machines, autoclaves, centrifuges, and microscopes.
Administrative Training
Students also learn administrative skills crucial for front-office duties, such as:
- Managing patient appointments and scheduling.
- Proper phone etiquette and patient communication.
- Filing and managing medical records.
Internship Requirement
A key strength of this program is the mandatory 160-hour internship, which provides valuable real-world clinical experience. Internships typically take place in local medical clinics, offering students the chance to put classroom learning into practice and enhance their employability.
Class Schedule and Format
The Medical Assistant course is offered three times annually, typically starting in August and January. There are two main schedules:
- Morning classes:
- Online on Mondays from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.
- In-person Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
- Evening classes:
- Online on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 8:45 pm.
- In-person on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 8:45 pm.
The clinical-only track is available on Thursdays from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Occasional Friday sessions may also be scheduled.
Online and Lab Components
The program uses a blended learning model, combining online lectures with practical sessions at their modern facility in Santee, CA. The state-of-the-art skills lab includes exam rooms, patient beds, phlebotomy stations, IV trainers, and standard medical office equipment, preparing students for realistic working conditions.
Costs and Fees
Tuition is competitively priced at $625, payable upon registration. Additional fees include:
- $55 for an American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.
- Approximately $200 for uniforms (scrubs), immunizations, and background checks.
Financial aid through federal programs isn’t available directly, as HOC is a K-12 adult education institution. However, partnerships with local career and workforce centers may provide tuition assistance or reduced fees for eligible participants.
Students considering the program should note the refund policy: registration fees are refundable (minus a $25 fee) if requested by the end of the second week of classes.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Attend a mandatory orientation.
- Attend the first class session.
- Provide proof of required immunizations (a detailed list is given during registration).
Certification
Completing the program qualifies students to take the exam from the California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants (CCBMA), making them eligible for employment as certified medical assistants in California.
Who Should Consider Health Occupations Center?
This program is ideal for students seeking quick and affordable entry into medical assisting. It suits individuals balancing busy schedules due to flexible morning and evening options. Those looking for practical, hands-on training in a modern facility and an opportunity for direct clinical experience will find HOC particularly appealing.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $625 (plus ~$255 in additional costs such as scrubs, BLS certification, etc.) |
| Duration | 5 months |
| Class Schedules | Morning and evening options; online and in-person hybrid |
| Online Classes? | Yes (hybrid format with in-person labs and externship) |
| Requirements | Age 18+, attend orientation & first class, provide immunization records |
| Address | 8770 Mast Boulevard, Santee, CA 92071 |
| Phone | (619) 956-4300 |
| Website | https://hoc.guhsd.net |
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