WMCC offers a well-established, nationally recognized Medical Assistant (MA) certificate that prepares students to be Medical Assistants in a variety of outpatient medical settings. When students complete the certificate program, they are eligible to take the AAMA National Certification Examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant. WMCC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).  

The certificate emphasizes professionalism, medical ethics, and team-based learning. Its curriculum is comprehensive, preparing students for the complex demands in medical offices. The course of study requires students to complete a variety of administrative and clinical competencies, such as preparing and administering medications and vaccines; assisting with patient exams and minor outpatient surgical procedures; collecting and preparing specimens for microbiological testing; maintaining infection control and sterilization techniques; managing electronic medical records; obtaining vital signs; and performing medical billing, patient scheduling, medical coding, laboratory testing, and phlebotomy. 

This certificate allows students to transfer credits in the Associate of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Area of Concentration in Medical Assisting, along with providing a pathway into an LPN or RN Program. The WMCC Medical Assistant Program is also approved by the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) as a Community Health Worker (CHW) education provider. 

Admission Requirements: All Medical Assistant applicants must: 

• Meet all college requirements for admission 

• Have no felony convictions 

Acceptance Provisions: Students accepted into the Medical Assistant program must: 

1. Submit a completed health record within the past year, including proof of required immunizations. 
2. Have professional liability insurance for clinical classes and the internship (available through the College). 
3. Possess and maintain personal health insurance or show acceptance into a sliding scale fee for a primary care provider and hospital coverage for clinical classes and the internship. 
4. Have completed BIOL120W and OTM117W within five (5) years of beginning MEDA101W at WMCC to be eligible for transfer credit. 
5. Maintain a grade of C+ or above in BIOL120W and all OTM and MEDA classes. If a grade of C+ or above is not maintained, students may repeat the course only once. Students who do not earn a minimum grade of C+ or above in MEDA101W, MEDA201W, and MEDA203W must meet with the MA Program Coordinator to assess whether program completion is feasible. Students who do not complete these courses in sequence may be required to demonstrate competency before continuing the program.  
6. Provide an approved criminal background check through the College-approved vendor. This background check must be initiated no earlier than March 15 of spring semester. Students must also complete certain health-screening requirements prior to the start of an internship, including drug screening, which is to be completed by the Androscoggin Valley Hospital Occupational Health Department within thirty (30) days of the beginning of the internship class. 

[Note: Provision #3 must be completed before the first day of MEDA201W.] 

Graduate Success Rates: The 2024-2025 Medical Assistant class cohort averages: 

Job Placement: 88.89% 

Student Retention: 83.33% 

CMA National Examination Pass Rate: 100% 

Health Considerations 

As per College policy, students during learning experiences must not jeopardize the health, well-being, or confidentiality of clients, patients, or medical information. Therefore, students in office or clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient professionalism and emotional stability to withstand the stresses, uncertainties, and changing circumstances that accompany the responsibilities associated with these experiences. Without sufficient professionalism and emotional stability, they are removed from placement. Furthermore, students are expected to have the professionalism and emotional stability to exercise sound judgment and to accept directions and guidance from supervisors or faculty members. They must also be capable of establishing professional rapports and maintaining sensitive interpersonal relationships with employers, clients, patients, and their families. 

Students must also be aware that site placements require criminal background checks, proof of insurance, general health statements from personal providers, as well as additional titers or vaccinations beyond what the College requires. 

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

• Utilize medical terminology and comply with HIPAA in charting and while communicating with other healthcare professionals, the patient, and family members.
• Identify common pathology for each body system and incorporate critical thinking skills when collecting patient data and performing patient care.
• Prepare patients and assist the provider for examination or procedures.
• Collect and prepare laboratory specimens, as well as perform basic laboratory testing.
• Prepare and administer parenteral and oral medications.
• Perform electrocardiograms and respiratory testing.
• Perform front office duties such as using practice management software to schedule appointments, create a medical record, obtain reimbursement, and to record consent.
• Perform all duties within the Medical Assistant scope of practice.
• Appreciate diversity, differing beliefs, value systems, and individual opinions.
• Demonstrate the cognitive, psychomotor skills, and effective competencies by qualifying to take the CMA(AAMA) national exam.