Start your journey towards a rewarding career in healthcare through CWI's Medical Assistant Credit and new Apprenticeship programs.
Read more about Embark on Your Healthcare Career Journey Through Medical AssistingMedical Assistant
Prepare for a Fulfilling Career Supporting Doctors and Nurses in Medical Settings
Program Overview
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare? The Medical Assistant program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers a pathway to a fulfilling career, directly supporting doctors and nurses in medical settings. This program is focused on equipping you with the skills needed for patient care, laboratory procedures, and administrative duties.
At CWI, you will experience a blend of classroom learning and practical training in medical labs, preparing you for real-life scenarios. You will learn from dedicated instructors who are experienced healthcare professionals, ensuring you get the latest insights and techniques in medical assistance. Whether you choose to earn an Intermediate Technical Certificate, which can be completed in as little as eight (8) months, or pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree, you will be well on your way to certification and opportunities within the healthcare sector.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Applied Science
Intermediate Technical Certificate
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1 – 2 years
Primary Location
Learning Opportunities
- Clinical Skills: Master essential clinical procedures and patient care techniques in a supportive learning environment.
- Laboratory Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience in medical laboratory procedures, becoming proficient in various tests and analyses.
- Administrative Acumen: Learn the intricacies of medical office administration from patient scheduling to record keeping.
- Certification Preparation: Prepare for certification exams, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, enhancing your employability in the healthcare sector.
- Real-World Experience: Participate in clinical externships, applying your skills in actual medical settings.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Earn while you learn through CWI's partnerships with Full Circle Health and Terry Reilly Health Services offering apprenticeship opportunities and on-the-job training to Medical Assistant students.
Contact Apprenticeship Navigator, Laura Bagley, at 208.562.2646 or laurabagley@cwi.edu to learn more.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Medical Assistant – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Degree Requirements
Cost: $9,160
Medical Assistant – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $5,158
Student Outcomes
The following are outcomes for the Medical Assistant Intermediate Technical Certificate program as reported in the 2023 Annual Report Form from the MAERB for the College's five-year, cumulative average for the years 2018-2022:
- Retention Rate: 95.29%
- Employer Satisfaction Rate: 100%
- Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 100%
Career Opportunities
Postsecondary Teachers
1434
Annual Openings*
$35.69
Hourly Median Wage*
$74,235
Annual Median Salary
45.6%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Medical Assistants
Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.
739
Annual Openings*
$18.48
Hourly Median Wage*
$38,438
Annual Median Salary
29.96%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Medical Assistant as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Program Accreditation
The mission of CWI's Medical Assistant program is to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and effective (behavior) learning domains.
The Medical Assistant Intermediate Technical Certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th St. N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727.210.2350
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Medical Assistant
Requirements for professional licensure in healthcare and other fields vary from state to state. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state or territory you intend to work to verify this program meets licensure requirements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
News
Enter the exciting, life-changing world of Medical Assisting through the College’s Credit program.
Read more about Become a Medical Assistant and Make a Difference
College of Western Idaho invites anyone interested in or thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare to attend the 2022 Health Professions Open House Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Read more about 2022 Fall Health Professions Open House
Professional Nursing and Surgical Technology students enjoy food and networking during a barbecue hosted by Saint Alphonsus.
Read more about Saint Alphonsus Hosts BBQ for CWI Healthcare Students
College of Western Idaho students performed blood draws during National Medical Assistants Week, Oct. 16-20.
Read more about National Medical Assistants Week
The CWI Foundation received a $2,000 grant from the John William Jackson Fund.
Read more about Grant Opens Doors for Health Science StudentsRequest More Information
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