The Certificate in Medical Assistant program provides the technical skills and work habits required to seek entry-level positions as Medical Assistants. The computer technology and word processing facets of the curriculum enhance students potential for employment. Students are prepared for a National Certification Exam (e.g., NCCT, NHA, CMA, etc.) and complete a 160-hour externship program at a local clinic, physician's office, hospital, HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), or other allied health ambulatory facility. In addition to attendance in all courses, students will be required to complete out-of-class assignments. These assignments include but are not limited to reading, exercises and problem solving, projects, research, papers, and presentations. A student can anticipate out-of-class activities that equal about two (2) hours for every one (1) hour of lecture. Upon successful completion of the>program (see Graduation Requirements section of the catalog), students could seek or obtain entry-level employment in a medical assistant related field.