Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant (New for 2026)
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New in 2026–2027: Program specific course content will be weighted as Honors-level coursework. See Program Coursework below for more details.
Prerequisites
- Must be a Junior
- Biology: Grade C or better
- Algebra I: Grade C or better
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This two-year program prepares students for future study and careers in medical assisting through hands-on labs, anatomy and medical terminology coursework, and applied clinical concepts. Students learn how medical assistants support patient care, clinical procedures, and administrative operations in healthcare settings.
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This is a highly physical, hands-on course. Students are active every day and should expect extended standing, bending, and assisting in clinical simulations. Instruction includes direct patient-care practice such as vital signs, patient intake, assisting with exams, and basic laboratory tasks. Students must be comfortable with physical interaction, including applying and receiving clinical techniques, handling medical instruments, and practicing aseptic procedures.
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Students engage in structured clinical observation opportunities and educational field trips to a variety of real-world healthcare environments relevant to the fields of physical and occupational therapy. These experiences are designed to introduce students to professional healthcare settings, workplace expectations, confidentiality principles, and the roles of allied health professionals.
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Students are expected to participate in HOSA – Future Health Professionals, a national student organization focused on leadership development, teamwork, and healthcare career readiness.In addition to earning course credit, students are eligible to work toward industry-recognized credentials, including:
These credentials allow students to graduate with documented skills, certifications, and career preparation—not just a grade.
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This program operates like a healthcare workplace. Students are expected to purchase specific work attire for daily wear when attending classes:
- Wear required work attire daily
- Display a visible ID badge at all times
Demonstrate professional behavior, punctuality, accountability, and respectful communication
Program Description
2 years – 5 credits – Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage
This program is designed to be completed in two years during the 11th and 12th grade.
Medical Assistant I - 2 credits (Honors) : Students gain foundational knowledge in basic anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical ethics, medical asepsis, medical terminology, medical mathematics, and legal responsibilities. Students also develop basic skills and techniques to assist the healthcare provider and/or other medical professionals in patient examinations, basic emergency care, simple laboratory tests, and administrative duties. Additionally, students explore medical assisting career pathways through HOSA-Future Health Professionals and potential on-the-job clinical instruction and/or observation in a healthcare facility.
Career Strategies - 1 Credit : Career Strategies consists of an in-depth study of career clusters and pathways through a variety of investigative activities. Students analyze career assessment results, compare various educational options, and develop or revise a plan related to their academic and career-related goals.
Year 2 ( Senior Year)
Medical Assistant II - 2 credits (Honors): Students apply and implement medical-assisting skills and techniques learned in Medical Assistant I. They also learn management of health records; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; care and use of equipment; collection and analysis of laboratory specimens; special diagnostic testing related to basic diseases and disorders, treatment, and medication; pharmacology, and job preparedness skills. Advanced on-the-job clinical experience in a healthcare facility is a part of the course. Successful completion of the program may lead to employment in a healthcare setting and an industry credential.Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills.