Montgomery County Community College’s Medical Assisting Certificate prepares students for clinical and administrative work in medical offices. Students complete 31 credits, including a six-credit practicum.
Cost, Duration, and Credits
| Item | Program details |
|---|---|
| Award | Medical Assisting Certificate |
| Credits | 31 |
| Full-time sequence | Three continuous semesters |
| Part-time sequence | Five semesters; all requirements must be completed within three years |
| Tuition and identified course fees | Estimated $7,535 for Montgomery County residents; other costs extra |
| Clinical experience | 160-hour practicum, primarily during daytime hours |
| Format | Coursework, skills labs, and clinical placement; confirm section delivery and campus |
| Certification | Main program page identifies AMT RMA and NHA CCMA pathways |
Official program page | Suggested course sequences
Duration and Curriculum
Montco’s full-time plan distributes coursework across 12 credits, 13 credits, and a final six-credit practicum. The part-time plan spreads the same 31 credits across five terms. Placement preparation and course availability may affect completion time.
| Term in full-time plan | Main subjects | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First | Medical terminology, EHR technology, medical law and ethics, clinical procedures I | 12 |
| Second | Office administration, clinical procedures II, laboratory procedures, human body in health and disease | 13 |
| Third | Medical Assisting Practicum | 6 |
Full-time and part-time course plans | 2026–27 catalog
Practicum and Clinical Scheduling
Students complete 160 hours of practical experience in the last semester, primarily during weekday daytime hours. Students arrange their own transportation and may travel to sites across the region.
MAS 130 combines clinical and administrative practice with classroom discussion, a capstone project, and evaluations. Its prerequisites include C or better in clinical procedures II, laboratory procedures, and medical office administration.
Medical Assisting Practicum course | Student handbook
Admission Requirements
Applicants submit a college application with Medical Assisting as the major, code C.MA, and plan their courses with an advisor. English and reading placement must meet the published program levels. Students should confirm the current assessment process and any required preparatory courses.
Before progressing to Clinical Procedures II, students need program orientation, a physical examination, vaccination documentation, a urine drug screen, and required background clearances. Proof of health insurance is also required. Clinical participation depends on meeting the placement site’s requirements.
Montco requires students to complete a national medical assisting certification examination before finishing the program. Required records must be submitted through the college’s designated documentation system.
Official admission and progression requirements.
Tuition and Program Cost
These calculations apply the fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027 per-credit rates to all 31 credits. They assume no winter courses, transfer credits, repeated courses, or future rate changes.
| Residency | Tuition and standard fees | With $405 identified course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County | $7,130 | $7,535 |
| Other Pennsylvania county | $13,051 | $13,456 |
| Out of state | $18,972 | $19,377 |
The standard totals use $230, $421, or $612 per credit, depending on residency. Winter 2026 rates differ. These are calculated estimates, not a complete school-issued program quote.
Identified course fees are MAS 113 at $90, MAS 121 at $75, MAS 123 at $90, and MAS 130 at $150, totaling $405. Substitutions or updated charges can change the total.
Books, uniforms, supplies, liability insurance, health examinations, screenings, clearances, certification testing, and travel can add to the cost. Students should request an itemized program budget before enrolling.
Certification and Accreditation
The main program page identifies AMT’s Registered Medical Assistant and NHA’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant examinations. The 2026–27 catalog also names the AAMA CMA examination and states that the program is CAAHEP accredited upon MAERB’s recommendation.
Montco’s current accreditation overview does not list medical assisting among its professional programs. Applicants should confirm the program’s current accreditation and eligibility for their intended examination directly with Montco before enrolling.
Main program certification information | 2026–27 catalog, printed page 52 | College accreditation overview
Related Medical Office Training
Montco’s 16-credit Medical Office Assistant Certificate of Completion focuses on administrative work. It is a separate award and should not be confused with the 31-credit Medical Assisting Certificate and its clinical practicum.
Official Medical Office Assistant option.
Compare Pennsylvania Programs
Montco health career overview | Pennsylvania medical assistant programs | Northampton medical assistant programs
