Montgomery College Clinical Medical Assistant Program

The primary course includes instruction in essential medical assisting skills, such as patient preparation for exams, drawing blood (phlebotomy), medication administration, and basic cardiology procedures (like placing EKG leads). The curriculum also emphasizes professional behavior, healthcare ethics, and legal responsibilities.

The program is structured with a mixture of lectures and hands-on labs, totaling 96 hours. Classes are held at the Mannakee Building at the Rockville campus, as well as Takoma Park/Silver Spring and East County Education Center locations.

• Cost: The tuition and fees for this course total $2,380.
• Eligibility: Students must hold a high school diploma or GED to enroll.

---

After completing the initial classroom component, students continue to a 90-hour course that includes additional labs (40 hours) and a clinical externship (50 hours). The externship is performed at local healthcare providers, giving students practical, real-world experience working directly with patients and healthcare professionals.

Students practice skills like patient interaction, vital signs measurement, blood draws, laboratory testing procedures, administering medications, and performing EKGs.

• Cost: The externship and lab portion costs $1,255.
• Prerequisites: Completion or concurrent enrollment in the 96-hour classroom portion. Additional requirements include passing a background check and drug screening.

---

Classes run during daytime or evening sessions, depending on the campus chosen:

• Rockville Campus (Mannakee Building):
  • Morning classes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Evening classes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus:
  • Evening classes (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
• East County Education Center:
  • Morning classes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The externship hours are coordinated separately and depend on the availability at the assigned clinical site. Flexibility here allows students to manage work and personal schedules more easily.

---

Montgomery College also offers an integrated Clinical Medical Assistant training designed specifically for students needing to improve English language skills. This specialized ESOL version of the program combines medical assisting education with language improvement support.

Classes for this ESOL-integrated track take place at the East County Education Center. Students enrolled receive preparation both for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam and English proficiency required for healthcare employment.

ESOL Track Requirements:

• Interest in medical assistant work and English improvement
• Maryland residency
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Eligibility to work legally in the USA
• Attendance at required informational sessions and completion of testing

---

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification examination. Certification is not only beneficial but essential for improving employability, especially outside Maryland.

Medical assistants completing this certification have better job prospects, potential for higher wages, and greater mobility within the healthcare industry. Montgomery College’s hands-on training and externship opportunities significantly enhance student readiness for immediate employment.

---

Montgomery College offers competitive tuition rates:

• Classroom Program (96 hours): $2,380 total
• Labs and Externship (90 hours): $1,255 total

Montgomery College also offers a tuition installment payment plan, easing the financial burden for students unable to pay the full amount upfront. Additional fees apply for non-residents.

---

To enroll, students must meet these minimum requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Background check and drug screening clearance

Specific requirements for the ESOL track:

• Maryland residency
• English proficiency test and information session attendance
• Eligible to work in the U.S.

---