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UCLA Health Medical Assistant Program

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The UCLA Medical Assistant Program (MAP), offered through a partnership between UCLA Health and UCLA Extension, combines the theory and practical experience necessary to prepare students to transition successfully into a career as a medical assistant.

Courses
13 Required
F-1 Visa Eligible

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This program is perfect for...

Health care administrative personnel that want to transition into clinical practice
Students looking to start their career in medical assisting
Allied health professionals interested in expanding their skill set
Recent high school graduates starting their career track in allied health care

What you can learn.

Perform basic clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and collecting samples for testing
Perform administrative tasks in a medical office
Using various health information system technologies and medical equipment
Acquire the knowledge necessary to pass various certification exams

Train to be a health care professional.

Medical assistants play an essential role in providing health care. They take vital signs, administer medications and perform administrative tasks, helping physicians care for patients.

The UCLA Medical Assistant Program (MAP), offered through a partnership between UCLA Health and UCLA Extension, combines the theory and practical experience necessary to prepare students to transition successfully into a career as a medical assistant.

Instructors are working nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals working in the medical field. They maintain strong professional ties to respected organizations and are leading health care reform at UCLA Health.

female medical professional smilling in scrubs

  • The four-quarter program includes 68 units of course work and 200 hours of clinical internship hours.
  • Course of study prepares students for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) National Certified Medical Assistants (NCMA) exam.
  • Curriculum is reviewed and approved by an advisory board comprised of practitioners in the field, industry leaders and UCLA physicians, nurses and administrators from UCLA academic departments.
  • A college degree is not required to enter the program.

The UCLA Medical Assistant Program is an integral part of UCLA Health. The Program shares the mission, vision, and values of the Health System, which are:

  • Mission is to deliver leading-edge patient care, research, and education.
  • Vision is to heal humankind, one patient at a time, by improving health, alleviating suffering and delivering acts of kindness.
  • Values ensure Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence and Discovery on the work we do daily.

In alignment with the UCLA Health Mission, Vision, and Values, the Medical Assistant Program overarching goal is to provide premiere academic and technical training to develop the most highly competent medical assistants who can contribute to healing humankind, one patient at a time, by improving health, alleviating suffering, and delivering acts of kindness to meet the needs of the health care community.

In alignment with UCLA’s mission, the MA Program’s leaders established the vision to be the leading-edge educational program for Medical Assistants while providing an opportunity to persons who share UCLA values regardless of financial means.

The Medical Assistant Program at UCLA is pleased to report the following outcomes.

2019 to 2023 Outcome Averages

  • MA Certification: The five-year average exam passage rate for 2019 to 2023 is 100%.
  • Retention: The five-year average program retention rate from 2019 to 2023 is 86.61%.
  • Job Placement: The five-year average job placement rate from 2019 to 2023 is 90.80%.  
Source: MAERB 2024 Annual Report Form

 

CAAHEP logo

The UCLA Health Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs | 25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763 | (727) 210-2350

 

After Graduation

Certification Exam

Course of study prepares students for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) National Certified Medical Assistants (NCMA) exam. For information on the exam, visit the National Center for Competency Testing's website.

Join the UCLA Alumni Association

UCLA Extension’s certificate program graduates are considered UCLA Alumni and are able to access resources that are only available to members of the UCLA Alumni Association. Learn more.

Career Opportunities

UCLA Health currently employs over 500 Medical Assistants and there are many open positions for which our program graduates are strongly encouraged to apply. The current starting salary for Medical Assistants at UCLA Health is 13% above the national median. More information on UCLA Health career opportunities.

female medical assistant smiling at patient
Tuition Discounts Available:Cost of tuitionScholarship /
donor support		Student responsibility
Applicants employed by
UCLA Health		$23,000Up to $21,000As low as $2,000
Applicants not employed by
UCLA Health		$23,000Up to $18,000As low as $5,000

Get Started

Step 1: Enroll in a Course
Courses in this program are open enrollment and paid for individually. You may take courses without committing to the program.
See Courses
Step 2: Become a Candidate
Establish candidacy in the program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and access exclusive student benefits. Registration fees vary by program and are listed under Cost and Fees.

Cost and Fees

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
Application and Candidacy Fee
$200
Estimated Textbooks and Materials
N/A
Estimated Program Tuition
$23000

Payment Options

Required Courses

MED X 410.1

Medical Terminology

This course is a comprehensive introduction to terminology used in the medical field. Emphasis is placed on defining medical terms and abbreviations, understanding basic human anatomy, and documenting medical terms.
MED X 411.1

Human Anatomy and Physiology and Pathophysiology I

This course is an introduction of human anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on structure and function of human cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Students also learn basics of nutrition.
MED X 411.4

Pharmacology for Medical Assistants

This course offers a basic introduction to pharmacology including the classifications, precautions, contraindications, side effects, and administering of commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals.
MED X 412.1

Human Anatomy/Physiology & Pathophysiology II

This UCLA Medical Assistant program course is an introduction to pathophysiology with an emphasis on common pathology related to each body system.
MED X 412.2

Phlebotomy

This UCLA Medical Assistant program course teaches students to perform venipuncture. Students will identify the CLIA waived tests associated with common diseases.
MED X 413.1

Externship

Students will be assigned to a clinical setting for meaningful practicum experience where they will be able to demonstrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of the UCLA Extension Core Curriculum under the direction of an instructor and preceptor as they perform clinical and administrative duties.
MED X 413.3

Medical Assisting Exam Review

This course is designed to help students prepare for the state exam. In addition to a review of Medical Assistant duties and skills, students will practice test taking strategies and study techniques and will develop a time management routine for the exam.

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