Anne Arundel Community College Medical Assisting Programs

The certificate program is designed for students looking for a rapid entry into the medical assisting field. You can complete this in approximately one year, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to quickly start working. The cost of earning this certificate can be less than $6,000, particularly affordable for Anne Arundel County residents.

Program Content

• The curriculum covers essential administrative skills, medical terminology, electronic health records, medical laws and ethics, pharmacology, and clinical procedures.
• Clinical training is delivered through a supervised externship of 160 unpaid hours, offering direct patient interaction and experience in real-world healthcare settings.

Certification Opportunities

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for national certification exams from:

• American Association of Medical Assistants (Certified Medical Assistant)
• American Medical Technologists (Registered Medical Assistant)
• National Healthcareer Association (Certified Medical Assistant/Medical Administrative Assistant)

Accreditation

The certificate program holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), a respected agency ensuring the quality of education and professional preparedness.

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If you prefer a broader educational foundation, the Associate of Applied Science degree is the more extensive option. This program includes the same core medical assisting courses as the certificate but adds general education credits and advanced administrative training. The full-time program typically requires two years to complete.

Program Content

• Beyond clinical and administrative training, you’ll learn skills in office management, human resources, budget management, and advanced patient-care practices.
• Coursework includes sciences, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and communication, preparing graduates not only for immediate employment but also for transfer opportunities into bachelor’s programs.

Career and Transfer Opportunities

The associate degree offers excellent flexibility for your future career. Graduates can pursue employment immediately or use established transfer agreements with institutions like Towson University to further their education, potentially pursuing healthcare management or specialized health careers.

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One crucial point to consider about Anne Arundel Community College is its residency-based tuition structure. If you’re a resident of Anne Arundel County, your tuition will be significantly lower, roughly around $4,178 per academic year (at 12 credits per term). In comparison, other Maryland residents pay nearly double, around $8,186, and out-of-state residents pay around $11,330 annually. These savings for local residents represent a significant financial advantage, making the program especially attractive if you live within Anne Arundel County.

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AACC understands financial concerns and offers various scholarships and grants to ease tuition burdens, such as:

• AACC Foundation Scholarships
• Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship
• Student Success Incentive Scholarships
• Transfer Scholarships

It’s strongly advised to explore these resources and apply early to maximize financial assistance.

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Before starting either program, you’ll have to meet some key admission criteria:

• Successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Drug screening may be required.

The school enforces high academic standards, requiring you to earn at least a “C” grade in each medical assisting course. Grades below “C” are recorded as failures, emphasizing the school’s commitment to professional competence and readiness.

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Regardless of which program you choose, key courses you’ll complete include:

• Medical Terminology
• Administrative Medical Assisting
• Clinical Medical Assisting (including injections, EKGs, and phlebotomy)
• Electronic Health Records
• Pharmacology and Human Anatomy
• Professional Seminar and Externship (160-hour practical experience)

These courses ensure you gain real-world skills in patient care, office administration, record-keeping, and healthcare compliance.

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The externship is an integral part of both the certificate and degree programs. You’ll complete 160 hours of unpaid, supervised work experience in local physician offices, clinics, or healthcare settings. This experience is vital for job readiness and often helps students secure their first positions after graduation.

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Upon completing the program, you’ll qualify to sit for respected national certification exams:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant

Holding these certifications can boost your employability and allow for flexibility in your career options.

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Graduates from both programs commonly find roles in:

• Physician offices
• Clinics and outpatient care facilities
• Hospital administrative departments
• Government health departments
• Managed healthcare organizations

Typical job titles include Clinical Medical Assistant, Administrative Medical Assistant, and Medical Office Assistant.

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If pursuing further education is part of your plan, the A.A.S. degree provides a clear pathway to a four-year bachelor’s degree. The school maintains formal transfer agreements, making it easier to continue your studies without losing credits or repeating coursework.

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