The Medical Assistant program at Nevada Career Institute (NCI) provides comprehensive training to equip students for careers in healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. This program combines classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and a 160-hour externship to develop both clinical and administrative skills essential to the role over a 8-9 month period.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The program is divided into eight modules, each focusing on different aspects of medical assisting. Courses cover foundational knowledge, such as medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as practical skills like patient intake, medical office administration, and clinical procedures. This structure allows students to progressively build their skills and apply them in real-world settings during lab sessions and externships.
Course Modules
- Seminar for Success: This orientation module emphasizes essential skills for academic and career success. Topics include math, language, and writing skills, as well as personal development areas like managing credit and accessing community resources.
- Medical History and Fundamentals: Introduces students to the roles and responsibilities within medical assisting. Topics include medical history, healthcare ethics, and basic medical terminology.
- Medical Office Administration: Covers daily office management skills like appointment scheduling, patient record management, and insurance claim processing. Students practice with medical office software to simulate real administrative tasks.
- Anatomy & Physiology A, B, and C: These modules provide a comprehensive overview of human body systems, with each part focusing on different anatomical areas, such as respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Practical lab skills like venipuncture, urinalysis, and ECG testing are also included.
- Medical Assisting Skills: Focuses on pharmacology and dosage calculations, assisting with injections, and minor surgical procedures. Students gain practical experience with aseptic techniques and sterile gloving.
- Medical Assisting Skills and Response Training: Covers emergency procedures and basic life support, including CPR certification. This module prepares students to respond to healthcare emergencies and introduces them to job search strategies.
- Externship: This 160-hour supervised externship is the final stage, where students apply their skills in a healthcare setting, gaining real-world experience and fulfilling the program’s practical requirements for graduation.
Prerequisites
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Provide a U.S. government-issued photo ID.
- Be at least 17 years old, with parental consent required for those under 18.
- Show proof of U.S. citizenship or legal work status.
Tuition and Costs
The tuition for the Medical Assistant program at NCI is approximately $3,950. This cost covers essential program materials, although students should be prepared for additional miscellaneous expenses. NCI offers various payment plans, including options to pay upfront or in installments, making it more accessible for students on a budget.
Certification and Career Path
Graduates of the NCI Medical Assistant program are prepared to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, a widely recognized certification. Earning this credential enhances job prospects across various healthcare settings, as it validates a graduate’s training in both clinical and administrative competencies.
Reasons to Consider This School
Nevada Career Institute’s Medical Assistant program offers practical, skill-focused training for those entering the healthcare field. With affordable tuition, flexible payment options, and an externship for hands-on experience, it is a solid choice for students seeking entry-level healthcare roles. However, prospective students should be aware of additional expenses beyond tuition and the significant time commitment for lab and externship hours.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,950 plus additional miscellaneous expenses |
| Program Duration | 8 modules plus a 160-hour externship. 8-9 months to complete. |
| Class Schedules | Varies by module; contact school for specifics |
| Classes Offered | Medical Assisting, Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Office Administration, Medical Assisting Skills |
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma or equivalent, U.S. government-issued photo ID, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal work status, minimum age of 17 (parental consent for under 18) |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Job Placement? | Yes |
| Financial Aid Options | Payment plans available, no formal financial aid |
| Location | 3231 North Decatur Blvd. #201 Las Vegas, NV 89130 |
| Phone | (702) 209-0030 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | Nevada Career Institute Medical Assistant Program |
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