Medical Assistant is a Certificate Of Completion program (Hybrid) offered by Compass Career College in Hammond, LA. The program takes 48 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $10,080.
Program Overview
The Medical Assistant program at Compass Career College provides students with an introduction to the knowledge and practical skills often used in medical offices, clinics, and other healthcare environments. This program is designed to combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences that reflect the workflow of modern healthcare settings. Students are introduced to a variety of administrative and clinical concepts commonly associated with medical assisting.
This program is designed to prepare students for a variety of entry-level positions in the healthcare field. Students complete coursework in direct patient care, phlebotomy, clinical procedures, pharmacology, medical office operations, and electronic health records. As part of the Medical Assistant curriculum, students complete the Nurse Aide Training coursework, providing a foundation in direct patient care and creating the opportunity to earn an embedded Nurse Aide Training credential upon successful completion of applicable coursework and regulatory requirements.
Hands-On Medical Assistant Training. Hands-on learning is a key part of the Medical Assistant program experience. Students practice skills in a supervised learning environment designed to simulate real-world healthcare settings. Small class sizes help create an environment where students can receive individual attention and personalized instruction as they develop their skills.
What sets this Program apart
Hands-On Learning. Students learn by doing. Our hands-on training approach builds confidence and develops the practical job skills needed in today's competitive job market.
Experienced Instructors. Our instructors bring real-world industry experience into the classroom, giving students insights that go beyond textbooks — and beyond what online courses can offer.
Career-Oriented Programs. Compass Career College offers state-approved career training programs designed to prepare students for employment in Louisiana's growing industries.
Open Admissions. Compass Career College maintains an open-admission philosophy and is committed to providing access to career training. Admission to programs is based on established requirements and availability. Some programs have specific admission criteria or limited enrollment.
Supportive Learning Environment. Students benefit from a supportive educational community where instructors and staff are committed to helping each student succeed from day one.
Dedicated Workforce Development. Compass Career College focuses on career training, workforce development, and practical education — helping students gain the skills relevant to today’s workforce.
Admission Requirements and Process
The admission process begins with an enrollment application. Please bring photo identification, your high school diploma or your general equivalency diploma. Bring any academic transcripts you may have, which will be evaluated for transfer credits. If you have previously earned certifications other than your high school diploma, bring these with you.
The Medical Assistant program uses open acceptance admissions, so there are no entrance exams or placement tests. Criminal background screening is required for clinical participation; certain findings may prevent clinical placement and may affect eligibility for certification examinations, and externship sites may also require background screening or additional clearances prior to placement.
General Requirements
- Application for AdmissionSubmit a completed enrollment application.
- Proof of identityProvide a valid government-issued photo identification for identity verification purposes; digital photo I.D.s are not accepted.
- Social Security number verificationProvide documentation sufficient to verify a Social Security number when required for federal financial aid eligibility, employment eligibility, or licensure purposes.
- Secondary education credentialProvide an official high school diploma and transcript, recognized high school equivalency credential, or other approved credential in accordance with federal and state…
- Criminal background screeningSubmit the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals required criminal background screening; certain findings may prevent clinical placement and may affect eligibility for…
- TB test and immunizationsSubmit a TB skin test and proof of 2 MMR and a tetanus within 10 years, or sign a waiver prior to admission.
- OrientationAll admitted students must attend mandatory orientation prior to beginning classes.
Application Process
- 1Submit an enrollment applicationSubmit an enrollment application for admission with the $20 non-refundable application fee.
- 2Provide identificationProvide original valid photo I.D. (driver’s license, passport, military ID, state issued ID, etc.) and your original social security card. Digital photo I.D.s are not accepted.
- 3Provide your diploma and transcriptsProvide an official valid high school diploma/transcript or high school equivalency, plus any academic transcripts to be evaluated for credit and any current certifications earned.
- 4Complete background screening and health recordsSubmit the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals required criminal background screening, a TB skin test, and proof of 2 MMR and a tetanus within 10 years or sign a waiver prior to admission.
- 5Make financial arrangementsApply for funding from the various sources available through Compass Career College if you qualify, or sign an internal payment contract if paying out of pocket; students who qualify for Title IV funding complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note.
