NSCC’s Medical Assisting program is currently waitlist-only for Fall 2025. All information sessions for Fall 2025 admissions have concluded.

Program Overview

The Medical Assisting Certificate program prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This rigorous nine-month program focuses on developing technical clinical skills, critical thinking and communication competence. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the CCMA (NHA) exam to obtain national certification.

Start your journey toward a career in medical assisting with NSCC's Medical Assisting Certificate program today!

Program Highlights

  • Comprehensive curriculum that combines theory and clinical practice.
  • Clinical training at local healthcare facilities, providing real-world experience.
  • Prepares graduates to sit for the national Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
  • Small class size for individualized attention.

Program Details

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Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

The program’s comprehensive curriculum focuses on building competencies in medical procedures, patient communication, and office management.

Courses include:

  • Medical Terminology
  • Introduction to the Professional Medical Assistant
  • Medical Assisting Clinical and Laboratory Procedures
  • Ambulatory Care in Health and Disease
  • Medical Assisting Administrative Procedures
  • Advanced Medical Assistant Procedures
  • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Assisting Practicum

View and print the required courses for the Medical Assisting Certificate program.

NSCC GUIDED PATHWAY

Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as Medical Assistants in various healthcare settings, including:

  • Physicians' Offices
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term Care Facilities
  • Community Health Organizations

The program is ideal for students looking to explore career options in healthcare while building a strong academic foundation.

Top Transfer Institutions

  • Salem State University
  • Bay State College
  • Becker College

The Medical Assisting program at North Shore Community College has a five-year retention rate of 84% for the years 2018-2022. In addition, over the same five years, graduates were 98% satisfied with the education and training they received, and area employers were 100% satisfied with their newly hired medical assistants.

Laura McKellar
Dept. Chair/Clinical Coordinator, Medical Assisting
NSCC

Charlotte Badler
Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Lynn Community Health Center

Adrianna Bonilla
Alumni
Lynn Community Health Center 

Maria Diaz
Alumni
Lynn Community Health Center

Jennifer Forte
Program Coordinator Surgical Technology
NSCC

Amber Jalbert
Alumni
North Shore Physicians Group 

Karen Kermet
Alumni
North Shore Physicians Group

Andre Laffitte
Strategic Recruiting Consultant
Atrius Health

Lauren McNair
Career Advisor
Wellspring Community Education

Lisa Salerno
Adjunct Professor
NSCC

David Rosenthal
Senior Physician Assistant
Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Brigham Health

Camryn Sanborn
Alumni
North Shore Physicians Group

Jacqueline Sheehan
Clinical Staff Educator
North Shore Physicians Group

Lori Vinci
Dean of Health Professions
NSCC

Review the Medical Assisting Certificate Program Policies.

Program Questions

lmckella@northshore.edu
978-762-4160

General Assistance

Visit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual concierge.

Accreditation

North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.

 

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