MedicalAssist
Career & Academic Pathways >> Allied Health
Contact Information
Monika Bell (Department Chair)
(831) 646-4135
mbell@mpc.edu
For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit the Medical Assisting website
 • Learn about our MA CLICK Apprenticeships
• Connect with a Counselor 

Program Overview

Medical assisting calls for a combination of compassionate care, medical knowledge, and administrative skills to help medical offices run smoothly while making patients feel comfortable. MPC’s program prepares students for a variety of careers in ambulatory (non-hospital) healthcare. Students learn to deliver patient care safely and competently, adapt and problem solve to improve care and day-to-day administrative operations, and communicate accurately and succinctly. Graduates are prepared to take the credentialing exam to become Registered Medical Assistants.

Job Outlook

There is high demand for medical assistants, with job growth through 2026 projected at 29%. Locally, health care is one of Monterey County’s largest sectors, with four major hospitals in addition to a variety of outpatient clinical practices. Thanks to the broad skill set required and variety of job tasks, medical assisting is also an ideal introduction to the field for those contemplating further training and careers in both healthcare delivery and administration. 

Potential Careers

Medical Receptionists

 $24,680 - $48,240  

Medical Assistants

 $26,820 - $59,130  

Medical Records Specialists

$31,800 - $82,100

  

Medical/Health Services Managers

$65,140 - $207,610

  

*Community Health Workers
(may require additional training)

$24,390 - $84,840

  

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • Medical Assisting: Associate in  Science (AS) 
  • Medical Assisting: Certificate of Achievement (COA) 

Suggested Course Sequence (AS)

Year 1

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS
ENGL 1A
 3

ANAT 5 

 4
LIBR 50
 1 MEDA 101 3

CSIS 50 & 50L

 3 MEDA 110
 3
MEDA 100
 1 MEDA 121
 3
MEDA 105
 4
 Area C2
 3
MEDA 120
 3   

 

Total Fall Units
 15
 Total Spring Units
 16

Year 2

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS
Area A2
 4

MEDA 130 

 3

   Math 16 rec. 
Area D  3
MEDA 112 2 

   PSYC 50 rec. 
MEDA 114 2 Area F  3
MEDA 118 3

MPC Elective

 2
MEDA 122  3    MEDA 123 rec.  
    MPC Elective  3
       HLTH 4 or NUTF 1 rec.   
    MPC Elective  1
       
Total Fall Units
 14 Total Spring Units
 15

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Britneigh Ray

The Medical Assisting program at MPC taught me the necessary skills and helped prepare me for the realities of working in a clinic.  As a current Medical Assistant and Back Office Supervisor, I can’t say enough how valuable my experience was at MPC.

Ellen Servatius

The doctor I work for said MPC has a strong (MA) program. I definitely agree. MPC's program is excellent!

Mary McKay

I feel the in-depth classes in pharmacology, terminology, and the labs prepared me well for my externship.