Admission Criteria: Medical Assisting

This associate degree program will offer a diploma option. Completion of the first three semesters meets requirements for application to take the national exam for Medical Assisting Certification by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Twenty students will be admitted fall semester of each year.

The following information is provided for applicants seeking admission to the Medical Assisting Program:

1. Program specific applications are available beginning September 1 of each year. The College has the right to extend the application deadline.
2. Official transcripts (high school and college) must be forwarded to the Student Services Office prior to applying for the Medical Assisting program.
3. Have graduated or will graduate from high school or equivalent before entering the program.
4. Must have met the Johnston Community College minimum requirements for ENG 111 and MAT 070 and a 2.0 GPA on high school or college coursework.
5. Complete conference interview with an admissions counselor prior to applying to the program.
6. Attend a mandatory information session on-line OR on-campus.
7. Applicants must have met all admission requirements and submitted program specific application to be considered for admission into the Medical Assisting program.  Applicants are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
8. If accepted, must submit evidence of satisfactory physical and emotional health required for participation in the Medical Assisting program.  Attend a program orientation in June by the program director or her designee. Due to the demand of health science programs, students are encouraged to complete advising and registration during June and July to secure their position in the program. The student medical form is required prior to initial registration.
9. If accepted, must be CPR Healthcare Provider Certified.
10. Students admitted to a health science program are required to complete a clinical practicum. A major part of the program involves learning experiences in the clinical setting. Our clinical facilities require criminal background checks and drug screens on students who will participate in these learning experiences. The students will incur the cost of the criminal background check and drug screen. Information obtained from the criminal background check and drug screen could jeopardize the student's ability to participate in clinical experiences and would result in the inability of the student to complete the program.

The national exam for Medical Assisting contains questions as to whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor/felony excluding minor traffic violations.  If the answer is "yes," the applicant is asked to provide an explanation.  This question is asked because of legal requirements for becoming certified as a medical assistant.

The College reserves the right to change any restrictions or program requirements at any time. Johnston Community College will make every effort to lessen the inconvenience any change creates for students.