Support Patients and Health Professionals as a Medical Assistant
Start your rewarding career in health care with St. Louis Community College's medical assistant (MA) short-term career training program. Our hands-on training provides you with the skills you need to succeed in medical settings, from patient care to office tasks. You'll learn everything necessary to become a vital part of any health care team.
What is Medical Assistant Training at St. Louis Community College?
Earn as you learn with the MA short-term career training. This full-time program combines face-to-face classroom instruction, hands-on skill labs and online coursework with paid clinical training at a partnering clinic or medical office.
By completing this program, you'll learn the skills to deliver quality care as a vital member of the health care team. You'll be equipped to perform a variety of essential tasks, including:
- Taking vital signs and preparing patients for health care providers.
- Drawing blood, collecting specimens and performing lab tests.
- Sterilizing supplies and readying patient rooms.
- First aid and emergency procedures.
- Appointment scheduling, insurance verification and billing and coding.
This training prepares you to earn the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential supported by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
What Can You Do as a Medical Assistant?
After completing this program, you’ll work for two years as a full-time certified medical assistant with the employer training partner. You'll apply your skills, support patient care and gain valuable experience. With additional training, you can advance to become a medical office manager, patient coordinator or explore roles in nursing and allied health.
Medical Assistant Short-Term Career Training
- Locations: Florissant Valley, Forest Park
- Duration: 6+ months
- Format: Hybrid
- Student cost: Employer funded. Requires a two-year employment commitment to the employer partner.
- Employer partners: BJC Medical Group, SSM Health
- Award: Certificate of Completion
- Industry credentials: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Basic Life Support Provider
Get Started
This earn-as-you-learn program is delivered in collaboration with clinical employer partners. Enrollment is selective. You must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered. To get started:
- Complete your MA training application.
- Watch your email for instructions to:
- Enroll in the Family Care Safety Registry.
- Submit an updated copy of your resume.
- Complete an employment-readiness screening.
- Staff will notify you if you are selected to interview.
Admission Requirements
This program combines training and employment. Enrollment is selective. You must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered.
Before you apply you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Meet the transfer eligibility requirements if currently employed with the employer partner.
After you apply you will be required to:
- Register with the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry.
- Demonstrate academic and career readiness.
- Complete interviews with STLCC and employer partner staff.
- Pass a criminal background check, drug screen panel and physical exam with proof of immunizations or titers.
Technology Requirements
This is a hybrid training program. To participate, you will need:
- A computer with an external keyboard.
- Reliable internet access.
- The ability to operate a computer and work with files.
- The ability to navigate the internet and use online applications.
A limited number of devices are available for check-out and free internet is available to students while on STLCC’s campus.
Class Schedule
Upcoming Classes
New classes begin every 3-6 months. Planning is currently underway for spring 2025. Check back later in the year for more information or apply today to get started.
Training Schedule
The MA program is 6+ months. This full-time training combines a rotation of classroom instruction, skill labs, online coursework and clinical practice at a clinic or medical office. Exact weekly training hours vary. Students must be available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Why You Should Choose STLCC's Medical Assistant Program
Gain Real-World Experience
Immerse yourself in hands-on clinical settings to enhance your skills and confidence. Our program includes clinical placements in partnering clinics and medical offices, giving you the practical experience needed to excel in real-world health care environments.
Short-Term Training
STLCC’s short-term training programs are designed to quickly equip students with the skills needed for immediate employment. These programs focus on practical, hands-on learning to ensure students are job-ready upon completion.
Earn as You Learn
Each class is delivered in partnership with a health care organization that provides tuition funding and paid on-the-job training that begins at the start of the program.
Gain Industry Credentials
Students completing the MA program earn nationally recognized Basic Life Support and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credentials, so employers know they have the skills to begin working as certified MAs.