Houston Community College Medical Assisting Program

The Medical Assisting program at Houston Community College (HCC) provides students with the necessary training to become multi-skilled healthcare professionals. With options for both certificate and associate degree tracks, this program emphasizes hands-on learning in both administrative and clinical tasks, preparing graduates for roles in outpatient clinics, physician offices, and other ambulatory healthcare settings.

This program offers a blend of classroom instruction and practical training. Students are equipped to handle administrative tasks such as scheduling, insurance billing, and electronic health records management, as well as clinical procedures like taking vital signs, administering medications, performing EKGs, and assisting with minor surgical procedures. The program’s flexibility allows students to choose from Level 1 or Level 2 certificates or pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree, based on their career goals.HCC also emphasizes professionalism, adaptability, and critical thinking—skills that are vital in the fast-paced healthcare field. Graduates of the Level 2 Certificate program are eligible to sit for national certification exams, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exams, enhancing employability in competitive job markets.

The Level 2 Certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduates are encouraged to take credentialing exams, such as the CMA offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the RMA administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). These certifications validate the expertise of medical assistants and open up opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings.

The total cost of the program is approximately $5,171 for in-district students and $8,319 for out-of-district students. These costs include tuition, books, uniforms, and other required fees. Additional expenses may include a background check, drug screening, physical exam, and immunizations. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, including grants, loans, and other funding options.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better (HPRS 1201 and ENGL 1301).
• Successful completion of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test, unless exempt by holding an associate degree or higher.
• Attendance at an information session or in-person program session.

Applicants are also required to complete a personal interview with program faculty and submit a criminal background check, drug screening, and physical exam.

The program is divided into four semesters, with coursework covering topics like medical terminology, pharmacology, patient care, and administrative office skills. Students will also complete lab sessions and a clinical externship to gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare environments. The program’s five-year average exam passage rate of 92.74% reflects the program’s commitment to preparing students for success in the certification exams.

Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers, with projected job growth of 14% by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. HCC offers robust career services, including job placement assistance, resume building, and mock interviews. Graduates can pursue roles as medical assistants, patient care technicians, or administrative health assistants in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.