Medical Assistant (MA)

Class Information Medical Assistant (MA)

Begin or advance your career in healthcare as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. No experience is necessary—just a desire to help others.

This comprehensive 8.5-month program is designed for working adults, with in-person evening classes. You’ll gain the direct patient care, administrative and clinical skills needed to prepare for this high-demand field.

Students also complete a 160-hour internship or externship to strengthen clinical skills. Clinical placement is arranged by Health Careers staff, and students do not need to be employed in healthcare to enroll.

If you are currently working at a healthcare facility and will complete your clinical experience there under a supervising staff member, please email the name and contact information of both your employer and your Clinical Preceptor to wtc_healthcareers@nic.edu. (Students seeking the Apprenticeship version of this program should register for the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship class instead.)

Prerequisites

• Age Requirement: Must be 18 or older.
• Employment: Employment is not required to enroll.
• Email Address Requirement: You must provide a unique email address during registration and be able to regularly access it. The email address you use must not be used by another student.
• Computer and internet access: You must have regular access to a Windows-based laptop and high-speed internet to complete the course; Chromebooks and cell phones are not compatible with the online portion of this course.
• State requirements: Please verify with your state healthcare regulatory board that this program meets certification requirements in your state.

Location

• In-Person: Meet at the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center in Post Falls, Idaho to work with an instructor and practice hands-on skills.
• Online coursework: Additional coursework is completed online in the Canvas classroom.
• Live online option with approval: If you are 50 miles outside the Greater Coeur d'Alene area, with prior approval, this course may be taken online with live Zoom classroom instruction. After you register, contact the Health Careers team to make arrangements by emailing WTC_HealthCareers@nic.edu or calling (208) 769-3497.

Schedule

• Class meetings: You will meet twice a week.
• Internship hours: You will complete an internship of 160 hours during or after completion of the course, working with Clinical Preceptors on clinical tasks learned in class.

Class Notes

• Registration includes: Textbooks, online study programs, supplies, and exam fees are included in tuition.
• Dress code: Cherokee brand black scrub top and black pants, by the third week of class.
• Venipuncture: Due to the nature of this class, please understand that venipuncture practice on students will be expected. Don’t worry; there will be plenty of simulation practice prior.
• Drug screening: Random drug screens may occur and will be provided in class; you must demonstrate clearance to remain in class.
• Internship placement: Enhance your training with a 160-hour internship or externship experience to further develop your clinical skills; clinical placement is arranged by Health Careers staff.

Payment Options and Funding Assistance

For payment-related resources, visit Workforce Training Center Payment Options or contact Customer Service by calling (208) 769-3214.