Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate of Achievement

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Description

The Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate of Achievement enhances career opportunities as a Medical Assistant. It is designed for students to develop the necessary skills to obtain an entry level position as a clinical medical assistant. This 21- to 25-units Program leads to preparation to take the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) Examination. Students learn various patient procedures, medical laws, and ethics, and assist with physical examination through both classroom instruction and laboratory clinical work. Students also learn how to take vital signs, administer medications, and log patient charts.

See requirements for acceptance into this Program in the sections, Program Requirements and Acceptance Requirements.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assisting is one of the nation’s fastest growing careers. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 15 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. They are employed in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities. About 119,800 openings for medical assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.” ¹  

 

Earnings Potential

A certificate in medical assisting offers you the salary potential of $37.526 at five years, based on five-year studies of graduates by California Community Colleges.²

According to the BLS in 2024, the median annual salary for Medical Assistants is $44,200.³¹ 

¹ “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2024. www.bls.gov/ooh. Accessed 4 May 2025.

² California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Salary Surfer. 2021. https://salarysurfer.cccco.edu. Accessed 4 May 2025.

³ “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Accessed 4 May 2025.  

 

Licensure/Certification Eligibility

For Medical Assisting certification, students must pass the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) Examination.  For additional information on requirements, please visit the CCBMA website.

The CCBMA Examination requires both certification in clinical and administrative medical assisting. This Certificate of Achievement in Clinical Medical Assisting partially completes the requirements. To qualify for the CCBMA Examination, students must also successfully complete the Certificate of Achievement in Administrative Medical Assisting Program. 

Note: Misdemeanor/Felony convictions may affect employment opportunities in medical facilities. 

 

Program Requirements

Students in the Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate of Achievement Program must complete the following courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher:

*Elective/Optional  

 

Application Requirements

Applications are open and submitted online through the Taft College Website. Applications close June 30 of each year.  Program courses begin each Fall semester.

Acceptance into the program requires that students have proof of immunizations and applications are available on the website one semester before the program starts, spring semester for fall start, fall semester for spring start. Applications will be accepted until the cohort class is full. Anatomy and physiology courses prior to attending the medical assisting program are highly recommended. The time to complete the Certificate of Achievement is two semesters.

Enrollment Criteria

1. Taft College student ID (apply to be a student), if not already attending Taft College.
2. High school graduate or have earned a GED.
3. A current CPR/BLS card from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

Enrollment is limited in the Clinical Medical Assisting Program. 

A maximum of 24 students meeting the application requirements are accepted in each certificate program. Students not accepted are placed on an alternate list. We highly recommend reapplying each year for students who do not get into this Program.

In addition to the enrollment criteria, students must also meet the following conditions:

1. Have no physical impairment that would preclude the performance of all Clinical Medical Assisting The student must submit evidence of a physical examination by a licensed practitioner.
2. Drug and background tests - required due to externships at medical offices and hospitals. A negative result may impact the student's ability to complete the Clinical Medical Assisting Program. 

Immunization Requirements

Once accepted, students must submit proof of the following:

1. Hepatitis B vaccination with a positive titer (or declination)
2. TDAP or TD within the past 10 years
3. Varicella (2 doses) and MMR (2 doses) vaccination or titer positive for immunities
4. COVID-19 immunization or completed exemption* (*May be required to be in medical facility)
5. TB skin, blood test, or chest x-ray showing negative TB result
6. Flu-shot (flu season October 1-April 30) Based upon Medical Facility Requirements

Cost of Program

1. Enrollment Fees: Course fees are $46/unit for California residents.  Refer to the current fee schedule online for non-resident course enrollment fees.
2. Uniforms and Shoes: $250 (estimated)
3. Books and Supplies: $1500 (estimated)
4. Physical and Immunizations:  $650 (estimated)

 

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Research online and traditional reference materials effectively to stay informed about emerging trends and breakthroughs in healthcare issues related to the medical assistant's role in healthcare. Analyze emerging trends and breakthroughs regarding healthcare issues related to the role of a medical assistant.
2. Perform Medical Assisting procedures competently, such as OSHA standards, electronic technologies, and medical records.
3. Achieve entry level Medical Assisting competencies, such as verbal communication, medical and surgical aseptic, and physical assessments which satisfy industry needs.
4. Apply State of California regulations that govern the healthcare industry for Medical Assistants.

 

For More Information

• Academic Division: Allied Health, Career Technical Education (CTE)
• Certificate of Achievement in Administrative Medical Assisting
• Visit Meta Majors: Match your interests and career choice to the best academic program.