UEI College offers a Medical Assistant Diploma Program designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in healthcare settings. This program is structured to teach both administrative and clinical duties required in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities. Students can complete this training in as little as 10 months, making it a viable option for those seeking to quickly enter the healthcare workforce.
Program Overview and Learning Approach
The program is delivered through a hybrid approach, meaning that students attend both online classes and in-person sessions. This flexible model accommodates varying student schedules, providing options for day or evening classes.
Courses cover a blend of essential skills, including anatomy, clinical procedures, office management, medical terminology, and ethics. The goal is to create well-rounded medical assistants who can confidently handle patient care as well as administrative responsibilities.
Core Skills Taught in the Program
UEI’s program emphasizes practical and applicable skills. Key training areas include:
- Taking patient histories and vital signs
- Assisting physicians during examinations
- Administering injections and performing basic laboratory tasks
- Understanding medical management, including insurance and billing
- Maintaining medical records and handling appointment scheduling
- Managing office environments to ensure patient and staff safety
- Performing CPR and responding to medical emergencies
- Learning pharmacology basics for safe medication administration
The 250-hour externship component allows students to gain real-world experience, directly applying classroom knowledge in healthcare facilities, further boosting their employability.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
UEI graduates qualify for various entry-level roles, including:
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Assistant
- Medical Records Clerk
- Optometric Assistant
- Chiropractor Assistant
- Medical Administrative Assistant
The program enhances job market readiness, making graduates attractive candidates for healthcare employers across the San Diego region.
Cost and Financial Considerations
The total cost of UEI College’s Medical Assistant Program is $20,900. Financial aid opportunities exist for eligible students, including federal grants, loans, and scholarships. Veterans, active military members, and their families may qualify for additional financial aid resources.
Certifications Available Post-Completion
Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible (though not required) to pursue optional industry-recognized certifications, which may improve job prospects:
- Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
These certifications demonstrate professional competency and can enhance a candidate’s desirability in the job market.
Admissions and Enrollment Process
Prospective students interested in enrolling should contact UEI’s admissions team directly via phone, online inquiry, or campus visit. An admissions representative will guide applicants through the process, including discussing financial aid options and class scheduling flexibility.
Course Structure and Modules
The program includes seven main instructional modules covering critical areas:
- Administrative Medical Assisting Duties:
Skills in patient interaction, medical office procedures, and HIPAA regulations. - Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology:
Basic body system functions and common diseases. - Office Environmental Safety & Infection Control:
Protecting patients and staff through infection control measures and safe practices. - Psychology and Special Senses:
Understanding psychological principles affecting patient care, and conditions relating to vision and hearing. - Medical Management:
Training in medical office financial procedures, insurance processing, and billing practices. - Clinical Medical Assisting Duties:
CPR certification, patient preparation, and nutrition basics. - Pharmacology and Office Emergencies:
Safe handling of medications, understanding pharmacology, and emergency response skills.
An externship concludes the program, providing practical job experience.
Who Should Consider UEI College?
UEI College is ideal for students wanting to quickly start a medical assisting career through focused, practical training. Its hybrid online and in-person format suits those needing scheduling flexibility. The program’s strength lies in its well-rounded curriculum, externship opportunities, and preparation for recognized certifications, although the cost may be higher compared to other local programs.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Cost: | $20,900 |
Duration: | 10 months |
Class Schedules: | Day and evening classes available (hybrid format) |
Online Classes?: | Yes, partial online (hybrid with in-person sessions) |
Requirements: | Contact admissions; generally requires high school diploma or equivalent |
Address: | Chula Vista: 1261 3rd Ave. Suite A, Chula Vista, CA 91911 | Oceanside: 2027 Mission Ave. Oceanside, CA 92058 |
Phone: | Chula Vista: (619) 739-4643 | Oceanside: (760) 670-4842 |
Website: | https://www.uei.edu/trade-school-programs/medical-assistant/ |
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