Medical Assistant (MA)
Develop clinical and administrative skills for outpatient healthcare
Program Highlights
- One-year program (two semesters)
- Hybrid format with in-person skills labs at the Chesapeake campus
- Approximately 450 hours of clinical and lab experience
- Clinical placements in Hampton Roads healthcare facilities
- Eligible to sit for a national certification exam
- Certification required for employment in Sentara facilities
- August cohort start
Requirements
- HS Diploma or GED
- Must be 18 before first day of class
- Algebra & Science requirements-high school or college algebra and high school or college biological science
About The Program
The Medical Assistant Certificate prepares students to enter the healthcare workforce in just one year.
Medical Assistants (MAs) provide both clinical and administrative support in physician offices, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics. Clinical responsibilities may include:
- Taking vital signs
- Obtaining patient histories
- Drawing blood
- Processing laboratory specimens
- Assisting providers with routine procedures
In addition to clinical duties, Medical Assistants support daily office operations. Responsibilities may include medical record management, insurance processing, billing and coding, payment processing, and other administrative functions.
Students also receive training that prepares them for evolving healthcare delivery models, including telehealth.
If you are interested in working primarily in a hospital setting with less administrative responsibility, the Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program may be a better fit.
Your Educational Experience
The Medical Assistant Certificate is a one-year program completed over two semesters.
Coursework includes:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Patient care fundamentals
- Clinical procedures
- Health records management
- Billing and coding
The program follows a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person instruction and skills labs at the Chesapeake campus.
Students begin clinical exposure early in the program and complete approximately 450 hours of hands-on experience through skills labs, simulation, and supervised clinical placements in healthcare facilities across Hampton Roads.
Graduates are eligible to apply for a national certification examination. Certification is required for employment within Sentara facilities.
Career Opportunities
Medical Assistants are in high demand nationwide. They typically work in outpatient settings under the supervision of physicians and advanced practice providers.
Employment settings include:
- Physician practices
- Urgent care centers
- Specialty clinics
- Outpatient surgical centers
Medical Assistants combine direct patient care with administrative coordination, creating a versatile and stable healthcare career path.
Ready to Apply?
Begin your application for the Medical Assistant (MA) Certificate program today.