Clinical Medical Assistant - Formerly Medical Assistant Clinician - Major #2122

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


The Clinical Medical Assistant, Certificate of Achievement, is an entry-level career in the medical field. This program is designed for the student who desires employment in medical facilities assisting practitioners with the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Admission Policy:
Enrollment is limited in the Clinical Medical Assistant Program. The applicant must have met all of the following conditions:

  1. Have no physical impairment that would preclude the performance of all Clinical Medical Assistant duties. After selection as a qualified student for the program, the student must submit evidence of a physical examination by a licensed practitioner.
  2. Background checks may be required according to clinical placement facilities. A negative result may impact the student's ability to complete the Clinical Medical Assistant Program.
  3. The program is structured as cohorts. Students must register for MA 4, MA 5, MA 6A, and MA 6B in the same semester.
  4. Students must submit immunization records and tuberculosis clearance.
  5. Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all major courses and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Increased Student Success:

  1. Student success in the Clinical Medical Assistant Program increases when the foundational courses are taken first. 
  2. Prior to enrollment in core Clinical Medical Assistant courses, it is recommenced to take AHLTH 11 (Healthcare Ethical Concepts), AHLTH 12 (Pharmacology).

Course Substitutions: ​​​​​

  1. MA 1 (Legal and Ethical Concepts) or HIT 2 (Legal Aspects of Health Information) can be substituted for AHLTH 11 (Healthcare Ethical Concepts).

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Identify common medical conditions and diseases.
  2. 2. Perform clinical skills standard to the Clinical Medical Assisting profession.
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester

Term 1

5 units

AHLTH 11
Healthcare Ethical Concepts

2 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
This course presents ethical concepts for the healthcare provider, who is an integral part of the medical profession. Topics include HIPAA, privacy and security rules, professional relations in the healthcare setting, and specialty fields. (A, CSU)

AHLTH 12
Pharmacology

3 units
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
This course is designed to analyze pharmacology as it relates to the healthcare profession and patient care. The topics of study include drug sources, legislation relating to drugs, drug reference and classification, and drug actions and administration. The clinical application is to master mathematical concepts needed to calculate a patient's medication dosage correctly. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory: HIT 10
    1. CSU Transfer Course

      Term 2

      11 units

      MA 4
      Office Laboratory Procedures

      2.5 units
      Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
      This course focuses on the collection and preparation of patient specimens for laboratory study and/or transportation. Topics include urinalysis, blood collection, recording of findings, regulations, and safety hazards. The clinical applications include safety standards relevant to specimen collection and handling, personal and patient safety. (A, CSU)

      MA 5
      Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures

      2.5 units
      Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
      This course prepares students to demonstrate the clinical skills necessary for patient preparation within diagnostic studies. Topics include diagnostic and therapeutic processes commonly performed in ambulatory care facilities. Clinical application includes performance of therapeutic procedures and documentation of findings. (A, CSU)
      Course Details:
      1. Prerequisite: AHLTH 12
      2. Prerequisite: MA 4
        1. CSU Transfer Course

          MA 6A
          Clinical Training

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
          This course is designed to prepare students to practice medical assisting skills. Topics pertinent to medical assisting include: infection control, medical asepsis, interview and communication techniques, vital signs, patient education, and assisting in physical exams. (A, CSU)

          MA 6B
          Advanced Training

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
          This course covers medical assisting procedures in the specialty office within the scope of practice of a Medical Assistant. Topics include identification of common medical conditions, assisting the practitioner in the specialty offices, therapeutic modalities, infection control, sterilization procedures, medical office emergencies, critical thinking, adult and pediatric vital signs, gestation, orthopedic conditions, and vision and hearing screenings. (A, CSU)
          Course Details:
          1. Prerequisite: MA 6A
            1. CSU Transfer Course

              Term 3

              3 units

              MA 19
              Work Experience Education

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2024 Summer Semester
              This course is a supervised employment experience directly related to the student's major and is offered under specific majors. Collaborative learning objectives are required specific to the particular occupational field. Orientation hours may be required. (A, CSU)
              Course Details:
              1. Prerequisite: MA 5
              2. Prerequisite: MA 6B
                1. CSU Transfer Course
                  Total: 19 units