Medical Assisting

This is a blended (hybrid) program in which all theory (didactic) components are online while lab and externship components are mostly residential with minor online components. The program emphasizes administrative & clinical skills, with extensive instruction in medical terminology, medical office procedures, medical/clinical procedures, basic anatomy & physiology, and special duties common in the field. The externship provides practical experience in physicians' offices, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities. Emphasis is placed on communication, critical thinking, human relations, decision making, and other skills required of well-qualified medical personnel.

Graduates are prepared to gain employment as entry-level Medical Assistants (CIP code 51.0801, SOC code 31-9092.00) performing clinical and/or administrative functions in a medical office, clinic, hospital, or other healthcare-related setting. The credential awarded is a Diploma (29.0 semester credits; 779 instructional clock hours; 33 instructional weeks).

Graduates of the program are academically qualified and may be eligible to take various professional certification exams, including the NCCT exam required for the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) to earn the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential. Such credentials are not required to graduate but may be of value depending on a student's particular career goals. Faculty are available to advise students seeking such professional certifications. The labs are fully equipped to simulate an office and clinic setting, with equipment including a micro-hematocrit centrifuge, blood and urine centrifuge, pulse oximeter, electrocardiogram machine, glucose meters, sphygmomanometers (B/P) cuffs, scales, autoclave machine, and a hemoglobin meter.

At Unitek College of Nursing, our admissions process is structured to be straightforward, responsive, and centered around your individual goals. From your first conversation with an Admissions Representative through enrollment, you will receive clear guidance on program options, required documentation, and next steps. Because each program has specific admissions criteria, requirements may vary, and our team will ensure you fully understand what is needed for your chosen pathway.

Normal program completion time: 9 months. Method of Delivery: Hybrid. Seven courses run in 4-week “modules” sequentially throughout the year. New students may start the program in whichever module is offered at that time. After successful completion of all non-Externship modules, students are eligible to be scheduled for a full-time (40 hours per week) externship.

The Financial Aid (FA) Department strives to provide excellent service to deliver financial aid information to prospective, current & former students and their families. Information includes federal, state, institutional and private aid options to cover educational cost. FA Staff assist in the completion of required documents and processes all financial aid awards. The focus of the FA Office is helping students attend the college by alleviating or eliminating financial barriers and maximizing all available resources to help meet each student's financial needs.

Financial Aid is money that can be used to cover the costs associated with attending the college. This money can be in the form of grants, scholarships & federal loans. All loans & some grants must be repaid. All financial aid at the college is administered in accordance with the policies & procedures of the U.S. Department of Education. Unitek College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer students the option of applying for federal financial aid through the Title IV program.

Cal Grant

Cal Grant (A, B & C) is a state-funded educational opportunity grant program administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to assist students in paying for a college education. All Cal Grant payments are credited to student accounts to cover outstanding tuition, fees, books & supplies. Cal Grants may be renewed if the recipient continues to meet the income, asset, unmet need eligibility requirements based on the results of a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Private Lending Options

Private loans are available to students through various lending institutions to help pay educational expenses. Private loans, which are not insured by the federal government, have repayment terms that vary depending on the lender. The college encourages students to explore federal & state grants & loans, & to consider the anticipated monthly loan payments along with expected future earnings before considering a private education loan.

Scholarships & Grants

All institutional scholarships and grants are offered with the expectation that students will enroll on a full-time basis and remain enrolled for the semester, term or payment period for which they were intended. Institutional offerings include Alumni Grants (MA to VN or BSN, PN/VN to BSN, ASVN to BSN, and NATP), the Cellan Education Resources Opportunity Grant, the Ontario Healthcare Workforce Inaugural Grant, the VN Prerequisite Course Scholarship for Veterans, and the Yellow Ribbon Program for qualifying Post-9/11 GI Bill funded students. Unitek College is also approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) to accept students using GI Bill® funding.

Total program tuition is $14,880 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

A Career Services team member assists students and/or graduates with enhancing their professional skills and career-readiness to successfully obtain employment in their chosen field. Students' success in this relationship depends largely on:

• Attendance at all one-on-one sessions, meetings, seminars or workshops to which a student is invited by Career Services staff
• Submitting a resume as requested by the Career Services staff
• Demonstration of professional conduct and appearance

Students and graduates may receive employment assistance tailored to their individual circumstances and needs, which may consist of any of the following:

• Career development planning, career coaching and interviewing skills
• Preparation of resumes, cover letters and thank-you letters
• Establishing references
• Career Development seminars and workshops
• Communication and Public Speaking skills
• Job search techniques and networking skills
• Professional development in a business setting
• Reviewing “dress for success” strategies
• Volunteer opportunities
• Electronic and “Hot” Job leads

The Career Services staff is here to assist students and/or graduates but cannot and do not guarantee employment. To qualify for employment assistance after leaving school, students must have successfully completed their education program and satisfied all financial obligations with the College.

Methods of Delivery

Residential: Residential courses meet on campus in a traditional classroom and/or laboratory setting. Online: Online courses are offered through an online learning management system; students have access to their online courses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hybrid: In hybrid or blended programs students meet with faculty face-to-face onsite each week while enrolled in campus-based courses; other courses required in the program, such as general education courses, are delivered online and supported by both the online instructor and campus-based tutors as needed.

Library / Learning Resource Center

Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) provide a wide range of core reference materials such as online databases and search engines, instructional and resource CDs, books, and pertinent trade, professional and academic periodicals. In addition, LRCs are equipped with computers featuring a variety of software and a high-speed Internet connection, giving students access to a multitude of tools and information to assist them in all aspects of their education. Each LRC is staffed with a professionally trained librarian who maintains the LRC inventory, assists students, and conducts orientations designed to train them to effectively find, retrieve and integrate the information they need to solidify their learning.