*30 Approved Instructional Weeks
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable) | $35.00 |
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) | $100.00 |
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed) | $150.00 |
Tuition Fee | $14,195.00 |
TOTAL PROGRAM COST Program Fees are subject to change* |
$14,480.00 |
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable) | $35.00 |
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) | $100.00 |
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed) | $150.00 |
Tuition Fee | $14,195.00 |
TOTAL PROGRAM COST Program Fees are subject to change* |
$14,480.00 |
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable) | $35.00 |
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) | $100.00 |
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed) | $150.00 |
Tuition Fee | $14,195.00 |
TOTAL PROGRAM COST Program Fees are subject to change* |
$14,480.00 |
Program Mission
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ mission is to offer quality allied health and nursing programs that integrate professional skills, career-focused education, and hands-on practical experience by empowering students to develop and achieve their personal and career goals.
Program Description
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Medical Assistant graduates join one of the most in-demand careers in the growing healthcare field. Medical Assistants are a vital part of the healthcare team, and they complete administrative and clinical tasks in physicians’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Students will practice and become adept at various clinical skills, including patient education, phlebotomy, and performing first aid.
Provide quality education and training that develops the potential of each student to become a productive, responsible, and professional member of society, as well as a skilled member of the medical assisting workforce.
Prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Provide our students with open access and a supportive environment that encourages student success in the classroom, laboratory, and externship sites.
Encourage professionalism, integrity, and high standards in students.
Adhere to professional standards incorporating a Medical Assistant’s legal and ethical responsibilities.
Prepare students to organize, prioritize, and delegate care by communicating effectively with medical team members.
Apply knowledge of specific disease conditions to the patients’ prevention, treatment, and well-being.
Prepare students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA-NHA) national exam.
Prepare students to take the Certified EKG Technician (CET-NHA) national exam.
The program information, length, and schedule may change. Make sure to read the accompanying Addendum for changes and updates. Check with an Admission Advisor for details.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Medical Assistant program provides a library and classrooms with audiovisual teaching aids, textbooks, and simulators. Instructor to Student ratio is 1:15 in the laboratory, 1:30 in the residential lecture, and 1:25 in the online lecture. The program consists of 13 courses contained in three (3) modules.
Students must be available four (4) hours daily, Monday through Friday, for didactic and laboratory coursework.
While on externship, students must be available forty (40) hours a week, Monday through Friday, and they may be required to accommodate alternative schedules based on facility placement business hours. Students must be able to complete those particular rotations at the schedule provided.
Students receive two hundred thirty-one (231) hours of didactic instruction, three hundred forty-five (345) hours of laboratory instruction, and one hundred eighty (180) hours of clinical externship. This allows students to apply the lecture topics and hands-on lab skills in practical use when placed in a healthcare facility. One hundred ninety-two-and-a-half (192.5) hours will be student outside work time.
The curriculum provides students with the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in the medical assisting field. Upon program completion, a certificate is awarded. The expected program completion time is 30 weeks, excluding holidays and vacations.
Class times can and may be rescheduled to ensure on-time program completion and fulfillment of required program hours.
Lab hours are done with daily theory delivery and are conducted under instructor guidance and supervision.
Students receive Certification Exam tutorial materials and practice examinations. These tools are utilized throughout the first 24 weeks of the program to support student preparation for the certification exam.
The clinical externship includes student placement in a facility that performs various skills and provides exposure to theory concepts and an opportunity for hands-on practice.
Outside work will be assigned by the instructor in correlation to daily theory topics and skills. Assignments will vary daily according to topics, be done on students’ own time, and be given due dates.
The Medical Assistant Program is blended with residential and online courses and labs, including hands-on demonstrations.
Please review the following requirements: General Admission Requirements for all programs.
Please review the following requirements: General Performance Requirements for all programs.
Each program has specific physical and non-physical requirements to ensure our student’s and patients’ safety and welfare. Almost all of our students (check with an Admission Advisor if applicable) must be able to:
The following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the Medical Assistant program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:
Please review the following requirements: General Admission Requirements for all programs.
Please review the following requirements: General Performance Requirements for all programs.
