EvCC medical assistant program is now mostly online, faster to complete

Press Release

Date: July 31, 2024

Contact: Rhonda Hamburg, Health Sciences Instructor: rhamburg@everettcc.edu, 425-388-9476

Everett Community College health sciences instructor Beth Adolphsen (right) works with a medical assistant student.

EVERETT, Wash. – Everett Community College has updated its medical assistant program, allowing students to take up to 75 percent of their classes online and prepare for a national certification exam in 15 to 18 months. 

The program was recently redesigned to more quickly prepare future medical assistants for high-demand job openings in Snohomish County, while maintaining accreditation standards.

“We’ve shortened the time frame to prepare students for the national exam by six to nine months, saving them time and money,” said Health Sciences Instructor Rhonda Hamburg, who led the program update. “Additionally, students can now take up to 75 percent of their classes online, if they choose.” 

EvCC has reduced the number of credits required for the certificate from 87 to 72 by eliminating certain prerequisites not mandated by Washington state or accreditation standards and by condensing other courses. More classes are now available online, with five hybrid lab classes meeting online and in person. 
Students can earn a certificate in 15 to 18 months, preparing them to take one of five national exams to become certified medical assistants. Although new state law permits those who complete approved apprenticeships to work as medical assistants, those who complete a nationally accredited program earn higher wages and often receive signing bonuses.

With an additional 17 to 25 credits, students can complete an associate in technical arts or a transfer degree.

EvCC’s medical assisting certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). 

The program is open to anyone with a high school diploma or equivalency, and students can start any quarter — fall, winter, spring or summer. Fall classes begin on Sept. 23. 

To learn more, visit EverettCC.edu/MA and sign up for a free, virtual health sciences information session.