Santa Monica College

Medical Assistant Program

Program Structure and Learning Outcomes

Santa Monica College’s Clinical Medical Assistant program covers 540 hours of coursework, designed to give students a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of medical assisting. The curriculum is divided into two main sections: medical terminology and clinical medical assistant skills. Students learn essential medical terminology and explore the major body systems in detail, which provides a solid understanding of how the human body functions. The course then delves into clinical skills, teaching students to take vital signs, assist in minor surgeries, manage medical records, and understand pharmacology and medical billing.

This program also emphasizes professionalism and patient interaction skills, training students in ethical behavior, patient communication, and HIPAA regulations. Through various online modules, students gain insight into patient scheduling, medical office management, and insurance claims processing, ensuring they’re prepared for the administrative side of the role.

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Class Schedule and Self-Paced Format

One of the key benefits of this program is its entirely online, self-paced format. Students can begin the program at any time and complete it on a schedule that best fits their personal and professional commitments. This flexibility makes the program particularly attractive to individuals balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. While the course is entirely online, students still have access to support resources, including instructors and customer service, to help them navigate their studies.

Admissions and Prerequisites

Santa Monica College’s Clinical Medical Assistant program is accessible to anyone, as there are no prerequisites for enrollment. This open enrollment policy allows individuals from various backgrounds to pursue a career in medical assisting, even if they lack prior healthcare experience. All prospective students need to do is register online, and they can start immediately, diving into the coursework whenever they’re ready.

Cost and Financial Support Options

While the exact cost for the program was not provided, Santa Monica College is known for its accessible education pricing. Students are encouraged to reach out to the college’s Community Education department to inquire about tuition fees and any available payment plans or financial aid options. Although financial aid isn’t specifically mentioned, students may be able to access external scholarships or grants to help fund their education.

Job Placement and Career Support

While the program does not include direct job placement services, it does equip students with essential skills and credentials to help them become competitive candidates in the healthcare job market. Graduates can expect to be prepared for roles in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers. Additionally, the inclusion of the CCMA certification exam prep makes graduates eligible for certification, which is a valuable asset in securing employment.

Instructional Quality and Instructor Expertise

The course is taught by experienced healthcare professionals like Nancy Smith, who has over 30 years in the industry. With backgrounds in medical coding, patient care, and medical office management, the instructors bring real-world knowledge to the curriculum, enriching the online learning experience with practical insights. The instructors’ extensive experience ensures that students receive education grounded in current medical practices, preparing them for the challenges they will encounter in clinical settings.

Program Information	Details
Cost	Contact the school
Program Duration	Self-paced (540 course hours)
Class Schedules	Fully online, self-paced
Prerequisites	None
Address	1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, California, 90405
Phone	(310) 434-4000
Email	[email protected]
Website	Program Website
Job Placement	No
Social Media	Facebook, Twitter