Medical Assistant Program

As a Medical Assistant, you provide a helping hand to patients every day

Have you been considering the allied health field, perhaps thinking about working in a doctor’s office or hospital? 

If you love to help others, and want a well-paying job with benefits and security at the conclusion of your training, this is a career where you can contribute to people’s lives.

You may already be working in health care in some capacity and are looking for the next step to expand your career choices and deepen your knowledge.

Becoming a Medical Assistant (MA) is a versatile career, preparing you for a variety of medical environments and positions.

If having choices is important to you …

Your work may be fast-paced as you function as the “hub of the wheel,” providing important support for other team members. If you have interest in the administrative side of things, your work will be more behind the scenes.

If you become an MA in a provider’s office, you may well be the first person a patient sees when they come in for a checkup or follow-up treatment. This puts you in a unique position where you can set the tone for your patients’ entire experience. You can be the one to greet and welcome them, to take their vital signs and their medical history. 

Because you’ll often be in direct contact with patients, and sometimes providing their first impression, each patient will remember your kindness and professionalism. 

Career Opportunities

Medical Assistants

Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $37,120
Employment growth (2021-31): 18%

Salary data according to O*NET Online

At Kirtland you have two tracks to choose from!

Our Medical Assistant program offers both certificate and associate degree options. 

Advantages of the Certificate Track

• After completing your prerequisites, your MA coursework and internship will be completed during the winter and summer semesters (mid December-late July). It’s a quick path to a Medical Assistant certificate of completion.
• Certifications add credibility to your resume and provide you the credential that’s required to apply for most jobs as an MA.
• Included in earning your MA certificate, you also have the opportunity to obtain your phlebotomy certification
• Thereafter, you can still complete your Associate Degree without re-doing an internship, re-taking your basic courses, or re-taking your certification exam! As a bonus, your remaining courses will be online.

Advantages of the Associate Degree Track

• With an Associate Degree in Applied Science, you’ll often receive a higher salary.
• Completing your college degree is an accomplishment in itself, something that sets you apart, that you can always be proud of.
• Earning your associate degree prepares you to climb the career ladder in other health care areas.
• You’ll be eligible for management roles in provider offices; you may eventually qualify to be the lead MA, supervising a team.
• You’ll be eligible to work in “quality control” positions, such as monitoring your office’s compliance with government regulations for electronic records.
• Your associate degree can also open doors if you’re curious about working in research.

The American Medical Technologist (AMT) certification exam is a requirement in either case. Fortunately, whichever track you choose, we’ll make sure you’re ready and eligible to take this exam – and the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certification exam – with confidence.  We have a 100% success rate at Kirtland, so you plan to succeed.

Your Kirtland education is respected by employers

Kirtland’s Medical Assistant Program is Nationally Accredited by the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT).

This means your certification will be accepted anywhere in the United States AND your prospective employers will be confident that you’re well prepared to do the work.

Even if you’re working right now, you can do this program! In fact, some employers are offering scholarships to current employees who exhibit potential. Raising your hand to let them know you’re interested in continuing education could open doors for you!

Because of our reputation, most employers understand that, at Kirtland, you were prepared professionally in a state-of-the-art facility by highly qualified faculty, you learned the most industry-current technology, and you did that in real-life simulated training labs!  

It doesn’t get better than that.

You can be dual certified!

Not only will you obtain an RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) certificate but you will also have the opportunity to take the RPT (Registered Phlebotomy Technician) certification exam if you wish.  

You can be dual certified.  That is unique to our program. 

All Medical Assistants are trained to be Phlebotomists (to draw blood), but since Kirtland has its own Phlebotomy class that our MA students take, they are qualified to take that exam as well.

You’ll have an exceptional experience at Kirtland

Our highly experienced faculty care about your success

One thing Kirtland is known for is having caring faculty who not only excel in their subject areas, but also care deeply about the well being and progress of their students.

State-of-the-art classrooms with latest technology

Not only do we have a beautiful campus with labs that duplicate real-life scenarios, we also use the latest in innovative instructional technologies in our ‘smart classrooms.’  We’re equipped with smart boards, computer workstations, projection equipment, and a variety of technology support. 

Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed.

Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional level of interest and commitment to our students’ success. They’ll do their best to answer your questions and get you the correct information so you’re on the right track.