Prepare Yourself to Pursue a Healthcare Career as a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

Medical Assisting Program at Campus, formerly MTI College, in Sacramento, California

Campus prepares students in the Medical Assistant (MA) program to perform a wide range of clinical and administrative duties in today's healthcare environments. Our classes are designed to teach the protocols and procedures used in clinics, hospitals, and other medical settings. As a Medical Assisting student, you'll study medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and more.

To graduate, each student is required to complete a 160-hour unpaid, off-campus Medical Assisting externship in addition to their standard coursework. Students can complete the required training to pursue Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification in as little as 33 weeks for day classes and 37 weeks for night classes.*

*Completion of the program does not guarantee certification. Eligibility to sit for the NCMA exam is determined by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Completion time may vary.

Students who complete the Medical Assistant training program will have access to Campus' career services support. Our dedicated team offers guidance with job search strategies, résumé development, interview preparation, and access to local employment resources. While job placement is not guaranteed, our goal is to equip graduates with tools and support to pursue employment opportunities in the Sacramento healthcare community.

Campus also offers a Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy Certificate program, which provides the same comprehensive training in clinical, administrative and laboratory procedures as our Medical Assistant program, with the addition of a 40 hour phlebotomy externship at a local laboratory or hospital.

Next Start Dates:

What do Medical Assisting Classes Cover?

Students enrolled in Campus' Medical Assisting program receive instruction designed to prepare them for clinical and administrative responsibilities in healthcare settings such as medical offices, clinics, and laboratories. The curriculum includes training in the following areas:

• Drug dosage calculation
• Medical terminology and its application to human anatomy and physiology
• Patient confidentiality, workplace ethics, and related legal standards
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and compliance
• Assisting with routine and specialty examinations and procedures
• Aseptic techniques and sterilization procedures
• Additional clinical and administrative skills aligned with current industry practices

The goal of Campus' Sacramento Medical Assisting program is to equip students with a well-rounded foundation of knowledge and practical skills applicable to entry-level roles in healthcare settings.

Medical Assisting Externship: Hands-On Training

As part of the Medical Assisting program at Campus, students are required to complete a 160-hour unpaid externship at an off-campus healthcare facility. Externship sites may include clinics, physician offices, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, or other approved medical settings.

Externship assignments vary by location and may include administrative or clinical responsibilities such as recording patient information, supporting exam room preparation, or assisting with basic procedures under supervision. In many cases, students observe and "shadow" experienced professionals – such as medical assistants, nurses, or lab technicians – gaining insight into real-world practices and workflows.

Externships are designed to provide students with opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge developed during classroom instruction in a supervised, practical setting. Supervision is provided by qualified site personnel, and students may also have the chance to observe staff interactions, team meetings, or training sessions, depending on site availability.

Ready to apply? Start your application now!

Demand for Medical Assistants

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in the Medical Assisting industry will grow by 15% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations in the US.

Note: The data provided above are from a source unaffiliated with Campus, are for informational purposes only and represent the employment field as a whole. They are not solely specific to Campus graduates and, by providing the above information, Campus makes no representation, direct or implied, or opinion regarding employability.

What's driving demand for Medical Assistants?

According to national labor market trends, several factors are contributing to the growing demand for medical assistants. Two of the primary drivers include:

• An aging population: As the population ages, there is an increased need for healthcare services. This trend results in higher patient volumes for physicians and medical practices, which in turn increases the demand for trained support staff—including medical assistants—to help with clinical and administrative responsibilities.
• Expansion of healthcare facilities: The growth in patient care needs is also driving the expansion of healthcare facilities such as clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care providers. These settings rely on medical assistants to provide essential support in both patient-facing and behind-the-scenes roles.

Note: This information is based on national industry projections and does not reflect specific employment outcomes for Campus graduates. Employment is not guaranteed.

Campus College Medical Assistant Program and Info

Our Campus is located on Madison Avenue, just off of Interstate 80, within driving distance of most neighborhoods in the Sacramento area. Since 1965, Campus, formerly MTI College, has been helping Sacramento students prepare for rewarding careers through accredited degree and certificate programs.

Medical Assisting Job Description and FAQ

What does a Medical Assistant do?

Medical assistants support the daily operations of healthcare facilities such as clinics, physician offices, and long-term care centers. Under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals, they may assist with administrative tasks like scheduling and patient record management, as well as clinical responsibilities such as preparing exam rooms or taking vital signs. Medical assistants often serve as the first point of contact for patients, helping to ensure a smooth and professional healthcare experience.

How long does it take to become a Certified Medical Assistant?

Students can complete the Medical Assistant day program at Campus in approximately 33 weeks (37-48 weeks for the night program). This includes 29 weeks of classroom instruction, followed by a 4-week unpaid externship at an approved off-campus healthcare facility (33 weeks of classroom instruction, followed by a 4-week unpaid externship for the night program). After successfully completing the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

*Certification is not guaranteed and is subject to the eligibility requirements of the certifying organization. Completion of a certification exam is not required for graduation and is not included as part of the program.

Where can Medical Assistants Work?

Graduates who earn certification may pursue entry-level roles in a variety of healthcare settings. While employment is not guaranteed, medical assistants are commonly employed in the following types of facilities:

• Physician offices and outpatient clinics
• Urgent care and emergency care centers
• Medical laboratories and blood donation centers
• Long-term care or assisted living facilities

Note: Job opportunities may vary based on location, employer requirements, and individual qualifications. Campus does not guarantee employment.

What are the important qualities of a Medical Assistant?

Successful medical assistants often demonstrate the following traits:

• A strong desire to help others
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment
• Basic proficiency with computers, phones, and office equipment
• Comfort working in fast-paced healthcare settings

What are common responsibilities for a Medical Assistant in Sacramento, California?

Medical assistants may be responsible for both administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals. Typical responsibilities can include:

• Greeting and checking in patients
• Reviewing and entering patient information into electronic health records
• Assisting with insurance verification, coding, and billing
• Preparing exam rooms and sterilizing instruments
• Supporting clinical procedures and maintaining medical charts

Pursuing a Medical Assisting education can be a meaningful first step toward working in a healthcare setting.

To learn more, complete the Request Information form or contact our Admissions team!

Why choose the Medical Assisting program at Campus?

Campus is proud to align its Medical Assisting program with organizations that support professional standards in healthcare education. These include:

• American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA)

Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam, administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), provided they meet all eligibility requirements established by the NCCT.

The NCMA exam may be taken through Campus' Learning Resource Center. Certification is not guaranteed and is subject to eligibility and successful completion of the exam.

Medical Assisting

Campus is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
428 J Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
(415) 506-0234
accjc.org

Campus prepares students to be eligible to sit for the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam administered by the National Center for Competency Testing. Our program trains students in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology.

Next Steps

Related Documents

• Program Assessment 2022 (PDF)
• Program Assessment 2017 (PDF)

Program Costs

Grants and other forms of tuition assistance are available to those who qualify. To find out what you’re eligible for, contact an admissions advisor today!

Tuition and Fees

Admissions Registration Fee: $0
Tuition: $14,500
Books and Supplies: $2,322
Total: $16,822

Additional Expenses (Monthly)

Living with Parent
Housing: $0
Food: $817
Personal/Misc: $451
Transportation: $199

Not Living with Parent
Housing: $1,637
Food: $1,277
Personal/Misc: $552
Transportation: $218