If you are seeking a career in health care that combines working directly with patients with administrative duties, the Medical Assistant Certificate at NECC is for you. Job prospects are excellent and expected to grow.
Why Choose NECC?
The Medical Assistant Certificate program, which can also be taken in the evenings, combines classroom study with clinical practice. You’ll learn how to take medical histories and vital signs, draw blood, and assist physicians with other outpatient care tasks. In this program you will:
- Learn about physical assessment, diagnostic procedures, and surgical techniques
- Master communication skills and medical terminology critical to direct patient interaction in the office, on the phone, and online
- Understand ethical and legal standards of medical practice
- Be prepared to recognize and respond to emergencies
- Gain real-world experience through a medical assisting practicum
Because of NECC
You will be prepared to work in a variety of health care environments, and be qualified to take the national certification exam. After successfully completing the Medical Assistant Certificate you can:
- Take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) qualifying exam
- Work in physician offices, outpatient care facilities, hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, and related environments
- Transfer your credits to earn you Associate Degree in General Studies: Health Specialization
Courses and Requirements
Skip Required Courses and Program Notes
Program Pathway
A pathway is the most efficient sequence of courses semester-to-semester recommended for students to complete their degree. View the suggested pathway for the Medical Assistant – Day Program Pathway.
Career Paths & Job Market
Job Opportunities
Job Opportunities
The job market for medical assistants is expected to grow as the health care industry expands and aging population increases. A Medical Assistant can handle both administrative and clinical duties and usually works in outpatient settings. See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information regarding this exciting career choice, including its Median Expected Salary range.
Career Paths
Career Paths
Job prospects are best for those in this field with formal training or experience, particularly for those with certification.
Medical assistants may be able to advance to office manager. They may qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations or may teach medical assisting.
Transferring to a 4 year College or University
Transferring to a 4 year College or University
Students who complete a certificate program may choose to directly enter the workforce or they may further their education by transferring into an associate degree or bachelor’s degree program in preparation for entering other health occupations, such as nursing and medical technology.
Please contact the Academic Advising Department for further information. Students may also refer to the Transfer Programs and Events page.
Contact
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Cheryl Charest
Interim Program Coordinator 978-655-5870 ccharest@necc.mass.edu
Faculty Contact Information
Faculty Contact Information
Kathleen Welch-Hudson, MS
Office: LC-305
Phone: 978-655-5874
Email: khudson@necc.mass.edu
Cheryl Charest
Office: LC-303 A
Phone: 978-655-5870
Email: ccharest@necc.mass.edu
Additional Information
Accreditation
Accreditation
The Medical Assistant Certificate at NECC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (CRB-AAMAE).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355-113Th St. N #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
Program Outcomes
Program Outcomes
The Medical Assisting program at Northern Essex Community College has a five-year retention rate of 92.11% for the years 2018-2022
Required Documents
Criteria Packets
Technical Standards
CORI/CHRI/SORI