Each program has specific physical and non-physical requirements to ensure our student’s and patients’ safety and welfare. Almost all of our students (check with an Admission Advisor if applicable) must be able to:
The following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the Medical Assistant program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:
Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Outside of School Preparation Hours | Total Clock Hours | Quarter Credit Hours |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MA 100 | Front Office Records Management | 82.5 | 27.5 | 110.0 | 5.5 |
MA 101 | Front Office Finances | 82.5 | 27.5 | 110.0 | 5.5 |
MA 102 | Front Office Medical Professional | 82.5 | 27.5 | 110.0 | 5.5 |
MA 107 | Human Anatomy and Physiology for MA 1 | 19.0 | 7.5 | 26.5 | 1.5 |
MA 108 | Human Anatomy and Physiology for MA 2 | 19.0 | 7.5 | 26.5 | 1.5 |
MA 109 | Human Anatomy and Physiology for MA 3 | 18.0 | 7.5 | 25.5 | 1.5 |
MA 120A | Medical Terminology A | 15.0 | 5.0 | 20.0 | 1.0 |
MA 120B | Medical Terminology B | 15.0 | 5.0 | 20.0 | 1.0 |
MA 200 | Back Office Clinical Foundations | 80.0 | 25.0 | 105.0 | 5.0 |
MA 201 | Back Office Clinical Skills | 80.0 | 25.0 | 105.0 | 5.0 |
MA 202 | Back Office Clinical Laboratory | 82.5 | 27.5 | 110.0 | 5.5 |
MA 300 | Clinical Externship | 180.0 | 0.0 | 180.0 | 6.0 |
Total | 756.0 | 192.5 | 948.5 | 44.5 |
California does not require that medical assistants be certified, but such a certificate may increase hiring chances. The national CCMA exam is taken during the program upon completing didactic coursework. While it is not required for students to pass the CCMA exam to work as a medical Assistant, students who pass the exam and meet graduation requirements will be eligible to work as Certified Medical Assistants.
*Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has not determined if any programs fulfill the educational requirements for specific professional licensure or certification required for employment outside California unless identified by the program below. It is recommended that students located in or planning to relocate to a state apart from where the program’s physical campus is located research any certification or employment requirements for their intended state.
Find more information about Certification for Medical Assistants in California.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for Medical Assistants in California is positive. The BLS projects that employment of medical assistants in California is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an increase in the aging population and greater access to healthcare, which will lead to an increased demand for healthcare services, including those provided by medical assistants. Additionally, the expanding use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also expected to increase the demand for medical assistants, as they will be needed to input and retrieve data from these systems.
It’s also important to note that California is one of the highest paying states for Medical Assistants, with an annual mean wage of $45,810. This may also contribute to the positive job outlook for Medical Assistants in California.
View the O*Net Online 31-9092.00 Medical Assistants and O*Net Online 43-6013.00 Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants job profiles for general information about the professions. Find information about the salary data in California and the major cities near the program’s campuses.
Local Wages for Medical Assistants in California
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.
ABHES Mailing Address:
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852
ABHES Phone: 301-291-7550
ABHES Email: Info
ABHES Website: abhes.org
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370- 7589, option #5, or by visiting osar.bppe.ca.gov.
BPPE Mailing Address:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834
BPPE Phone: 888-370-7589
BPPE Email: General
BPPE Website: bppe.ca.gov
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to help every student obtain Financial Aid* to attend their chosen program. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.
The financial aid programs are designed to assist students with inadequate financial resources to meet their education’s total cost. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor who can help students with any financial aid questions.
For more information, please visit our Financial Aid page.
*for those who qualify
Noela Mikaill
Medical Assistant Program
I was blessed to be around excellent Instructors, classmates, faculty, and mentors that guided me in my journey. Persistence and dedication are what Gurnick taught me. I will be forever grateful for my instructors and my mentors that never stopped believing in me.
Brenda Oliva
Medical Assistant Program
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to complete my externship at my dream site; UC Davis Medical Center! The whole Gurnick team helped make that possible, and I am forever grateful for that, because it is opening doors for future employment to where I’ve always envisioned myself working.
Lorie Huggins
Medical Assistant Program
Having great teachers to encourage, support and guide me on a very challenging journey to reach my dream, I’m grateful. Thank you Ms, Freitas and Mrs. Fizzell. One of the things that I have enjoyed the most about Gurnick Academy’s MA program is learning anatomy and physiology and how the body systems tie together.
Helping multiple modern wellness environments, Medical Assistants work in physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, assisted-living facilities, and private and government-run healthcare centers.” A Certified Medical Assistant is “a professional who performs administrative and routine clinical tasks in a medical setting.” Yet, in some health environments, the role is categorically separated into two independent positions: A) an administrative Medical Assistant conducting office tasks solely, or B) a clinical Medical Assistant singularly functioning as a medical support person.1
Citation:
1 ^a, b, c Staff. “Technological Tools and Equipment Used by Medical Assistants.” Medical Assistant Training. April 3, 2013. (Accessed May 20, 2021.)
