Dental Assistant

Learning Outcomes

What certification will I receive after completing the program?
 
The Medical Assistant program at HOC fulfills the requirements for the CA Certifying Board of Medical Assistants (CCBMA) for employment in California. 
 
What will I learn in this program?
 
This course provides entry-level training for employment in assisting physicians in office or clinical settings. Instruction covers the following areas: medical terminology; basic anatomy and physiology; medical ethics; safety; pharmacology, including administration of medication via injections and drug calculations; basic laboratory procedures with collection and handling of specimens including venipuncture; assisting the physician with minor office surgery; preparing patients for examinations; general specialty procedures; treatment and diagnostic testing; care and use of supplies and equipment, such as audiometer; electrocardiograph; autoclave and centrifuge. Basis front office procedures such as proper telephone techniques, filing, and scheduling of appointments will also be covered. Job-seeking/job-keeping skills are part of the instruction.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrates knowledge of healthcare practices, trends, philosophies, technologies and the integration of healthcare delivery systems (i.e. home care, hospital, and hospice).
  • Demonstrates the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with clients under varying situations, with acceptance of diversity. Demonstrates an understanding of opportunities for career advancement and continuing education.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of preventative health practices, safety issues and employee responsibilities relating to personal and patient health.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of OSHA regulations which are mandated for the employer and the employee in the healthcare setting.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of body mechanics and ergonomics.
  • Utilizes proper medical terminology and abbreviations in charting and documentation.
  • Demonstrates beginning computer skills by creating documents, opening, saving, retrieving documents, on-line computer research and resume writing.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of basic structure and functions of the human body, addressing all body systems.
  • Demonstrates a basic understanding of the stages of growth and development throughout the life span.
  • Demonstrates proper technique for medical back office procedures such as patient intake, temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weighing and measuring patients, and documentation.
  • Demonstrates proper technique for assisting with back office procedures such as positioning and draping, assisting with examinations such as physical exams, vision, hearing, and female and male exams.
  • Demonstrates the ability to assemble the proper equipment and supplies for various procedures for adults and children.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of drug classifications and routes of administration.
  • Demonstrates competency in administering a minimum of 10 injections in each of the following: intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous.
  • Demonstrates correct method of handwashing, sterilization, disinfection, care and maintenance of instruments and equipment commonly used in a medical office.
  • Demonstrates proper knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques, use of autoclave, and assistance in minor office surgery to include preop and postop care and instructions.
  • Demonstrates the ability to perform common diagnostic procedures such as EKG and audiometer.
  • Demonstrates proper knowledge in performance of laboratory procedures such as use of the microscope, centrifuge and other laboratory equipment.
  • Demonstrates the ability to perform hematological test such as hemoglobin and hematocrit, and blood glucose determination.
  • Demonstrates the ability to collect, prepare, and perform tests on specimens such as urine, stool, throat cultures, lead tests and pregnancy tests.
  • Demonstrates competency in venipuncture and 10 capillary draw with a minimum of 10 successful blood draws.
  • Application/removal of steri-strips and wound packing.
  • Demonstrates basic knowledge of radiology, CAT scan, MRI and ultrasound.
  • Demonstrates basic knowledge of sigmiodoscopy and spirometry procedures.
  • Demonstrates basic knowledge in treatment modalities such as the application of heat and cold.
  • Communicate respectfully and demonstrate acceptance of diversity.
  • Seek resources and opportunities for lifelong learning.
 

Requirements

What are the requirements to take this course?
  • Be at least 18 or older
  • Attend a Career Training Orientation
  • Attend First Class day for the medical assistant program
  • Proof of required immunizations (list will be provided at registration)
Please check the program guide to for the most current list of requirements.
 

Schedule

When is the program offered?
 
This is a 1-semester course (5 months) that is offered three times a year starting in August and January.
  • #1 AM Schedule -  Monday 8:30 am - 2:00 pm and Tuesday/Wednesday from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm. Monday is online, and Tuesday/Wednesday is in-person. There are also three Fridays: 10/4/24 and 11/1/24 from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • #2 AM Schedule - Monday - Thursday, 10:30 am -3:00 pm .Tuesday and Wednesday is online and Monday and Thursday is on campus
  • #3 PM Schedule -  Monday-Thursday from 3:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Tuesday and Wednesday is onlone and Monday and Thursday is on campus
All students will have the opportunity to complete 160 internship hours in a local medical clinic at the completion of their required coursework.
 
Please check the program guide to for the most current schedule.

Cost

How much does the program cost?
 
 The program registration fee is $625 and is due in full at the time of registration.  
 
Are there any additional costs associated with the program?
 
All students will need to complete an American Heart Association (AHA) approved Basic Life Support course.  We offer the course at the beginning of each semester for $55.  Additional fees that need to be considered average approximately $365 and may include:
  • Scrubs
  • Textbooks
  • Background check
  • Immunizations
Is financial aid or tuition assistance available?
 
As a K-12 adult school we are unable to offer financial aid. We do partner with the San Diego Workforce Partnership, local career centers, and other organizations whenever possible to offer opportunities for fees to be reduced or covered for qualified participants. For more information on what is available for this program, attend an orientation to connect with a transition services specialist.
 
What is the refund policy?
 
Students have until the last day of the second week of class to request a refund for the registration fee minus a $25 processing fee.
 
Prices subject to change.  Please check the program guide to for the most current cost.

Job Outlook

What is the job outlook?
 
According to the California Economic Development Department, employment opportunities for Medical Assistants are predicted to increase by 29.2% or 24,800 jobs between 2016 and 2026. Explore the links below for more information about the labor market for Medical Assistants.
 

Instructor

Neda Shukur, CMA
Neda Shukur has been an instructor for the PM Medical Assistant program since 2013.  She holds a Designated Subjects Teaching Credential to teach Career Technical Education courses in California.  Neda worked iin the field as a medical assistant for 8 years.
 
Maria Chavez, CMA
Maria Chavez has been an instructor for the AM Medical Assistant program since 2012.  She holds a Designated Subjects Teaching Credential to teach Career Technical Education courses in California.  Maria worked in the field as a medical assistant for 5 years and is a graduate of the HOC Medical Assistant program that she now teaches in.

Facilities

Where is training for the program completed?
 
Skills lab work for the Medical Assistant program is performed in our new state of the art medical training labs, completed in January 2020 and located at the Health Occupations Center in Santee.  The lab contains a three patient rooms and exam tables, phlebotomy chairs, IV and injection trainers, EKG machine, and a variety of additonal equipment that is standard in a medical office.  The lab is fully stocked with all of the necessary equipment and supplies to move directly into the field following the completion of the Medical Assistant program.
 
Students that successfully complete the on campus instruction are eligible to participate in the 150-hour internship in a local medical clinic.
  
A fake arm used to teach how to draw blood  A training torso on a medical table
An empty classroom
 
          
     

Next Steps

I'm interested!  What are my next steps?
 
The Medical Assistant program accepts students twice a year through the orientation and First Class day process.  Check the Program Guide for the next class start dates. Visit the . How to Get Started page now.
 
Refund Policy
Refunds for this class must be requested by the end of the second week of class.  A $25.00 processing fee will be charged.