Medical Assisting Certificate Program
Develop clinical and administrative skills for entry-level roles in clinics, physician offices, and outpatient facilities.
The objective of the Medical Assisting Certificate program is to prepare you with the knowledge, technical skills, and work habits to pursue an entry-level position in the ambulatory medical field. The Medical Assistant Certificate is designed to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. This program concentrates on helping you acquire knowledge and develop skills in performing laboratory, clinical, and medical office procedures in a physician’s office or ambulatory care clinic.
Core Competencies
Demonstrate the core competencies of medical assisting clinical practice.
Clerical and Administrative
Perform clerical and administrative functions required of a medical assistant.
Standards in Healthcare
Practice professional, ethical, and legal standards in healthcare settings.
Professional Behavior
Exhibit professional behavior as defined by the healthcare industry.
Foundational Knowledge
- Medical terminology and language of healthcare
- Human structure and function
- Diseases of the human body and disease prevention
- Legal, ethical, and regulatory aspects of healthcare
Administrative Skills
- Medical office procedures and patient information management
- Insurance basics and billing concepts
- Professional communication and workplace behavior
Clinical Skills
- Collecting health histories and vital signs
- Performing EKGs and basic diagnostic tests
- Specimen collection, processing, and CLIA-waived testing
- Phlebotomy and capillary/venipuncture
- Administering medications under supervision
- Maintaining aseptic technique and safety standards
What You Will Learn
Medical Assisting Student Competencies
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to
- Demonstrate competency in the administrative skills of an entry-level medical assistant by satisfying the learning outcomes (standards) and passing the required courses.
- Demonstrate competency in the clinical skills of an entry-level medical assistant by satisfying the learning outcomes (standards) and passing the required courses.
- Meet the learning expectations of an entry-level medical assistant in the following three domains: cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor, (skills) and affective (behavior).
- Measurement of student success will be their ability to pass the national credentialing examination.
- Demonstrate commitment to professional development by pursuing continuing education and/or membership in a professional organization related to medical assisting.
Health Sections
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Health Sections
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Health Sections
Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis laore est usus legentis in iis qui facit eorum nostrud exerci tation
Health Sections
Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis laore est usus legentis in iis qui facit eorum nostrud exerci tation
Course Highlights
MAC 101 Foundations of Medical Assisting and Clinical Concepts (Weeks 1–4)
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the essential concepts, behaviors, and knowledge required for safe and effective practice as an entry-level Medical Assistant. Learners will explore healthcare delivery systems, scope of practice in Texas, professional conduct, medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, infection control standards, OSHA compliance, and foundational clinical tasks. Emphasis is placed on accurate communication, patient privacy, and the development of professional habits that support high-quality patient care. Students begin hands-on training with vital signs and core safety procedures.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Explain the role, responsibilities, and regulatory boundaries of Medical Assistants.
- Use medical terminology accurately in oral and written communication.
- Demonstrate proper infection control, PPE procedures, and OSHA-aligned safety practices.
- Accurately measure and document vital signs across multiple patient scenarios.
MAC 102 - Clinical Skills I (Weeks 5–10)
Course Description
This course introduces students to the essential concepts, behaviors, and knowledge required for safe and effective practice as an entry-level Medical Assistant. Learners will explore healthcare delivery systems, scope of practice in Texas, professional conduct, medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, infection control standards, OSHA compliance, and foundational clinical tasks. Emphasis is placed on accurate communication, patient privacy, and the development of professional habits that support high-quality patient care. Students begin hands-on training with vital signs and core safety procedures.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Explain the role, responsibilities, and regulatory boundaries of Medical Assistants.
- Use medical terminology accurately in oral and written communication.
- Demonstrate proper infection control, PPE procedures, and OSHA-aligned safety practices.
- Accurately measure and document vital signs across multiple patient scenarios.
MAC 103- Clinical Skills II (Weeks 11–14)
Course Description
This course builds essential competencies in diagnostic testing. Students learn phlebotomy techniques, specimen handling, EKG operation, and basic laboratory testing. Emphasis is placed on patient safety, infection control, and accuracy of diagnostic procedures.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Perform venipuncture and capillary puncture safely and effectively.
- Follow CLIA-waived laboratory testing procedures.
- Conduct a standard 12-lead EKG.
- Interpret basic EKG artifacts and troubleshoot errors.
- Apply safety protocols to minimize pre-analytic and post-analytic errors.
MAC 104 - Administrative Skills (Weeks 15-18)
Course Description
The final course before your externship integrates administrative and clinical knowledge, preparing students for practice and certification. Students study pharmacology basics, medication administration, insurance billing, scheduling, legal compliance, and career success skills.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Describe pharmacology fundamentals relevant to MA practice.
- Perform safe medication administration (non-injectable) within MA scope.
- Apply scheduling, billing, and insurance procedures accurately.
- Demonstrate professionalism and readiness for workplace entry.
- Prepare for the NHA CCMA certification examination.
MAC 105 – Clinical Externship
Course Description
Successful completion of this course will require 120 unpaid hours of clinical and administrative experience in an approved healthcare setting. You will be evaluated on the performance of expected competencies, including a professional credentialing exam, at the end of the course.
What to Expect:
Hands-On Experience: Applying classroom knowledge in real settings, assisting doctors and nurses.
Skill Development: Practicing patient intake, vitals, scheduling, and clinical procedures.
Professional Growth: Gaining confidence, developing communication, and learning workflows.
Job Opportunities: Many externships lead to job offers.
Learning Format & Schedule
Hybrid Delivery
Online theory/lecture via learning management system
On-campus lab sessions in our Houston facility
Daytime clinical/externship hours at affiliated sites
Class Times
Day classes are typically scheduled Monday through Friday between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm, two days per week.
Saturday sessions from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Externship Requirements (Medical Assisting)
Externship Requirements
Successful completion (grade C or better) of required core courses
Current on all tuition payments or approved arrangements
Attendance at mandatory externship orientation
Completion of all assigned clinical/externship hours
Explore More
Admissions Snapshot
High school diploma or equivalent (see full catalog for complete requirements)
18 years of age or older.
Entrance requirements and policies on reentry, transfer credit, and CPR training are described in the Admissions section of the catalog.
Avicenna Allied Health Institute is a non-profit career school based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to preparing students for entry-level roles in allied health. We are proudly approved and licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission. School Number S61325.
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