According to the Medical Board of California, per title 16 California Code of Regulations, sections 1366.3(a)(1) and 1366.3 (a)(2), a Medical Assistant may train in one of two ways, including the following:
Section 1366.3(a)(1), training under a licensed physician or podiatrist, who shall ascertain the proficiency of the Medical Assistant; or under a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, physician assistant, or a qualified Medical Assistant acting under the direction of a licensed physician or podiatrist.1
Section 1366.3 (a)(2), in a secondary, postsecondary, or adult education program in a public school authorized by the Department of Education, in a community college program provided for in Part 48 of Division 7 of the Education Code, or a postsecondary institution accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.1
Citation:
1 ^ a, b n.d. “Medical Assistants-Allied Health|Medical Board of California.” Medical Board of California. (Accessed June 9, 2021.)
Stressors and difficulties can only be validated through individual experiences. Both programs require commitments to their professions.
Gurnick Academy’s Medical Assistant Program is *8 months in duration and consists of seven courses. The program enrolls on a rolling basis every four weeks. A student’s typical day involves lectures and laboratory work. Classes are a mix of two on-campus sessions, each lasting 4 hours (day and evening classes available), and distance education sessions that provide time flexibility for students who work or manage other responsibilities while in school.
On the other hand, students must take the Vocational Nurse Diploma program first to be eligible for the ASVN program at Gurnick Academy. The diploma program is 13 months or 52 approved instructional weeks. After this, students must earn an A.S. in Vocational Nursing, which takes *8 months or*30 approved instructional weeks to complete. Therefore, a Vocational Nurse program is much longer than the 8 months or 30 approved weeks needed for the Medical Assistant program.
*Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks
Helping multiple modern wellness environments operate, Medical Assistants work in physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, assisted-living facilities, and private and government-run healthcare centers.”1 The role is often a healthcare hybrid, with the Medical Assistant performing clerical tasks and another part practicing medical service.
These professionals generally perform an array of duties. From answering phone calls and emails, to physically aiding a nurse or physician, medical assistants conduct essential organizational tasks to facilitate and support overall healthcare operations. Generally, a Medical Assistant helps to ensure processes function more efficiently.2
Citations:
1 Staff. “Technological Tools and Equipment Used by Medical Assistants.” Medical Assistant Training. April 3, 2013. (Accessed May 20, 2021.)
2 “Medical Assistant Job Description: Duties, Education and Experience Required.” 2020. Indeed.com. (Accessed Feb. 22, 2020.)
According to O*NET, the top tools for Medical Assistants are the following:
Citation:
1 “31-9092.00 – Medical Assistants.” O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
You must be at least 17 years of age to be admitted to the program with parent or guardian consent. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the Clinical Externship.
You can fill out our online contact form to have information mailed to you or a school representative contact you. Or you can call us at 1-877-GURNICK.
Please click on the link for more info about admission requirements.
Learn more about foreign transcript evaluations.
Please find more info about the Diploma Evaluations policy in the Catalog and Addendum.
To qualify for the MA program, you must pass the CCAT exam.
Learn more about the CCAT exam and general admission requirements.
All applicants must pass the entrance exam before admission into the program, regardless of degree or background.
Please click on the link to learn more about accreditation.
Learn more about the Medical Assistant program information, length, and schedule.
View the addendum to review all scheduled breaks during the school year.
Yes.
All externships are unpaid.
To view the breakdown of the fees, please see the program fees section.
We have flexible payment options and private student loans. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
The Medical Assistant program is a certificate program.
We assist with job placements for all students who complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.
Yes, they are health-support professionals. A Certified Medical Assistant is “a professional who performs administrative and routine clinical tasks in a medical setting.”1 The term Medical Assistant should not be confused with a physician assistant, who examines, diagnoses, and treats patients under a physician’s supervision.2
Citations:
1 “Medical Assistant Job Description: Duties, Education and Experience Required.” Indeed.com. 2020. (Accessed Feb. 22, 2020.)
2 Medical Assistants. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor. (Accessed May 19, 2021.)
Beyond helping, caring, and serving others, many Medical Assistants report general satisfaction within their professions. According to the US News and World Report, Medical Assistants rank #9 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree, #10 in Best Health Care Support Jobs, and #64 in 100 Best Jobs. Jobs are rated according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors.1 Ranking is figured considering salary, job market, future growth, stress, and work-life balance factors.
