Medical Assisting Program Information

The Medical Assisting (MAST) program is an 18 week (1 semester) program, offered in the fall and spring semesters at the San Luis Obispo campus.  This 14 credit certificate program consists of  MAST 110, MAST 111 and MAST 111L, which are corequisites and must be taken simultaneously. For additional requirements: see the "Student Requirements" page.

MAST 110 (Medical Assisting Basics – 2.0 credits)
Introduces the medical assisting role, responsibilities, professionalism, and medical terminology.  Concepts of anatomy, physiology, and computer basics are presented. Students must successfully complete this 2-week course with a minimum grade of “C” to be allowed to continue to MAST 111/ MAST 111L.

MAST 111 and MAST 111L (Medical Assisting Fast Track 12.0 credits) (Corequisites)
Prepares the student for entry-level employment and includes verbal and written communication, basic and advanced clinical skills, medical office management techniques, and professional employment marketing skills.  Preceptorship/clinical experience is included.

Schedule

Medical Assisting students attend lectures, complete skills lab practice, and participate in clinical externship hours. Class meets on the San Luis Obispo campus. Clinical externship placements and schedules are determined individually on approval by the medical assisting instructor.

To view the MAST class schedule and clinical externship dates, go to the Class Finder then select Subject: Medical Assisting - MAST; Class Status:  All Classes; Submit
(scroll down to see MAST 110, 111 and 111L).

Medical Assistant Certification

The state of California does not conduct a certification exam for medical assistants. Students who successfully complete this program are prepared for entry level employment as a medical assistant and are eligible, but not required, to take the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) exam established by the California Medical Assistants Association (CMAA). Both agencies are private non-profit corporations. CCBMA certification is recognized by the Medical Board of California.