San Antonio College (SAC) offers a comprehensive Medical Assisting program designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare. The program provides hands-on training in administrative and clinical tasks under the guidance of experienced professionals. Students can pursue an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, a Level II Certificate, or certification as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). With affordable tuition starting at $3,273 for the CCMA certification and accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), SAC stands out as a leader in medical assisting education.
Program Options and Career Outcomes
The Medical Assisting program at SAC equips students with the skills to perform a range of clinical and administrative duties. Graduates can find employment in various healthcare settings, including physician offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health agencies. Career opportunities also extend to insurance companies and ambulatory surgical centers. The A.A.S. degree includes general education courses for a broader academic foundation, while the Level II Certificate focuses solely on technical medical assisting skills. Both tracks prepare students to sit for national certification exams, such as the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT).
What You’ll Learn
Students in SAC’s program gain expertise in:
- Clinical Skills: Vital signs, phlebotomy, EKGs, injections, wound care, and assisting with minor surgeries.
- Administrative Tasks: Scheduling appointments, medical coding, insurance billing, and managing electronic health records.
Specialized Procedures: Eye/ear irrigation, catheterization, pulmonary function tests, and lab specimen preparation. The program ensures students are well-rounded and ready to handle the diverse responsibilities of medical assistants.
Program Structure and Duration
- A.A.S. Degree: Requires 60 credit hours, including general education and technical courses. Typical completion time is around two years.
- Level II Certificate: A focused 39-credit-hour track that can be completed in approximately 1.5 years.
- CCMA Certification: A five-month program with 200 contact hours, emphasizing clinical competencies and preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.
Both the A.A.S. and Level II Certificate programs are fall-entry only with limited enrollment, accepting just 24 students per year.
Accreditation and Program History
San Antonio College is proud to host the first accredited medical assisting program in the United States, receiving its initial accreditation in 1969. The program maintains high standards under CAAHEP and consistently produces graduates who meet industry demands. Over the last five years, the A.A.S. program boasts retention rates of 97.83% and job placement rates of 72.92%.
Admissions Process
Prerequisites
To apply, students must meet the following requirements:
- Age: 18 or older.
- Education: High school diploma or GED.
- Skills: Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
- Technology: Access to a computer or tablet with internet.
- Math Courses: Completion of pre-algebra or higher (specific levels vary by program track).
Phases of Admission
- Enrollment: Apply to SAC and complete any required placement assessments.
- Health Requirements: Submit proof of immunizations, a physical exam, and CPR certification.
- Background Check: Pass a background screening and drug test.
Selected applicants must attend a mandatory orientation before beginning classes.
Special Features and Financial Aid
SAC’s Medical Assisting program is part of the Ready to Work initiative, which may cover tuition costs for eligible students while providing job placement support. Additionally, the program offers state-of-the-art facilities and personalized instruction to ensure a robust learning experience.
Who Should Consider This School?
San Antonio College’s Medical Assisting program is ideal for those seeking an affordable, well-rounded education in healthcare. It is especially suitable for individuals in the San Antonio area looking for a highly regarded program with flexible certification options and a strong focus on practical skills. With its limited enrollment, this program is best for motivated students who can meet deadlines and thrive in competitive environments.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,273 for CCMA certification. Prices for other programs are not specified. |
| Duration | 5 months for CCMA; approximately 1.5 years for Level II Certificate; 2 years for A.A.S. degree. |
| Class Schedules | Fall-entry only; specific schedules vary by program. |
| Online Classes? | No. |
| Requirements | 18+ years old, high school diploma or GED, English proficiency, access to a computer/tablet with internet. |
| Address | 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212 |
| Phone | 210-486-0200 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | SAC Medical Assisting Program |
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