East Los Angeles College
The East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Medical Assisting Program offers two distinct tracks: Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting. These programs are designed to prepare students for essential roles in healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, and doctors’ offices.
Program Overview
The Medical Assisting program at ELAC is ideal for students who are passionate about the healthcare field but are looking for a shorter and more direct route into the industry than other medical professions. The program equips students with the skills needed to perform both administrative tasks, such as medical billing and coding, and clinical tasks, like assisting physicians with exams and taking patient vitals.
Program Options
- Clinical Medical Assistant: Focuses on providing direct patient care in medical settings, including drawing blood, taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assisting healthcare providers with minor procedures.
- Administrative Medical Assistant: Prepares students to work on the administrative side of medical offices, dealing with tasks like scheduling appointments, managing medical records, billing, and insurance coding.
Course Content
The East Los Angeles College Medical Assisting Program provides a comprehensive education that prepares students to perform a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.
- Medical Terminology
- Office Procedures
- Basic Clinical Skills
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Law and Ethics
Program Requirements
To enroll in the Medical Assisting Program, students must complete prerequisite courses such as Medical Terminology and Office Procedures. A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required for entry, along with basic computer literacy.
Duration and Format
The program typically takes two semesters, with the option for some intersession courses, allowing students to complete the program in less than a year. Both online and in-person classes may be available, depending on the course.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition follows the standard ELAC fees, with California residents paying approximately $46 per unit. Financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, and federal student aid are available for qualifying students.
| Expense Type | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $1,238 | $10,130 |
| Books and Supplies | $938 | $938 |
| Food and Housing (Off Campus) | $19,431 | $19,431 |
| Other Expenses (Off Campus) | $6,192 | $6,192 |
| Other Expenses (Off Campus with Family) | $5,220 | $5,220 |
| Total Expenses (Off Campus) | $27,799 | $36,691 |
| Total Expenses (Off Campus with Family) | $7,396 | $16,288 |
Career Opportunities
Upon completion, graduates can pursue entry-level roles as:
- Medical Assistants in clinics, hospitals, and healthcare offices.
- Administrative Assistants managing records, coding, and billing in medical settings.
Medical assistants often serve as critical support staff for physicians, and the demand for skilled medical assistants is projected to grow. Graduates may also consider certification exams like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential for better job prospects.
How to Enroll
Students interested in enrolling should visit the ELAC Medical Assisting page for up-to-date information on the application process. It is recommended to reach out to program coordinators for guidance on prerequisite courses and enrollment steps.
Important Highlights:
- Duration: Two semesters
- Cost: $46/unit for California residents
- Requirements: Completion of Medical Terminology and Office Procedures
- Financial Aid: Available
- Career Options: Administrative and Clinical roles in healthcare