The Medical Assistant Technician program at Florida Technical College’s Tampa campus offers a 9-month diploma program designed for entry-level healthcare employment. With tuition starting at $15,970 for the standard program, students can choose between three tracks: the standard Medical Assistant Technician program, a bilingual option, or an enhanced version with Basic X-Ray certification priced at $22,000. The program provides both classroom and hands-on clinical experience through either externship or capstone options. Graduates are prepared for industry certifications including the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam and Basic Life Support/CPR certification.
Program Overview
Florida Technical College (FTC) in Tampa offers a comprehensive Medical Assistant Technician Diploma Program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in healthcare settings. Located at 3251-B W. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614, the campus provides a convenient location for students in the Tampa Bay area.
The program focuses on developing essential skills needed in medical assisting, including patient preparation for technical examinations like EKGs and phlebotomy. Students not only learn these procedures but also gain practical experience performing them through a combination of classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
This diploma program can be completed in just 9 months when following the curricular sequence. The program structure balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are job-ready upon completion.
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Program Options
Florida Technical College offers three distinct Medical Assistant Technician programs to accommodate different career goals and learning preferences:
- Medical Assistant Technician: The standard program costs $15,970 and provides comprehensive training in all aspects of medical assisting.
- Medical Assistant Technician (Bilingual): Priced at $16,081, this option incorporates Model T, an educational approach that integrates translingual methods and Systemic-Functional Linguistics. This program is ideal for students who wish to develop multilingual communication skills in a healthcare setting.
Medical Assistant Technician with Emphasis in Basic X-Ray: This enhanced program costs $22,000 and includes additional training in basic radiological procedures. Graduates are prepared for Florida licensure as Basic X-ray Machine Operators.
Curriculum Details
The standard Medical Assistant Technician program consists of 47 quarter credits delivered over 36 weeks. The curriculum includes the following courses:
- Medical Office Procedures (5.0 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology with Medical Terminology I (6.0 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology with Medical Terminology II (6.0 credits)
- Clinical Procedures (5.0 credits)
- Laboratory Procedures (5.0 credits)
- Introduction to Pharmacology (5.0 credits)
- Basic Cardiorespiratory Procedures (5.0 credits)
- Certified Medical Assistant Exam Prep (6.0 credits)
- Externship or Medical Assistant Capstone (4.0 credits)
The program structure includes 220 lecture hours and 500 lab hours, totaling 720 contact hours of instruction and hands-on training.
Enhanced X-Ray Program
For students interested in expanding their skill set, the Medical Assistant Technician with Emphasis in Basic X-Ray program offers additional specialized training. This more comprehensive option consists of 63 quarter credits delivered over 48 weeks.
In addition to the core medical assistant curriculum, the X-Ray program includes three specialized courses:
- Fundamentals of Basic X-Ray Machine (5.0 credits)
- Advanced Fundamentals of Basic X-Ray Machine (5.0 credits)
- Basic X-Ray Machine Operator Exam Prep (6.0 credits)
This enhanced program prepares graduates for Florida licensure as Basic X-Ray Machine Operators, with an exam cost of $200 (including a $50 application fee and $150 exam fee).
Delivery Methods
Florida Technical College offers flexible learning options to accommodate various student needs and schedules:
The Medical Assistant programs are available via hybrid delivery methods at the Tampa campus, combining online learning with in-person instruction. Certain courses are only available in specific formats:
- Some courses are offered exclusively in a blended modality, combining online and in-person components
- Some courses are only available during day shifts
- Some courses are only available fully online
- The X-Ray specific courses are primarily available during evening shifts in a blended format
This flexibility allows students to balance their education with other life commitments while still receiving the hands-on training necessary for medical assisting careers.
Externship and Capstone Options
Students have the option to complete either an externship or a capstone project as the culminating experience in their program:
The externship option provides real-world experience in a healthcare setting. To successfully complete the 120-hour externship, students must complete 30 hours each week for 4 consecutive weeks. Special arrangements can be made for students who cannot complete the hours within this timeframe due to circumstances beyond their control.
