Medical Assisting is a Diploma program offered by Fortis College in Norfolk, VA. The program takes 36 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $16,686.
Program Overview
Medical assistants play an integral part in performing administrative and clinical tasks that support physicians and other healthcare professionals. With changes in the healthcare industry, the need for well-trained medical assistants has grown significantly. The Medical Assisting program provides training for those who wish to work in the clinical and administrative areas of health care and prepares students for entry-level employment in a healthcare setting.
Students develop front-office skills with an introduction to health insurance and basic billing, and back-office clinical skills such as minor clinical procedures, EKG, phlebotomy, injections, and lab screenings. Students also learn to observe Universal Precautions, OSHA regulations, HIPAA requirements, confidentiality, and the legal aspects of an allied health environment.
What sets this Program apart
- Earn a Medical Assisting diploma in 36 weeks.
- Training in both clinical skills (EKG, phlebotomy, injections, lab) and front-office administration.
- Includes a required externship in a healthcare setting before graduation.
- Prepares graduates to sit for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
- Accredited by ABHES.
General Requirements
- A high school diploma or its recognised equivalent, with documentation. Foreign credentials must be translated into English and evaluated as equivalent or higher by a NACES-member service.
- You must be at least 17 years old when your program of study starts.
- Complete an applicant information form and interview with an admissions advisor or other administrative staff.
- Achieve the minimum score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE). For Medical Assisting at this campus the published minimum is 11. A passing score is valid for three years.
- Meet all financial obligations and complete the tuition payment requirements.
- Sign the Fortis enrollment agreement once accepted.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited program means your education has met independently reviewed quality standards designed to protect students.
Medical Assisting at Fortis College in Norfolk is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which also accredits the campus.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Independently reviewed against published standards
- Recognised by employers in the field
Accreditations
Application Process
- 1Speak to an admissions advisorEvery applicant is assigned an admissions advisor who explains the curriculum and policies and books the interviews you need.
- 2Submit your documentationProvide proof of high school completion and complete the applicant information form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure Fortis receives every required document.
- 3Sit the Wonderlic SLETake the Scholastic Level Exam and reach this program’s published minimum. Accommodations must be requested under the catalog’s policy — campus staff cannot approve them.
- 4Financial aidFortis participates in federal student aid including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, PLUS Loans and Federal Work-Study. File the FAFSA and meet the campus financial aid office.FAFSA Code for Fortis College in Norfolk: 016605Complete FAFSA Application
- 5Sign the enrollment agreementAdmission decisions weigh your fulfilment of the requirements, your previous educational records and your career interests.
Program Schedule
Classes meet mornings, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Required externship hours may be scheduled outside of typical class sessions.
The program is 46 quarter credits (780 contact hours), completed in 36 weeks, delivered on-campus.
An externship is included so students can apply their knowledge and skills in a real healthcare setting. Required externship hours must be completed before graduation. Students are not paid for work performed at the externship site.
- September 21st, 2026
- November 02nd, 2026
- December 14th, 2026
Curriculum
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHP101 | Introduction to Health Professions | 60 | 4 |
| AHP105 | Medical Terminology | 60 | 4 |
| AHP106 | Medical Anatomy and Physiology | 60 | 4 |
| MAS110 | Clinical Procedures and Techniques | 60 | 4 |
| MAS115 | Laboratory Procedures and Techniques | 60 | 4 |
| MAS125 | Invasive Clinical Procedures | 60 | 4 |
| MAS135 | Certification Review and Career Development | 60 | 4 |
| MOA110 | Medical Office Procedures | 60 | 4 |
| MOA115 | Medical Records and Insurance | 60 | 4 |
| MOA120 | Electronic Health Records | 60 | 4 |
| MAS190 | Externship | 180 | 6 |
| Total | 780 | 46 |
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
The total program cost of $18,572 covers tuition plus the required fees and materials below:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $16,686 |
| Administrative & technology fee | $178 |
| Student kit | $61 |
| Laptop computer | $941 |
| Certification / licensure exam | $136 |
| Textbooks & e-books | $570 |
| Total program cost | $18,572 |
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Fortis participates in federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans for parents, and Federal Work-Study. Complete the FAFSA and speak with the campus financial aid office to learn what you are eligible for.
Career Outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of training, graduates are prepared to seek entry-level positions as medical assistants, performing the clinical procedures, lab techniques, and front-office duties covered in the program.
Students in their final quarter are eligible to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
What to expect as a Fortis student
Fortis is a career-focused college. The Medical Assisting program follows a set schedule and a fixed course sequence, combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical and laboratory training.
The program concludes with an externship in a healthcare setting, where you apply your training in a real-world environment. Required externship hours must be completed before graduation, and students are not paid for work performed at the externship site.
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School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited program means your education has met independently reviewed quality standards designed to protect students.
Medical Assisting at Fortis College in Norfolk is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which also accredits the campus.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Independently reviewed against published standards
- Recognised by employers in the field