Academic Catalogs

Medical Assisting CCMA Eligible Program, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_MACE

Control Number: 04005

Financial Aid Eligible


The Medical Assisting program includes specific business and clinical courses that prepare students for employment as clinical and/or administrative assistants in medical offices, clinics, or in related medical and business fields. The coursework can be completed in two semesters, and includes on-the-job experience in a medical office or ambulatory care center.

Orange Coast College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Such accreditation permits graduates of this program to take the California Certified Medical Assistant examination (CCMA) immediately upon graduation. The California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants has been administering the CCMA exam since 1990. CCMA is one of three Boards that is recognized by the Medical Board of California. The medical assisting profession is highly diversified, and the work is challenging and personally rewarding. Employment opportunities are excellent in the expanding health care field.

Program Admission

Allied Health 010 course – application and orientation

Program Outcome

The graduates of the program will be prepared for entry-level employment as a professional and competent Medical Assistant to meet the needs of the local health care community.

Complete the Medical Assisting CCMA Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements section of the catalog.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

Course Title Units
Required Prerequisites
All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to admission to the program.
ALH A010Health Occupations0.5
or ALH A012 Health Occupations for Dental and Medical Assisting
ALH A111Medical Terminology3
BIOL A221Anatomy-Physiology4
Prerequisites Subtotal7.5
Required Courses
ALH A115Patient Care2
ALH A120Human Diseases2
MA A150Medical Assisting Core3
MA A175Administrative Medical Assisting I3
MA A181Clinical Medical Assisting 15
MA A205Administrative Medical Assisting 25
MA A281Medical Assisting Clinical Experience3.5
MA A289Clinical Medical Assisting II Specialty Procedures0.5
Required Courses Subtotal24
Total Units31.5
Requirement Units
Program Major Units 31.5
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Minimum Degree Units 60

CCMA Eligible Program Suggested Electives

ALH A130 Applied Pharmacology
BUS A138 Business English
PHIL A120 Ethics

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
ALH A010 Health Occupations 0.5
ALH A111 Medical Terminology 3
BIOL A221 Anatomy-Physiology 4
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3.5
OCC AS GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units17
Semester 2
OCC AS GE AREA D - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA A2 - CHOOSE ONE 1 3-4
OCC AS GE AREA C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 3-4
Intermediate Algebra (or higher) 2
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 7
 Units19-21
Year 2
Semester 1
Acceptance into the OCC Medical Assisting Program Required (Cohort Restriction)
MA A150 Medical Assisting Core 3
MA A175 Administrative Medical Assisting I 3
MA A181 Clinical Medical Assisting 1 5
ALH A115 Patient Care 2
 Units13
Semester 2
ALH A120 Human Diseases 2
MA A205 Administrative Medical Assisting 2 5
MA A281 Medical Assisting Clinical Experience 3.5
MA A289 Clinical Medical Assisting II Specialty Procedures 0.5
 Units11
 Total Units60-62
1
OCC AS GE AREA A2 - Required if 100-level MATH will not taken to meet Math competency. If MATH A100 or higher will be taken, then needs to take 3-4 degree applicable elective units 
2

Highly recommended for Allied Health programs, some state licenses will require Algebra 2 or higher-level math to be completed at the college level. If MATH 100+ level or above (any math, except MATH A220) is taken, then it also meets OCC AS GE AREA A2.

3

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS