Houston Community College – Medical Assistant Program
The Medical Assisting program at Houston Community College (HCC) offers students the opportunity to become skilled professionals in one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields. This program trains students to perform both clinical and administrative duties, making them invaluable assets in various healthcare settings such as clinics, physician offices, and hospitals.
Program Content
HCC’s Medical Assisting curriculum covers a wide range of topics:
- Administrative tasks: Utilizing electronic medical records, scheduling, insurance coding and billing.
- Clinical skills: Drawing blood (phlebotomy), administering injections, performing EKGs, assisting in minor surgeries, and educating patients.
- Additional skills: CPR, pharmacology, anatomy, and patient communication. Students must complete an externship, providing hands-on experience in a real medical facility before graduating.
Program Duration
The Medical Assisting Certificate Level II can typically be completed in one year if attending full-time. This includes both classroom-based instruction and the required externship.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for roles as Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistants (RMA), depending on which certification exam they choose to take. The program also opens pathways to roles in front-desk management, billing, and even more specialized clinical functions. In Houston, Medical Assistants earn an average of $16.66 per hour, with opportunities to work in clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices.
Enrollment and Requirements
To enroll, prospective students must:
- Complete prerequisites: This includes courses like English Composition (ENGL 1301) and Health Professions Skills (HPRS 1201) with a grade of “C” or better.
- Attend an information session: This can be done online or in-person.
- Pass the TSI test (or show proof of an Associate Degree or higher).
- Submit transcripts: High school, college, or GED.
- Pass a background check, drug screening, and a physical exam.
Tuition and Costs
For in-district residents, estimated tuition costs for the Medical Assisting Certificate Level II program are around $682 per semester (for 8 credit hours), plus additional costs for books, uniforms, and medical supplies. The total cost for the program, including entrance fees, background checks, and immunizations, is estimated at around:
| Category | 2023-2024 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees (In-district) | $2,040 |
| Tuition and fees (In-state) | $4,344 |
| Tuition and fees (Out-of-state) | $5,460 |
| Books and supplies | $2,250 |
| Food and Housing (Off Campus) | $9,330 |
| Other expenses (Off Campus) | $4,300 |
| Other expenses (Off Campus with Family) | $6,572 |
| Total Expenses (In-district, Off Campus) | $17,920 |
| Total Expenses (In-district, Off Campus with Family) | $10,862 |
| Total Expenses (In-state, Off Campus) | $20,224 |
| Total Expenses (In-state, Off Campus with Family) | $13,166 |
| Total Expenses (Out-of-state, Off Campus) | $21,340 |
| Total Expenses (Out-of-state, Off Campus with Family) | $14,282 |
How to Enroll
Applications for the fall semester are accepted starting in January, while spring semester applications open in September. Enrollment involves interviews with program faculty, and spaces are limited based on availability.
HCC also offers financial aid for qualifying students to help manage tuition and other program costs.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring that students are well-prepared for certification exams and employment upon graduation.
Houston Locations
Houston Community College (HCC) is a public community college system serving the Houston metropolitan area. Established in 1971, HCC operates multiple campuses and centers across the region, providing accessible education and training to a diverse student population.
Main Administrative Office:
- Address: 3100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
Campuses and Centers:
HCC’s campuses are strategically located throughout Houston to serve various communities. Here are some of the primary campuses:
- Central College:
- Central Campus: 1300 Holman Street, Houston, TX 77004
- South Campus: 1990 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77051
- Coleman College for Health Sciences:
- Coleman Campus: 1900 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030
- Northeast College:
- Northeast Campus: 555 Community College Drive, Houston, TX 77013
- Northline Campus: 8001 Fulton Street, Houston, TX 77022
- Northwest College:
- Alief Bissonnet Campus: 13803 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77083
- Alief Hayes Campus: 2811 Hayes Road, Houston, TX 77082
- Katy Campus: 22910 Colonial Parkway, Houston, TX 77449
- Spring Branch Campus: 1010 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77043
- Southeast College:
- Eastside Campus: 6815 Rustic Street, Houston, TX 77087
- Felix Fraga Academic Campus: 301 N Drennan Street, Houston, TX 77003
- Southwest College:
- Brays Oaks Campus: 8855 W Bellfort Blvd, Houston, TX 77031
- Missouri City Campus: 1600 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489
- Stafford Campus: 10041 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477
- West Loop Campus: 5601 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77081
For a comprehensive list of all HCC locations, including specialized centers and their hours of operation, please visit the HCC Locations page.
Transportation and Accessibility:
Many HCC campuses are accessible via Houston’s METRO public transportation system. For example, the Central Campus in Midtown is served by the METRORail at the Ensemble/HCC Station. Students are encouraged to check local transit routes and schedules for the most convenient access.
Contact Information:
- General Inquiries: 713-718-2000
- Website: www.hccs.edu
HCC is committed to providing high-quality, affordable education and training opportunities to meet the needs of the Houston community.