ATA Career Education offers a Medical Assisting program with two clear pathways—a Diploma option completed in approximately 10 months and an Associate of Science Degree achievable in about 17 months. Both tracks blend online flexibility with essential hands-on training. The cost for the Diploma is $18,900 while the Associate Degree totals $29,500. Graduates can pursue certification as Certified Medical Assistants (CMA), and degree holders can also become certified Phlebotomy Technicians.
Program Overview
ATA Career Education in Spring Hill, Florida, provides a structured pathway for becoming a Medical Assistant through either a Diploma or Associate degree program. Both paths deliver the fundamental skills necessary for entry-level employment in healthcare settings.
Program Options and Duration
- Medical Assisting Diploma
- Takes 10 months (40 weeks) to complete.
- 51 quarter credits (720 clock hours) of training.
- Maximum completion timeframe is approximately 76.5 weeks.
- Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
- Duration of 17 months (72 weeks).
- Requires 96 quarter credits (2,820 total hours).
- Maximum allowable time to complete is 144 weeks.
Choosing between these options depends on your career goals, desired certifications, and timeline.
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Class Schedule and Format
Students attend classes four times weekly, with flexible scheduling for morning or evening sessions to accommodate different lifestyles. ATA delivers a hybrid learning model combining online coursework with in-person lab experiences. Students receive laptops for their online studies, ensuring they have the tools necessary for success.
Training Approach and Hands-on Experience
The Medical Assisting courses cover extensive clinical and administrative duties. You’ll learn to:
- Take patients’ medical histories and vital signs
- Administer medication under physician supervision
- Collect and prepare lab specimens like blood samples
- Conduct basic lab tests, EKGs, and eye and ear exams
- Communicate medical instructions and procedures to patients clearly
ATA places a strong emphasis on practical training. The on-campus labs simulate real-world medical settings, providing valuable hands-on experience that enhances employability after graduation.
Certification Opportunities
Upon completing either program, graduates qualify for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential via the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Degree holders have the added benefit of eligibility to earn a Phlebotomy Technician certification, also from the NCCT. These certifications significantly boost your marketability in the healthcare job market.
Externship and Career Services
To bridge classroom learning and real-world application, ATA requires students to complete externships at local healthcare facilities. These experiences are critical in reinforcing learned skills and gaining practical workplace exposure.
Additionally, ATA provides dedicated Career Services. This team helps graduates:
- Develop professional resumes
- Hone interview techniques
- Secure externship placements
- Find employment opportunities after program completion
This comprehensive support network enhances your chances of securing employment quickly after graduation.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
- Diploma Program Cost: $18,900
- Associate Degree Cost: $29,500
Financial aid opportunities exist to help manage these costs, including:
- Federal Pell Grants
- State grants and scholarships
- Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans
- Federal PLUS loans
The school’s financial aid advisors help students navigate the funding process, from application to award disbursement.
Admission Requirements
Before starting clinical externships, students must provide documentation verifying:
- Immunizations (Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tetanus booster)
- Negative TB test or chest X-ray
- Recent physical exam
- Current health insurance
- Clear criminal background check
- Negative drug screening (10-panel)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
These requirements ensure readiness and compliance with clinical sites and regulatory standards.
Curriculum Details
Diploma Curriculum Highlights (51 Credits):
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology Basics
- Clinical Skills and Procedures
- Pharmacology Fundamentals
- Electronic Health Records Management
- Medical Assisting Externship
Associate Degree Curriculum Highlights (96 Credits):
All Diploma courses plus additional general education classes like:
- English Composition
- Introductory Psychology
- College Math
- Professional Communication Skills
- Career Preparation and Success Strategies
The Associate Degree provides a broader education, enhancing both clinical expertise and critical thinking abilities for expanded career roles.
Employment Opportunities
Medical Assistants trained at ATA can find employment in various settings:
- Physicians’ offices
- Urgent care centers
- Hospitals
The extensive skill set learned here enables graduates to effectively perform both clinical and administrative tasks, making them valuable assets to healthcare employers.
Considerations for Prospective Students
Before enrolling, it’s important to consider your personal history and lifestyle carefully. Employment in healthcare often requires passing background checks and drug screenings, both during training and throughout your career. ATA advises prospective students to investigate licensure and employment criteria in their intended state of practice. Successfully completing the program does not guarantee eligibility for certification or employment, as these are governed by external agencies and employers.
Who Should Consider This School?
ATA Career Education is best suited for motivated individuals who prefer a shorter, practical path into healthcare. Its dual Diploma and Associate options provide flexibility depending on your timeline, budget, and career aspirations. The robust hands-on training and supportive career services are key highlights, greatly benefiting those who value guided career preparation. However, the tuition costs are higher compared to similar programs in the Tampa area, making it essential to leverage available financial aid. If you seek quick entry into a rewarding healthcare role and thrive in practical, hands-on learning environments, ATA’s Medical Assisting programs are a solid choice.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | Diploma: $18,900; Associate: $29,500 |
| Duration: | Diploma: 10 months; Associate: 17 months |
| Class Schedules: | 4 days per week; options for morning or evening classes |
| Online Classes?: | Yes, hybrid format with online coursework and in-person labs |
| Requirements: | Immunizations, BLS certification, background check, drug screening, physical exam, insurance |
| Address: | 7351 Spring Hill Drive, Suite 11, Spring Hill, FL 34606 |
| Phone: | 866-438-2432 |
| Website: | https://www.ata.edu/campus/spring-hill-fl/medical-assisting/ |
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