NPC’s medical assistant program (MDA) equips you with the clinical and administrative skills you need to be an invaluable asset in a busy medical office. Graduates of the program are engaged in challenging careers in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and other health care practitioners.
Our program meets, and in many ways exceeds, the Arizona State Board of Medical Examiner training requirements. You can be certain you are gaining the necessary knowledge to succeed in this rapidly growing field.
When you graduate from the Medical Assistant program, you will be fully prepared to assist with the following medical office tasks: phlebotomy, medication administration, electrocardiography, vital sign measurement, physical and specialty exam preparation and sterilization and disinfection. This program also introduces you to basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, computer software applications, word processing, medical transcription and insurance coding and billing.
NPC's Medical Assistant program includes a 160-hour externship, where you actually work in a medical office beside other medical professionals. Externship opportunities exist in many local communities, and many externship partners offer paid positions to qualified individuals upon completing the externship!
Note: The MDA degree and certificate programs do NOT lead into the NPC nursing program. If your goal is to become a Registered Nurse, see CNA page.
- For more information about this program, please contact an NPC Academic Adviser. Also see the current NPC College Catalog and class schedule.
Read our story about Medical Doctor Assistant in NPC's Career Focus magazine.
Labs and Classrooms
The two clinical procedure courses (MDA 124 and MDA 125) and the externship (MDA 126) must be completed in a sequence, beginning with the first clinical procedures course (MDA 124), which is generally only offered in the fall semester.
MDA 125 requires the following pre-requisite courses: MDA 124, HES 101/MAT 101 or MAT 109 or higher). Co-requisites for MDA 125 are BUS 119 and HES 180 and must be taken at the same time and within the same semester as MDA 125.
MDA 126 (Medical Assistant Externship) needs to be taken within one year of MDA 124 and MDA 125. If failed, the course can not be repeated.
Program Locations
The Medical Assistant program is offered at NPC's Show Low (WMC), and Winslow (LCC), campuses. The pre-req courses for the program are offered at multiple NPC locations.
Entry Requirements
Before beginning an externship, students must have a current healthcare provider CPR card and the DPS Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card – which requires proof of legal U.S. residency. Learn how to apply for the DPS Clearance Card. *Various vaccinations may be required.
Work Environment
Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other healthcare facilities. In 2020, more than half of all medical assistants worked in physicians’ offices. The field is expected to grow 18% (much faster than average), between 2020-2023.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for medical assistants who handle both administrative and clinical duties should be excellent through the 2024 decade, particularly for those with formal training. The field is expected to grow 18 percent during this period as the health care industry expands due to technological advances combined with the growth and aging of the population.
Accreditation/Affiliations
Students may be eligible to acquire the NCMA certification designation from the National Center for Competency Testing upon completion of the core requirements totaling more than 720 contact hours.
Contact Information
1001 W. Deuce of Clubs
Ponderosa Center, Nursing & Allied Health Offices
Show Low,
AZ 85901
Northland Pioneer College
Northland Pioneer College
CONTACT NPC'S NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH ADVISOR
Donna Krieser
(928) 532-6142
Student Profiles
