Medical Assisting

Certificate of Achievement Allied Health · Sierra College · 2026-2027 Catalog

Successful completion of the Medical Assisting Program certificate prepares the student with the knowledge, skills and qualities necessary for the medical assisting profession. The medical assistant acquires a broad scope of skills which makes him/her a valuable allied health professional within the ambulatory care setting. During this program, students will learn and demonstrate vital signs, EKGs, venipunctures, injections, assist with minor office surgeries and patient education, as well as medical office administrative tasks. Students will also learn basic anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. This comprehensive education allows graduates to find employment in clinics, urgent‐care facilities, primary care and specialty physician offices. Medical assistants are also employed in medical laboratories, surgical centers, and electrocardiography departments in hospitals, government agencies and educational institutions. Core coursework will be fulfilled in two semesters, followed by a 160‐hour externship. A certificate of achievement will be earned after completing all courses with a grade of “C” or better and successfully passing the externship (ALH 0009). The certificate is designed to focus on providing specific career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

CourseTitleUnits
ALH 0001Electronic Health Record/Billing2.5
ALH 0002Medical Coding3
ALH 0003Introduction to Pharmacology for Medical Assisting2.5
ALH 0004Physical Exam Procedures3
ALH 0005Medical Office Procedures4
ALH 0006Medical Office Laboratory Procedures3
ALH 0007Medical Asepsis and Surgical Procedures3.5
ALH 0008Medication Administration and Injection Procedures3
ALH 0009Medical Assisting Clinical Practicum Experience3
Total Units27.5

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