MiraCosta College Launches Medical Assistant Program Offering a Low-cost, Fast-track to Medical Careers

North County students now have a low-cost way to start their careers in the fast-growing medical industry through the MiraCosta College Medical Assistant Program, beginning this fall.

The district is offering an affordable two-semester program that prepares students for careers in medical clinics, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, and other locations. The program sets students on a lasting career path with an average starting pay of $35,000.

The MiraCosta Medical Assistant Program is a low-cost alternative to private career colleges and meets the demands of North County San Diego medical offices, hospitals, and clinics. Students learn physiology, patient advocacy, medical terminology, insurance billing, and patient processing.

“Our population is growing and getting older. The Medical Assistant Program helps the medical industry meet the growing need for well-trained workers,” said Associate Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Sandy Comstock.
 
Comstock helped start the program in January 2019, after the college kept getting inquiries from area hospitals and clinics to see if it was a program MiraCosta could offer. The program provides 160 hours of online, in-class, and clinical instruction at MiraCosta and at nearby hospitals and clinics.  Furthermore, the program meets national standards and prepares students for certificate examinations in the medical industry. “This program is perfect for someone who wants to work in a challenging, exciting environment, and who wants to help people,” Comstock said.

Students interested in the program must be at least 17 years old, a high school graduate, and take a few prerequisite classes at MiraCosta College. While space is limited within each training cohort, MiraCosta will help students prepare so they can get a jump on the program.

The cost of the program is about $2,000. But starting in fall 2019, the MiraCosta College Promise waives tuition for up to two years and is extended to ALL first-time college students enrolled in 12+ units a semester. Additionally, MiraCosta already provides students free access to support services, such as academic counseling and educational planning. To apply, visit MAP Application Packet. Learn more about the Medical Assistant Program.