Alternatively, students may opt for the Medical Assistant Capstone, which is offered fully online and provides a comprehensive review and application of the skills learned throughout the program.
Certification Opportunities
Graduates of the Medical Assistant Technician programs at Florida Technical College are eligible for several valuable industry certifications:
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) – $119 exam fee
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Certification
- First Aid Certification
- BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification – $50 exam fee
For graduates of the X-Ray emphasis program, additional certification is available:
- Basic X-Ray Machine Operator Certification (BMO) through the State of Florida Health Department/ARRT
These certifications enhance graduates’ employability and demonstrate their competence in specific healthcare skills.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in any of the Medical Assistant Technician programs at Florida Technical College, prospective students must meet the following requirement:
- High School Diploma or a recognized equivalent
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Medical Assistant Technician programs may pursue several entry-level positions in healthcare settings, including:
- Clinical Assistant
- Lab Technician
- Optometric Assistant
- Registered Medical Assistant
While these represent common career paths, Florida Technical College notes that actual employment opportunities depend on various factors, and they cannot guarantee specific positions. Some roles may require additional licensure or certifications beyond what’s provided in the program.
Campus Information
The Medical Assistant Technician programs are offered at seven Florida Technical College campuses across Florida, including the Tampa location. This provides students with geographic flexibility when choosing where to complete their education.
For more information about the programs, prospective students can contact the Tampa campus at (813) 288-0110 or reach the college’s general information line at (855) 469-6046. The college’s website, ftccollege.edu, also provides comprehensive program details.
Financial Considerations
When planning for this educational investment, students should consider the following costs:
- Standard Medical Assistant Technician program: $15,970
- Medical Assistant Technician (Bilingual): $16,081
- Medical Assistant Technician with Emphasis in Basic X-Ray: $22,000
Additional costs include certification exam fees, which range from $50 to $200 depending on the specific certification.
Program Features
The Medical Assistant Technician programs at Florida Technical College offer several noteworthy features:
- Accelerated timeline: Complete training in as little as 9 months
- Hybrid learning options: Flexibility to complete some coursework online
- Industry-recognized certifications: Preparation for NCMA and other credentials
- Specialized tracks: Options for bilingual training or X-ray certification
- Hands-on experience: Extensive lab hours and clinical practice
These features contribute to a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce.
Who Should Consider This School
Florida Technical College’s Medical Assistant Technician programs in Tampa are particularly well-suited for individuals seeking a quick entry into healthcare without a lengthy educational commitment. The 9-month timeline makes this an excellent option for career-changers or those needing to enter the workforce quickly. The program is ideal for hands-on learners who benefit from substantial lab time (500 hours) and practical experience.
Those interested in radiological procedures should strongly consider the X-Ray emphasis option, which provides additional credentials that can expand employment opportunities. Similarly, bilingual students or those serving diverse communities might find significant value in the unique bilingual program with its Model T approach to language integration. The hybrid delivery options make this program accessible for working adults with existing commitments, though prospective students should carefully review which courses require in-person attendance and plan accordingly. While the tuition represents a significant investment, the specialized training and certification preparations help position graduates for career opportunities in a growing healthcare field.
| Category | Details |
| Cost | Standard program: $15,970<br>Bilingual program: $16,081<br>X-Ray emphasis program: $22,000 |
| Duration | 9 months (standard program)<br>48 weeks for X-Ray emphasis program |
| Class Schedules | Day and evening shifts available<br>Some courses only available during specific shifts |
| Online Classes? | Yes – hybrid delivery method with some courses fully online, some blended, and some in-person only |
| Requirements | High School Diploma or recognized equivalent |
| Address | 3251-B W. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 |
| Phone | (813) 288-0110 or (855) 469-6046 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/medical-assistant-technician-diploma/ |
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