The Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute (LRMAI) in San Diego offers a focused medical assistant training program priced affordably at $7,700. Depending on scheduling needs, the program takes between 21 and 27.5 weeks to complete. The institute emphasizes practical training through classroom learning, hands-on labs, and an 8-week externship. Flexible part-time scheduling options make this program accessible, especially for students balancing other obligations.
Program Overview
The medical assisting program at LRMAI prepares students thoroughly for entry-level roles in healthcare facilities. Throughout the course, students learn essential clinical and administrative skills, including patient interaction, medical office tasks, insurance processing, computer skills, and fundamental healthcare procedures. The curriculum is closely aligned with standards set by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), ensuring quality education consistent with industry expectations.
The program covers key topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, clinical procedures, diagnostic assistance, therapeutic treatments, infection control, pharmacology, and emergency protocols. It strikes a good balance between theoretical knowledge and practical training, preparing students effectively for real-world scenarios in medical offices and clinics.
Schedule Options and Program Length
LRMAI’s program offers flexibility to accommodate different student needs. Students can choose between:
- Full-Time Schedule: 6-hour classes each day, completed in 21 weeks.
- Part-Time Schedule: 4-hour classes each day, finished in 27.5 weeks.
Both schedules include an 8-week clinical externship, typically requiring full-time availability (8 hours/day, Monday to Friday). Students with daytime obligations may find it challenging to secure limited evening or weekend externship placements, so it’s advisable to consider externship requirements carefully when planning your schedule.
Cost Breakdown
The total cost of the LRMAI medical assistant program is $7,700. Here’s the breakdown:
- Tuition: $7,100 (refundable under certain conditions)
- Registration Fee: $100 (non-refundable)
- Books: $150 (refundable)
- Uniform: $350 (non-institutional cost, purchased by the student)
Given the affordability of this program compared to many others in the San Diego region, LRMAI provides strong value for students seeking a practical, budget-friendly entry into healthcare.
Admission Requirements
To apply to LRMAI’s medical assisting program, students must meet the following prerequisites:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED.
- Have proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Complete all necessary health and safety paperwork required for the externship.
Applicants should be mindful that meeting these basic requirements doesn’t guarantee admission; selection is ultimately determined by application quality, test scores, and an interview process.
Campus Location and Facilities
All classes take place at the LRMAI campus, situated at 5160 Federal Boulevard #150 in San Diego, near the Oak Park Family Health Center. The school provides a safe, inclusive learning environment, fostering a supportive educational experience for a diverse student body.
Program Goals and Community Impact
LRMAI’s mission goes beyond just medical assistant training. The institute strives to serve local communities by producing qualified healthcare workers who reflect the diversity of the patients they will serve. Students can expect to participate in a program that strongly emphasizes community engagement, lifelong learning, and professionalism, aiming to create well-rounded healthcare professionals who will positively impact the San Diego region.
Career Preparation and Certification
Upon completing the coursework and externship, students are eligible to take a certification exam, positioning them effectively for immediate employment opportunities as clinical or administrative medical assistants. With healthcare employers increasingly reliant on medical assistants, LRMAI graduates are well-placed to enter a growing job market.
Who Should Consider LRMAI?
LRMAI is an excellent option for budget-conscious students seeking flexible scheduling, hands-on training, and meaningful community connections. Its affordable tuition, clear curriculum structure, and emphasis on practical skills make it particularly appealing to working adults and individuals looking for a swift, effective entry into healthcare.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost: | $7,700 (includes tuition, books, registration fee, and uniform) |
| Duration: | 21 to 27.5 weeks (depending on full-time or part-time schedule) |
| Class Schedules: | Full-time (6 hrs/day) or Part-time (4 hrs/day), plus 8-week externship |
| Online Classes?: | No |
| Requirements: | 18+ years old, high school diploma or GED, English proficiency, health clearance |
| Address: | 5160 Federal Blvd #150, San Diego, CA 92105 |
| Phone: | (619) 515-2300 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Website: | https://lrmai.org/program/ |
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