The Medical Assistant program is to train you in the skills and competencies required to perform the clinical and administrative duties of a medical assistant. The program has two core components: Medical Assisting Administrative and Medical Assisting Clinical. This career-focused coursework is designed to help you gain vital information about the important work of today's medical office assistant. You will learn basic medical terminology, business communications, industry-specific professional worker requirements, basic office procedures, and basic medical procedures. You will also complete a work-experience assignment of 162 hours, applying your skills in an assigned medical setting.
While the program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for entry-level employment, completion of the Medical Assistant Program does not guarantee eligibility for, or successful completion of, any national certification examination (such as Certified Medical Assistant [CMA], Registered Medical Assistant [RMA], or other credentialing exams). Students who plan to pursue certification are responsible for reviewing the eligibility requirements of their chosen certifying organization and may need to complete additional exam-specific preparation.
About the Medical Assistant Program
The Medical Assistant Program is a two-semester vocational program designed to prepare students for entry-level administrative positions within healthcare settings.
The Medical Assistant Certificate of Achievement at Coalinga College is structured to offer Administrative Medical Assistant training in the Fall semester and Clinical Medical Assistant training in the Spring semester, with an emphasis on employability after completing the administrative component and corresponding work experience.
The Medical Assistant program is to train you in the skills and competencies required to perform the clinical and administrative duties of a medical assistant. The program has two core components:
- Medical Assisting Administrative
- Medical Assisting Clinical
This career-focused coursework is designed to help you gain vital information about the important work of today's medical office assistant. You will learn basic medical terminology, business communications, industry-specific professional worker requirements, basic office procedures, and basic medical procedures. You will also complete a work-experience assignment of 162 hours, applying your skills in an assigned medical setting.
To apply to the Medical Assisting Program, you will need the following entrance skills and have completed the necessary prerequisites.
Entrance skills:
- College-level reading and writing in English
- Computer literacy skills including Excel, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Outlook Certification
- CPR for Health Care Provider from the American Heart Association
Medical Assistant Program Pre-requisites
- Medical Terminology (HS-005) or Medical Terminology (HS-088)
- Business Communication (BUS-028)
- Introduction to Medical Professional (HS-080)
Required Core Courses (10 units)
- HS 082 - Medical Assisting (8 units)
- HS 084 - Medical Assisting Clinical (8 units)
- HS 086X - Medical Assisting Externship (3 units)
During the two semesters of the Medical Assistant Program students will attend classes 3 days each week and carry a unit load of about 9 - 10 units per semester.
- The Medical Assistant Program will usually involve 2 days of theory coursework and 1 days of clinical/skills lab coursework with Externship hours scheduled separately.
- The Medical Assistant Program involves face-to-face (in-person, not online) coursework.
- Students must be prepared to attend classes either at the Coalinga campus or Firebaugh campus.
You are required to attend every class and every clinical/externship assignment. Excessive absences may result in dismissal from the program.
Complete Application Packet (Firebaugh)
Student Selection Process for the Medical Assistant Program
Medical Assistant students who meet all program eligibility requirements will be accepted on a first-come, first served basis until all available slots are filled.
Financial Aid
Applicants should contact the Coalinga College Financial Aid Office regarding the many grants, scholarships, and funding sources available to our students.
Background Check
After acceptance into the program, a background check is required to participate. Background checks will be discussed during orientation.
Foreign Transcripts
All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited evaluation service. A list of services can be obtained in the Information Packet. Foreign High School and College transcripts must be evaluated. College degrees of any kind will not be used for proof of High School or GED completion.
Medical Assistant graduates in Fresno County, including the communities of Fresno, Coalinga, Firebaugh, and Mendota, have access to a range of entry-level employment opportunities across diverse healthcare settings. These include primary care clinics, community health centers, urgent care facilities, specialty practices, public health departments, and long-term care facilities.
Rural and underserved areas such as Coalinga, Firebaugh, and Mendota often experience a continued need for trained Medical Assistants, creating valuable opportunities for graduates willing to serve these communities. Bilingual skills, certification, and strong clinical and administrative competencies may enhance employability. Job availability may vary based on local demand, experience, and employer requirements.
Medical Assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks to support healthcare providers and ensure efficient patient care.
Clinical Duties
- Preparing patients for examinations (vital signs, height, weight, medical history)
- Assisting physicians during exams and procedures
- Performing basic laboratory tests (e.g., urine tests, blood draws/phlebotomy)
- Administering medications and injections as directed
- Collecting and processing specimens
- Performing EKGs and other diagnostic tests
- Cleaning and sterilizing medical equipment and exam rooms
- Providing patient education and instructions
Administrative Duties
- Greeting and checking in patients
- Scheduling appointments and managing calendars
- Maintaining and updating electronic health records (EHR)
- Handling billing, coding, and insurance processing
- Answering phones and responding to patient inquiries
- Coordinating referrals and follow-up care
- Managing office correspondence and documentation
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintaining patient confidentiality (HIPAA compliance)
- Following infection control and safety procedures
- Demonstrating professionalism, communication, and teamwork
- Adhering to scope of practice and employer policies