Why become a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant (MA) is a vital, versatile healthcare professional who works side by side with doctors, nurses, and patients. MAs handle a mix of hands-on clinical tasks and important office work that keeps medical practices running smoothly — in doctors’ offices, clinics, and urgent care centers. This is an excellent entry-level role for anyone interested in healthcare, offering plenty of opportunities to grow into nursing, healthcare management, or specialized medical careers.
What does the job entail?
- Medical Assistants serve as the vital link between patients and healthcare providers, handling both administrative and clinical responsibilities that keep medical offices running smoothly.
- On the administrative side, they manage patient check-ins, schedule appointments, maintain medical records, and handle billing and insurance tasks.
- Clinically, they take patient histories and vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, assist physicians during procedures, collect lab specimens, and may administer medications or perform basic lab tests depending on state regulations.
- Most Medical Assistants work full-time in physicians’ offices, clinics, and outpatient facilities during regular business hours, providing essential patient-facing support that ensures quality healthcare delivery at physician offices, outpatient centers, hospitals, and urgent care.
The Course
Launch your healthcare career in just 16 weeks with our comprehensive Medical Assistant Certificate program at Lakes Region Community College. This fast-track, 2-evenings per week, hybrid program combines 72+ hours of online classroom instruction, in-person lab instruction, and an 80-hour clinical externship at local medical offices, preparing you for both administrative and clinical responsibilities in physician offices.
What You’ll Learn
Master essential skills including:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Phlebotomy
- Pharmacology
- Vital signs, electronic medical records
- Patient care
- Professional healthcare ethics
During your 4-week externship (20 hours/week), you’ll gain hands-on experience with:
- Patient interactions
- Diagnostic testing
- Medication administration
- Office management under professional supervision
What skills does a Medical Assistant need?
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Organizational and multitasking abilities
- Basic clinical knowledge and manual dexterity
- Empathy and a calm demeanor
In New Hampshire, the average hourly wage for a medical assistant is about $23. The average annual salary is about $47,770.
16 weeks total. 2-evenings per week, hybrid program combines 72+ hours of online classroom instruction, in-person lab instruction, and an 80-hour clinical externship at local medical office.
$5,600 + fees (excludes uniform and vaccinations)
- CRN: 10869
- Course#: NCHC 200L
- Location: Lakes Region Community College Campus
- Schedule
- Aug 27 – Oct 22: In-Person Lab on Wednesdays, (4-8pm)
- Sept 2 (Tue), Sept 8- Oct 27: On-line Class on Mondays, (4-8pm)
- Nov 3 – Nov 28: Practicum at clinical locations
- Dec 1 & 3: Review (4-8pm) and Dec 8: Certification Exam
- Concord Hospital
- My Turn
- NH Employment Security
