Medical Assisting

WHY HARFORD?

Students in Harford’s Medical Assisting program experience kinesthetic learning that is mixed with web-enhanced courses and learning resources. We offer year-round classes that are small in size and provide flexible scheduling for those who work while going to college. Less on-campus commitment, lower cost, and a 100% graduate and employer satisfaction rate over the past five years* make Harford the perfect choice for those looking to enter the field of Medical Assisting.

All students conclude the program by completing a 160-hour externship where they are placed with a mentor at facilities such as MedStar Health, University of Maryland Health System, Pediatric Partners, Potomac Physicians, and John Hopkins. And, thanks to Harford’s stellar reputation in the medical arena, students often find permanent employment at these same locations.

OPPORTUNITIES

Medical assistants are multi-skilled allied health professionals who perform clinical as well as administrative procedures. They work in doctors’ offices, in hospitals, and in extended care facilities. Many students choose this field as a way to “get their foot in the door” in the field of Nursing and Allied Health. Some students choose to earn their Medical Assisting Certificate, get a job, and then finish classes to earn their associate degree, while others go directly into the credit program. Some earn their certificate and then pursue advanced skills in areas such as IV Therapy. Harford also has an articulation agreement with Towson University guaranteeing acceptance of all 64 credits from the degree program into their bachelor’s program.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

In accordance with the 2015 Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Medical Assisting from the Medical Assistant Education Review Board (MAERB) and the requirements of the accrediting body the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), Harford Community College reports that graduates of the Medical Assisting program are satisfied with the education they receive, as there is a 100% graduate satisfaction rate over the past five years.

In addition, the Medical Assisting program at Harford Community College has a 5-year average retention rate of 84.26%. Employers of Harford Community College Medical Assisting graduates have reported a 100% satisfaction rate over the past 5 years. Please see the chart below with yearly breakdowns of retention rate, graduate satisfaction, and employer satisfaction.

Year        Retention        Graduate        Employer
                                         Satisfaction   Satisfaction
2015        86.67%               100%                100%       
2014        91.23%               100%                100%
2013        79.25%               100%                100%
2012        91.18%               100%                100%
2011        73.91%               100%                100%
5 year
average  84.26%               100%                 100%

EMPLOYMENT

As a graduate of the Medical Assisting Associate of Arts degree, you will be eligible to sit for the CMA (AAMA) national certification or the RMA (ABHES) national certifying exam. These exams are recognized in all 50 states and at all military installations. If you choose to stay close, there are ample opportunities for employment in Harford County. In fact, many local healthcare employers choose to hire only HCC graduates due to the quality of training they have received.

The current average salary for a medical assistant is $28,860 and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment for medical assistants to increase by 31% from 2010-2020.