Education Institute of Tampa Family Medical Assistant Diploma Program

The curriculum is organized into several core areas, each designed to progressively build essential skills:

• Introduction to Healthcare: An overview of healthcare delivery systems, legal and ethical guidelines, emergency procedures, HIV/AIDS and OSHA training, and CPR certification.
• Anatomy & Physiology: Detailed exploration of human body systems, medical terminology, disease processes, and essential concepts that form the foundational knowledge for medical assisting.
• Medical Office Procedures: Practical instruction in administrative tasks including appointment scheduling, filing, maintaining medical records, and office inventory management.
• Phlebotomy: Specialized training to safely collect blood samples, identify veins, manage specimens, and practice infection control measures.
• EKG: Instruction in performing electrocardiograms, understanding cardiac anatomy, rhythm interpretation, and patient preparation.
• Clinical Assisting: Comprehensive training in clinical procedures such as taking vital signs, assisting in minor surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, patient education, and performing diagnostic screenings.
• Pharmacology: Fundamental knowledge of medication administration, drug classifications, dosage calculations, and recognizing adverse effects.
• Laboratory Procedures: Practice performing Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived diagnostic tests including urinalysis, pregnancy tests, glucose testing, and understanding quality control processes.
• Administrative Office Procedures: Learning effective healthcare office management, including billing processes, insurance claims, electronic records, and professional interactions.

Externship: A 200-hour supervised clinical externship, providing real-world experience in various healthcare settings, including Tampa Family Health Centers, local hospitals, and private practices.

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Prospective students should prepare to meet these requirements for admission:

• Must be at least 17 years old.
• Completed application form and paid admissions fee ($50).
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Background check clearance.
• Negative TB test (required before externship).

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Completing the Medical Assistant Diploma makes students eligible to apply to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, enabling them to practice in Florida. Obtaining this certification significantly enhances employability in medical assisting roles across diverse healthcare facilities.

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The tuition cost for the program is $8,500. Additional expenses include:

• Admissions Fee: $50
• Books and Supplies: Approximately $300

The total estimated cost of attendance is roughly $8,850, which is competitively priced compared to similar programs in the Tampa region. Payment plans are available and must be completed before graduation.

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The Medical Assistant Diploma program can be completed in approximately 10 months. Students engage in 1,300 clock hours of instruction, combining online coursework with scheduled in-person lab sessions. Classes are designed for flexibility, allowing students to complete theory coursework online while focusing practical skills training in a lab setting.

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Graduates of the program are prepared to seek entry-level positions in a variety of healthcare environments including:

• Hospitals
• Physician offices
• Outpatient care facilities
• Laboratories and diagnostic centers
• Phlebotomy centers

The medical assisting field is growing rapidly, with job opportunities projected to increase by 16% over the next decade, providing strong job stability and ample career advancement potential.

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This Medical Assistant program provides a balanced education covering administrative duties, clinical skills, and comprehensive preparation for certification exams. Key strengths include:

• Extensive hands-on training and practical skills development.
• 200-hour externship at established healthcare providers, notably the Tampa Family Health Centers.
• Preparation for certification, increasing career prospects significantly.
• Affordability with clear payment options.
• Strong emphasis on professional and ethical training.

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While the program is robust, prospective students should consider these points:

• The entirely online theory component may require significant self-discipline and motivation.
• Students must arrange reliable transportation to in-person lab sessions and externships.
• Background checks and medical clearances may pose obstacles for certain individuals; ensure eligibility prior to enrollment.

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