- 6Attend orientationStudents must attend orientation prior to the first day of class.
Program Schedule
Classes are held Monday through Thursday. Class times are 8:30 am - 1:45 pm, with a lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Clinical and externship experiences are scheduled in coordination with affiliated facilities and may include day, evening, night, or weekend assignments.
Allied Health programs begin approximately every 6 weeks. The next Medical Assistant start in Hammond is November 30, 2026.
- November 30th, 2026
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Program costs.
- Tuition: $10,080
- Registration Fee: $100
- Supply Fee: $455
- ID Badge & Lanyard: $10
- Instructional Materials: $780
- C.N.A. State Certification: $125
- CPR Certification: $50
Total contract price. $11,600.
Instructional materials. This fee covers required instructional materials, which may include textbooks, workbooks, study guides, or electronic learning resources, as applicable to the program. Prices of required text are determined by various publishers and subject to change.
Registration fee. A one-time, non-refundable fee (except as required by law) assessed at enrollment to cover administrative costs associated with application processing, enrollment documentation, and student record setup. A $20 application fee is also listed on the College's online payment page.
Financial aid. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Students interested in financial assistance should apply online using the Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); Compass Career College's federal school code is 040403. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to remain eligible to receive federal financial aid.
Financial assistance programs. Compass Career College participates in various financial assistance programs, which may include Federal Student Aid Programs (including Pell Grants and Direct Loans), TOPS Tech, the MJ Foster Promise Program, Louisiana National Guard Education Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Louisiana Workforce Investment Act (WIOA), the CHAFEE Educational and Training Voucher, Motivational Education and Training (MET), the Louisiana START Saving Program and AmeriCorps. At this time, Compass Career College does not offer institutional scholarships.
Payment options. Students who are not using financial aid enter into an institutional payment agreement (internal payment contract); payment plan options are available. Title IV funds go towards the student’s contract costs which include tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Net price calculator. A Medical Assistant net price calculator is available on the College's Net Price Calculator page.
Curriculum
The Medical Assistant curriculum is 800 clock hours, 48 weeks full time: 334 lecture hours, 220 lab hours and 246 clinical/externship hours. Courses marked with an asterisk are delivered in a hybrid format; all tests are administered in person on campus, and all phlebotomy skills are performed in person. The program is all-encompassing, with CNA training, phlebotomy, EKG, and CPR built into one course of study, and ends with a 200-hour supervised clinical externship in a real medical office setting.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Medical Assistant program are prepared for entry-level employment in a variety of healthcare settings. Potential employment opportunities may include Medical Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Medical Receptionist, Patient Care Coordinator, Patient Care Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, Nurse Aide, Home Health Aide, and other related healthcare support positions, subject to employer requirements and applicable certification or credentialing standards.
Certifications may include:
- BLS Provider (CPR) – American Heart Association
- Nurse Aide Competency Exam (CNA) – Prometric
- Nationally Registered Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NRCPT) – National Association of Health Professionals
- Nationally Registered Certified EKG Technician (NRCEKG) – National Association of Health Professionals
- Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) – National Association of Health Professionals
Completion of the program does not guarantee certification or employment outcomes.
Student outcomes (2023-2024 aid year). Completion rate 65%; placement rate 73%; licensure rate N/A. These rates are calculated according to the guidelines set forth by our National Accreditor the Council on Occupational Education.
Job placement assistance. The College provides job placement assistance to students and graduates to support their transition from education to employment related to their field of study. Compass Career College does not guarantee employment. Job placement assistance is provided as a support service and is available at no additional cost to graduates.
What to expect as a Compass Career College student
Medical Training Campus. Compass Career College is located at 42353 Deluxe Plaza, Hammond, Louisiana. Business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Compass Career College utilizes equipment comparable to that used in the student’s chosen field of study. Compass’ Medical Training Campus is housed in a 7,500 square foot building. The facility is comprised of six classrooms. One is primarily used for phlebotomy, one is a computer lab, one classroom is practical nurse training, and the remainder of the classrooms are used for other lecture courses.
Student parking. Student parking is located at the rear of the building. Students must enter the building through the rear door labeled Student Entrance.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Compass Career College is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), reaffirmed in 2023 for six years, and licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Regents.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Main Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
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