Medical Assistant

Prepare for a Fulfilling Career Supporting Doctors and Nurses in Medical Settings

Medical Assistant students in healthcare classroom

Program Overview

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare? The Medical Assistant program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers a pathway to a fulfilling career, directly supporting doctors and nurses in medical settings. This program is focused on equipping you with the skills needed for patient care, laboratory procedures, and administrative duties.

At CWI, you will experience a blend of classroom learning and practical training in medical labs, preparing you for real-life scenarios. You will learn from dedicated instructors who are experienced healthcare professionals, ensuring you get the latest insights and techniques in medical assistance. Our accredited program, which can be completed in as little as eight (8) months, positions you well for pursuing certification and opportunities in the healthcare sector. 

Degree or Certificate Type

Intermediate Technical Certificate

Time to Complete

1 year

Primary Location

Medical Assistant student putting on gloves

Learning Opportunities

  • Clinical Skills: Master essential clinical procedures and patient care techniques in a supportive learning environment.
  • Laboratory Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience in medical laboratory procedures, becoming proficient in various tests and analyses.
  • Administrative Acumen: Learn the intricacies of medical office administration from patient scheduling to record keeping.
  • Certification Preparation: Prepare for certification exams, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, enhancing your employability in the healthcare sector.
  • Real-World Experience: Participate in clinical externships, applying your skills in actual medical settings.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Earn while you learn through CWI's partnerships with Full Circle Health and Terry Reilly Health Services offering apprenticeship opportunities and on-the-job training to Medical Assistant students.

Contact Apprenticeship Navigator, Laura Bagley, at 208.562.2646 or laurabagley@cwi.edu to learn more.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Medical Assistant – Intermediate Technical Certificate

  • Student Outcomes

    The following are outcomes for the Medical Assistant program as reported in the 2022 Annual Report Form from the MAERB for the College's 2020 program cohort:

    • Retention Rate: 94.87%
    • Employer Satisfaction Rate: 100%
    • Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 100%
Medical Assistant helping a patient in a clinic

Career Opportunities

  • Medical Assistants

    Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician. Excludes “Physician Assistants” (29-1071).

    200

    Annual Openings*

    $17.84

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,107

    Annual Median Salary

    32.58%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"CWI definitely prepared me for my job. I am finally in a career where I can go home at the end of the day and say I helped someone. I tell my friends that it’s never too late. Don’t let age be a factor that holds you back. Just find your passion and go for it!" Read more > about How CWI Prepped This Veteran for Career Success
Ken Silvers
2014 Graduate, Medical Assistant

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Program Accreditation

The mission of CWI's Medical Assistant program is to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and effective (behavior) learning domains.

The Medical Assistant Intermediate Technical Certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). 

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th St. N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727.210.2350

News

Start your journey towards a rewarding career in healthcare through CWI's Medical Assistant Credit and new Apprenticeship programs.

Read more about Embark on Your Healthcare Career Journey Through Medical Assisting

Enter the exciting, life-changing world of Medical Assisting through the College’s Credit program.

Read more about Become a Medical Assistant and Make a Difference

College of Western Idaho invites anyone interested in or thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare to attend the 2022 Health Professions Open House Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Read more about 2022 Fall Health Professions Open House

Professional Nursing and Surgical Technology students enjoy food and networking during a barbecue hosted by Saint Alphonsus.

Read more about Saint Alphonsus Hosts BBQ for CWI Healthcare Students

College of Western Idaho students performed blood draws during National Medical Assistants Week, Oct. 16-20.

Read more about National Medical Assistants Week
View all news

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