Become a certified medical assistant at TCC

A new program offered by Tidewater Community College’s Center for Workforce Solutions allows students to earn an industry credential in clinical medical assisting at minimal cost.

Clinical medical assistants perform a variety of functions to support patient care. They are in high demand, according to the Department of Labor, which ranks the field as the sixth fastest growing job in the United States.

It is among the programs available at TCC as part of the General Assembly-funded New Virginia Economy Workforce Credential Grant program, announced recently by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

Students pay the first one-third of the course cost at the time of registration. Upon completion of the course and credential, the remaining two-thirds will be paid by the Workforce Credential Grant.

The full cost of the clinical medical assisting program is $3,240. With the workforce grant, a student would pay $1,080. In addition, those who meet certain eligibility requirements can receive financial assistance that could pay up to 90 percent of the upfront cost.

Two sessions will be offered:

Evening program: 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 20 through Dec. 15 on TCC’s Virginia Beach Campus.
Daytime program: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from Oct. 3 to Jan. 9 on the Portsmouth Campus.

If you are interested in clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, or certified professional coder, you can attend an informational open house on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Regional Health Professions Center, Room MN 216 on the Virginia Beach Campus. Instructors and representatives from each program will be on hand to answer questions.

Students who complete the medical assisting program are qualified to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association. The exam fee is included in tuition.

An 120-hour externship will provide hands-on experience.

Graduates are equipped to assist physicians with examinations and treatments; take medical histories; perform diagnostic tests; expose X-ray films; sterilize instruments and supplies; assist with minor surgery; and administer medications.

Other TCC programs eligible for the Workforce Credential Grant are:

Medical billing and coding
Certified professional coder exam prep
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Network+
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

“By studying labor data indicators and industry input, we’ve identified a list of eligible credentials that can lead to sustainable employment,” said Corey McCray, vice president for Workforce Solutions. “What’s wonderful about this program is students can attain these credentials at a fraction of the cost they would normally pay.”

The credentials are for jobs that require specific skills, but not necessarily a college degree. Studies show that an industry credential improves the chances of someone getting a job and earning more than a person without a high school diploma or GED.

For information on any of the industry credential programs, call 757-822-1234 or email wfdinfo@tcc.edu.