Hillsborough Community College (HCC), in collaboration with Tampa General Hospital (TGH), offers a comprehensive Medical Assistant Technician (MAT) training program. Priced at $3,299, the program includes online coursework, hands-on lab training, and optional clinical experience. It prepares students to earn up to three nationally recognized certifications: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), EKG Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician. Financial assistance and scholarships significantly lower the tuition costs for eligible students.
Program Overview
The Medical Assistant Technician Program at HCC is specifically designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, particularly in outpatient settings like clinics and doctors’ offices. The coursework covers clinical procedures such as patient preparation, laboratory testing, phlebotomy (drawing blood), and performing EKG tests. Students also gain practical experience in medical terminology, patient care, pharmacology, ethical practices, and office management tasks.
The course includes over 220 hours of combined instruction, which is structured through self-paced online learning, interactive live lectures, and in-person lab sessions. While lectures and theoretical components are completed online, practical skills labs are conducted in person at the HCC Dale Mabry Campus. An optional 100-hour clinical experience can be added for an extra fee of $200 after the class starts, offering valuable hands-on experience in local healthcare settings.
[esyoh_listings]
Certifications and Clinical Experience
The program makes students eligible for three certifications through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA):
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): Included in tuition.
- EKG Technician Certification: Requires running 10 live EKGs; an additional testing fee applies.
- Phlebotomy Technician Certification: In-class training covers 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks; additional testing fee applies.
The optional clinical hours are completed at TGH or affiliated medical offices. Students should be flexible, as these sessions typically range from 16 to 40 hours per week, depending on the student’s availability.
Costs and Financial Assistance
The base tuition of $3,299 includes:
- Course materials (textbooks, online resources)
- Scrubs
- Background check, fingerprinting, and drug screening
- Blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, EKG calipers
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- One attempt at the CCMA certification exam
Notably, EKG and Phlebotomy certifications have additional testing fees. Financial assistance opportunities include:
- TGH Employee Tuition Benefit: Covers full tuition if eligible.
- Open Door Scholarship: Reduces tuition by $1,747; remaining balance for students is $1,552.
- CareerSource Tampa Bay Grant: Available for students aged 16-24 with a high school diploma or GED.
Payment Plans: Pre-payment plans available for self-paying students.
Admission Requirements
To enroll, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
Clinical Training Additional Requirements:
- Level 2 background check (no felonies related to elder or child abuse)
- 10-panel drug screening (positive marijuana results disqualify clinical participation, even with medical approval)
- Physical exam including a two-step TB test
- Current immunizations (Influenza, COVID-19, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, TDAP)
Course Schedule and Technology Requirements
Classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at HCC’s Brandon Campus. Students require a desktop or laptop computer, Chromebook, or tablet with internet access and Chrome browser for online coursework. Using a smartphone is possible but may be challenging.
Who Should Consider This School?
This program is ideal for individuals seeking rapid entry into medical assisting roles, especially those already employed at TGH due to substantial tuition benefits. Students who prefer structured, hybrid learning environments, offering both flexibility through online coursework and practical in-person training, will find this program particularly appealing. However, students must be prepared to manage additional fees for optional certifications and clinical experiences. Those needing financial assistance or scholarships will benefit significantly from HCC’s robust funding options.
| Category | Details |
| Cost | $3,299 (includes materials and CCMA exam; optional clinical fee is $200) |
| Duration | June 4, 2025 – October 13, 2025 + optional 100 clinical hours |
| Class Schedules | Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Online Classes? | Yes – hybrid format with online coursework and in-person lab sessions |
| Requirements | Age 18+, high school diploma or GED; additional clinical requirements apply |
| Address | 4115 N Lois Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 |
| Phone | (813) 259-6010 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.tampatraining.com/tgh |
See More Programs!
Learn about every school offering Medical Assistant courses in Tampa.