Medical Assistant

In addition to EICC’s general admission requirements, you need to meet specific program admission criteria. You'll also want to consider the time commitment. This is a full-time program where you spend two days in class, then two days at home doing online work. You'll work hard, but the reward will be great when you're done! You'll complete the program with a skill set employers really need. 

Admission Criteria

1. Must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have a high school equivalency that is in conformity with the requirements of the Department of Education, State of Iowa.
2. Demonstrate college-level readiness in English, according to EICC placement assessments. If applicable, must have a test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) on file. Language proficiency for non-native speakers of English must be at a score of 500 or higher OR complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5 – no sub score below 6.0. In addition, you must have a speaking 1:1 time with an ESL/ELA coordinator.
3. Prior to admission into the program, the EICC Admissions Office needs to receive your official college transcripts for any colleges previously attended. 
4. Able to meet the following requirements of the Medical Assistant Program:
   • Actively participate in a very rigorous academic program
   • Remain calm in very stressful situations on a one-to-one basis
   • Work with groups of people in stressful situations
   • Ability to bend, squat, reach, kneel, carry, and lift
   • Ability to be on your feet for six to twelve consecutive hours in the clinical area
5. Complete the Medical Assistant program application. 

1.0

Students who have exited the program at any time must be readmitted. The readmission process includes the submission of a written request. Please be advised that readmission is decided upon by a committee that reviews the written request. This review period can take up to six weeks. Priority will be given to those students who have been academically successful pending space availability and date of request. After 6 months the student will need to be reassessed on Clinical skills and competencies for Externship.      

2.0

Students may only repeat each medical assistant (MAP) core course once. If a student is not successful with a second attempt of a MAP course, they will not be able to progress and will be withdrawn from the program

3.0

All medical assisting students must be in optimum health as evidenced by the physical examination form.

4.0

Any student who exits the program at any time will be required to submit to a criminal background check and Medical Assistant Program paperwork upon being readmitted. 

Accepted students to the Medical Assistant program must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Complete a national criminal background check and drug screening. Medical assistant courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person who has been denied background clearance.
2. You may only repeat each medical assistant (MAP) core course once. If a you are not successful with a second attempt of a MAP course, you will not be able to progress and be withdrawn from the program. 
3. Must be in optimum health as evidenced by the physical examination form. To ensure the health and safety of patients, fellow students, faculty and other health care providers while enrolled, the medical assistant student will be:  required to achieve in a very rigorous academic program; involved in very stressful situations on a one to one basis; called upon to work with groups of people in stressful situations; required to use effectively all sensory organs; engage in activities which require above average manual dexterity; expected to bend, squat, reach, kneel and be able to carry and lift 50 pounds from the floor, to shoulder height and overhead, move, and turn persons who weigh at least as much as he/she does; required to be on his/her feet for six to twelve consecutive hours.
4. Note for Transfer Students: Any transfer student applying for admission, who has been enrolled in a medical assistant curriculum other than EICC, will be required to meet with the Medical Assistant Program Director to discuss placement in the curriculum. The transfer student must meet the requirements set forth in the EICC admission/progression policy. Course syllabi and clinical site information from the transferring institution will be required for review.  The student may also be asked to provide written authorization allowing contact with instructors from the transfer institution regarding class and clinical performance.  In some cases, a letter of reference regarding theory, clinical and overall student conduct may also be required from the chair of health programs at the transfer institution.  Information acquired from these contacts will be considered in acceptance and proper placement into EICC medical assistant curriculum. 

Must be completed by the end of the first semester:

• Proof of AHA Healthcare CPR
• Physical with current vaccinations
• Completion of Child and Adult Iowa Abuse certificates
• All Medical Assistant course work

Students have to buy a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, black scrubs and pay for the certification exam. Because this program is offered in a hybrid fomat, you also need a computer. 

Our program prepares you for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Certification Exam. You can also take an extra, optional course which makes you eligible to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Exam and Certified Medical Assistant Exam. Our program meets the educational prerequisite to sit for the exams. See Professional Licensure for more information.