Harford Community College Medical Assisting Programs

Tuition rates vary significantly depending on residency status. Here are the total estimated program costs including tuition and service fees:

• Harford County Residents:
  • AAS Degree: $10,080
  • Certificate: $6,552
• Maryland Residents (outside Harford County):
  • AAS Degree: $16,080
  • Certificate: $10,452
• Out-of-State/International Students:
  • AAS Degree: $22,080
  • Certificate: $14,352

These fees include tuition at different rates plus a consolidated service fee of $28 per credit.

---

Both the AAS and Certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), specifically noted for certificate graduates.

---

Courses blend classroom theory, lab work, and hands-on clinical practice. Core topics include:

• Medical terminology
• Administrative skills (appointment scheduling, billing, coding, and medical records)
• Clinical skills (phlebotomy, injections, EKG, lab specimen handling, vital signs, and patient prep)
• Medical ethics, pharmacology, and medical law

---

Students must complete 160 hours of unpaid externship, typically at a physician’s office or clinical environment. This experience ensures that students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, greatly enhancing job readiness.

---

Medical assisting is rapidly growing, with a projected job growth of 14% through 2032 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. After completion, graduates are qualified for positions such as:

• Clinical Medical Assistant
• Medical Office Assistant
• EKG Technician
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Medical Office Manager
• Billing and Coding Specialist

Graduates typically find roles in medical practices, outpatient clinics, and healthcare administration offices.

---

Students interested in enrolling in these programs at Harford Community College should be prepared to:

• Obtain medical scrubs.
• Purchase a textbook bundle costing approximately $380.
• Maintain current vaccinations, including PPD (tuberculosis test), flu vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Hold a valid CPR and first aid certification at the healthcare-provider level from the American Heart Association.
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

---

Students must be ready to handle both academic and practical training components, including maintaining compliance with medical and vaccination requirements. They should be comfortable working in direct patient care situations, which present risks such as exposure to infectious diseases and sharps injuries. Occupational safety training is included in the program to mitigate these risks.

---

Applying to HCC is straightforward, with no application fee. After submitting an online application, students typically receive acceptance notifications within a week. Financial assistance through scholarships and payment plans is available, though federal financial aid availability should be confirmed separately.

---

Those completing the AAS degree have streamlined pathways to continue their education at four-year institutions such as Towson University and the University of Baltimore. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for students considering advanced healthcare roles or administrative positions requiring a bachelor’s degree.

---