Medical Assisting

The Medical Assisting program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the healthcare industry. This comprehensive program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, equipping students with the essential skills needed to effective support to physicians and other healthcare professionals. Students will learn a wide range of topics including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care techniques, pharmacology, clinical procedures, and administrative duties such as scheduling, billing, and medical records management. The curriculum emphasizes both the clinical and administrative aspects of medical assisting, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded and versatile. Throughout the program, students have opportunities to engage in practical training through clinical externships, gaining real-world experience in a variety of healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, and physician offices. The program is structured to prepare students for certification exams, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which can enhance employability and career advancement prospects. Harrisburg Area Community College’s Medical Assisting program is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment where students can develop the foundational knowledge and professional skills necessary for success. Upon graduation, students will be qualified to perform essential clinical tasks, assist with patient examinations, administer medications, and handle administrative responsibilities efficiently. The program’s flexible scheduling options, including day and evening classes, accommodate students’ diverse needs, making it possible for more individuals to pursue their educational and career goals in healthcare. With dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and a focus on practical application, Harrisburg Area Community College prepares its graduates to meet the demands of a growing healthcare industry and to positively impact patient care.

Major Requirements   
BIOL 111 Intro to Human Biology (or)  3 
  BIOL 121 Anatomy & Physiology I  (4) 
CIS 105 Intro to Software for Business  3 
MA 110 Medical Terminology  3 
MA 140 Intro to Medical Assisting  4 
MA 142 Intro to Medical Laboratory Techniques  3 
MA 150 Pathophysiology for Medical Assisting  3 
MA 200 Pharmacology for Medical Assisting  3 
MA 201 Pharmacology Laboratory  1 
MA 212 Ambulatory Care Clinical Procedures  4 
MA 213 Medical Insurance & Billing  3 
MA 220 Medical Office Administration I  3 
MA 230 Medical Assisting Externship  4 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Function effectively as members of the healthcare team

Demonstrate the entry-level competencies prescribed by the American Medical Assistants Endowment

Take the Certified Medical Assisting credentialing examination for Medical Assistants administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Medical Assisting program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a successful career in the healthcare industry by providing comprehensive training in both administrative and clinical aspects of medical assisting. The program typically combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experiences to ensure graduates gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for entry-level positions in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Courses often cover key topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care, pharmacology, medical billing and coding, administrative procedures, and healthcare ethics and law. The program aims to equip students with the skills to perform vital responsibilities including taking vital signs, assisting with examinations, administering injections, collecting laboratory specimens, maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, and processing insurance claims.

Harrisburg Area Community College emphasizes hands-on learning, enabling students to operate medical equipment, manage electronic health records, and develop effective communication skills with patients and healthcare team members. The program is designed to meet industry standards and often prepares students to sit for certification exams such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), which can enhance employment prospects and professional credibility. Graduates of the Medical Assisting program are typically qualified to support healthcare providers in delivering high-quality patient care, improving operational efficiency within healthcare settings, and furthering their education in related healthcare fields if desired. The college offers dedicated faculty with industry experience, modern laboratories, and internship opportunities that facilitate real-world learning experiences essential for career readiness. Upon completion, students are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent medical assistants, contributing to the healthcare system by providing vital support that directly impacts patient outcomes and operational success of healthcare organizations.