Citation:
1 US News Best Jobs. “Medical Assistant Ranks among Best Jobs of 2019.” Usnews.com. US News and World Report. 2016. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
According to the official Occupational Handbook, the average base salary for a Medical Assisting role is $35,8501 per year or $17.23 per hour. While compensation may seem modest compared to other healthcare professions, more than 35 percent of Medical Assistants feel their wages satisfactorily provide a living wage.1
Citation:
1 ^a, b Medical Assistants. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor. (Accessed May 19, 2021.)
Beyond helping, caring, and serving others, many Medical Assistants report general satisfaction within their professions. According to US News and World Report Job Rankings, Medical Assistants rank #9 in Best Jobs Without A College Degree. The index rates jobs according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors. According to the report, MAs rank #9 in Best Jobs Without A College Degree, #10 in Best Health Care Support Jobs, and #64 out of 100 Overall Best Jobs. Medical Assistants also receive an overall score of 6.0 for salary, job market, future growth, stress, and work-life balances.1
Citation:
1 — “Medical Assistant Ranks among Best Jobs of 2019.” Usnews.com, US News, 2016. (Accessed May 10, 2022.)
While we couldn’t locate one specific answer, common complaints by employees seem to be around burnout. Multiple articles indicate staffing shortages and early retirements by healthcare professionals. However, professional burnout may not be limited to Medical Assistants but all healthcare professionals in general.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2020–2030. The growth is much faster than the average for all occupations. About 104,400 openings for Medical Assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force for retirement.1
Citation:
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Medical Assistants. (Accessed April 26, 2022).
While there are no absolutes in interviews, according to Gurnick Academy Career Services, the following questions are used in the college’s mock interview sessions for Medical Assistant students. These include the following employer questions:
a) Tell me about a challenging situation with a patient and how you handled it.
b) What are your two biggest strengths and two weaknesses as a Medical Assistant?
c) How would your coworkers/team members describe your work style?
d) What did you learn from past work experiences, and how are they relevant to this position?
e) Provide examples of adapting to various people, situations, and environments.
f) How would you add value to the patient-care experience?
g) Are you able to work on several assignments at once? How do you handle multitasking?
h) Tell me about a time when you went beyond the call of duty to get a job done.
i) What type of work schedule are you seeking? Are you available to work extra hours?
Pending training and experience, Medical Assistants can advance into other areas. According to Indeed.com, career paths they could pursue include healthcare management, administration, nursing, medical billing and coding, medical records, and health information management.1
Also, according to the above source, Medical Assistants may earn additional certification. Possible certifications include Registered Medical Assistant, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, and Nationally Certified Medical Assistant. Additionally, some Medical Assistants pursue specializations in cardiology, OBGYN, ophthalmology, podiatry, and pediatric care. Others decide to obtain associate or bachelor’s degrees and follow nursing routes.1
Citation:
1 ^a, b, “Medical Assistance Advancement: Six Ways to Advance Your Career.” Indeed Career Guide, Indeed. May 10, 2021. (Accessed May 10, 2022.)
Within California, the following are considered invasive procedures and not within a Medical Assistant’s scope of practice.1 California, Medical Assistants cannot do the following procedures:
Citation:
1 ^a b “FAQs|MBC.” Medical Board of California. Www.mbc.ca.gov. The state of California. (Accessed April 26, 2022.
Yes. According to the American Board of California, Medical Assistants with the proper training may “perform venipuncture or skin puncture to withdraw blood.”1
Citation:
1 “FAQs|MBC.” Www.mbc.ca.gov, State of California Health Board. (Accessed May 10, 2022.)
No. Within California, Medical Assistants may call in already prescribed refills to a pharmacy under the direct supervision of the physician or podiatrist. The refill must be exact, have no changes in the dosage levels, and be documented in the patient’s chart as a standing order. Medical Assistants may not call in new prescriptions or those that have any changes.1
Citation:
1 “FAQs|MBC.” Medical Board of California. Www.mbc.ca.gov. The State of California. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
According to the Medical Board of California, if the Medical Assistant has undergone the appropriate training, they can administer injections of scheduled drugs once the licensed person has verified the correct medication and dosage, and the injection is intramuscular, intradermal, or subcutaneous. The supervising physician or podiatrist must be on the premises. (Business and Professions Codes, section 2069.)1
Citation:
1 “FAQs|MBC.” Medical Board of California. Www.mbc.ca.gov, State of California. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
If you are a person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-disabled, please Dial 711 to place a call through California Relay.
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you agree to the use of cookies.