Medical Assisting

As a medical assistant, yours will be the face people in a doctor’s office or clinic are likely to see most. You play an important role in the patient experience, with a mix of administrative duties – greeting patients, filling out medical records, scheduling appointments – and clinical duties – taking medical histories, preparing patients for examination and helping the doctor during appointments. The OCC Career Advantage Medical Assistant program prepares you for a career in medical offices, clinics and hospitals, or in related medical and business fields. Upon graduating from our program, you will be eligible to sit for the national Certified Medical Assistant certification exam. Are you ready to step into a career where you are a valued member of a team that provides high-quality medical care for patients? Read on to learn more about our program.

A sampling of courses for these careers

Patient Care
Clinical Medical Assisting
Human Diseases

Applied Pharmacology
Medical Terminology
Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

see course catalog

Medical assistant takes female patient's blood pressure

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Did you know?

Projected employment for medical assistants in California is expected to increase by 28 percent through 2024, according to O*Net Online.

Program Details

Complete our certificate program, and you’ll be well-prepared to enter a career in medical assisting, or earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

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In less than 2 years
you can earn:
Certificate of Achievement

Medical Assisting

Prepare for an entry-level position as a clinical or administrative assistant in a medical office, clinic, hospital, or in related medical and business fields. This certificate program can be completed in three or four semesters and includes 160 hours of on-the-job experience in a medical office or clinic. View program detail in course catalog.

Build on your certificate
of achievement with a:
Certificate of Specialization

Or earn your
associate degree
in under 4 years

Medical Assisting

Complete the Medical Assisting Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. Prepare for an entry-level position as a clinical or administrative assistant in a medical office, clinic, hospital, or in related medical and business fields. This certificate program can be completed in three or four semesters and includes 160 hours of on-the-job experience in a medical office or clinic. View program detail in course catalog.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I enroll and register for classes?

To enroll in a Career Advantage program, you must first apply for admission to Orange Coast College. To apply, go to the Admissions Application Information webpage and review the information for admissions. Select the type of student you are and follow the steps listed to get started.

How much does it cost?

Classes cost $46 per unit for residents of California. Classes vary in their unit value, but an average 3-unit class costs $138. There are additional fees required to register and additional costs associated with each program. Click here to view the estimated total costs of the program in this career cluster.

How long does it take?

View this chart for the length of the core program.

Are classes offered online, evenings and weekends?

This program does not offer courses online, evenings or weekends. For details about offerings in this program, speak to a counselor or consult the class schedule. The class schedule tool searches through all Orange Coast College course offerings and includes a filter for online, evenings and weekend classes. For tips on how to navigate this tool click here.

How can I talk with a counselor?

You can make an appointment in person, online or by phone. Click here for more information about Counseling Services and how to make an appointment.

I have more questions. Where can I get more information?

For general questions about enrollment, availability of classes and other services for prospective and current OCC students, call The Answer Center at 714-432-5772. For answers to specific questions you can speak to a counselor or to the faculty member listed on this program page.

Medical student examines plastic replica of lungs

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Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.