Medical Assistant Certificate

Gain the Skills to Work in a High-Demand Healthcare Role

Start your healthcare career with Glen Oaks’ hands-on Medical Assistant Certificate program. This short-term, affordable option prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in hospitals, doctors' offices, and outpatient facilities across southern Michigan and northern Indiana.

Medical assistant taking blood pressure of patient

 

Why Choose the Medical Assistant Certificate at GOCC?

  • Small class sizes and personalized instruction
  • In-demand skills for both front-office and clinical support roles
  • Real-world experience through practicum placements in local healthcare settings
  • Fast, focused training you can complete in under one year

Whether you're launching a healthcare career or returning to college for a new path, GOCC’s program helps you enter the workforce quickly—with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll build a strong foundation in:

  • Clinical procedures
  • Medical terminology and documentation
  • Patient interaction and professionalism
  • Administrative office skills used in today’s medical settings

Courses You’ll Take

Here are a few of the key courses in the program:

  • ALH 218 Medical Terminology – Learn the language of healthcare
  • ALH 245 Fundamental Clinical Office Skills – Hands-on skills for the real world
  • ALH 238 Medical Assistant Externship – Supervised training in a healthcare facility

Allied Health - Program Details

Admissions Process

To enroll in the Medical Assistant Certificate program, follow these steps:

  1. Apply to Glen Oaks – Register for admission
  2. Declare your program – Indicate your intent to pursue the Medical Assistant Certificate
  3. Register for all required fall semester courses
  4. Meet placement requirements in basic Math and English

    • If needed, you may enroll in remedial courses to meet placement standards

  5. Meet with the Director of Allied Health – Discuss your guided pathway to success
  6. Start in the Fall – This program begins each fall semester and can be completed in two semesters

Please note: No courses with MAERB core competencies may be transferred into the program. No experiential credit is awarded.


Apply Your Certificate Toward a Degree

This certificate can also be applied toward the Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health. If you're seeking expanded career opportunities in healthcare administration, management, or supervisory roles, this pathway offers a flexible and valuable next step.

Graduates of the AAS degree often pursue roles in:

  • Physician offices and clinics
  • Hospital-based administrative departments
  • Community health organizations
  • Small healthcare business management

FAQs

Q: Is this program available fully online?
A: No. Most classes are in-person at our main campus, with select online options available.

Q: What kind of jobs can I get after graduation?
A: Graduates work as medical assistants in clinics, doctors’ offices, hospitals, and urgent care centers.

Q: Can I take classes part-time?
A: No. The program follows a structured, full-time format and is not designed for part-time enrollment.

Q: Will my credits transfer?
A: Credits may apply toward the Allied Health AAS degree. Speak with an advisor to explore transfer pathways.

Q: Is this part of GOCC’s workforce development programs?
A: Yes. The Medical Assistant Certificate is designed to support local workforce needs and get you career-ready.

Ready for the Next Step?