Medical assistants are multiskilled health professionals specifically educated to work in a variety of healthcare settings performing clinical and administrative duties. The practice of medical assisting requires understanding of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession.

The Medical Assistant Program at Iowa Central Community College prepares students with theory and entry-level competence in the performance of administrative and clinical duties. The diploma program includes two semesters of theory and lab, followed by a 30-day summer practicum. The program begins in the fall and concludes in the summer. Students must earn a passing grade (“C” or better) in all Medical Assistant curriculum courses and meet the prerequisites to progress in the program. Students may choose to continue their education to obtain an AAS degree in Medical Assisting, completing an additional 13 credit hours of required coursework and 6 credit hours of elective coursework beyond the diploma requirements. Graduation requirement: Students must pass all diploma and AAS program courses (if applicable) with a “C” or better and receive a “P”(pass) in Practicum to graduate from the program.

After successful completion of the medical assistant diploma program, students are eligible to take a national certification exam. After qualifying for and passing the exam, graduates can work as certified medical assistants (CMA, AAMA) in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.