HIRED IN A HEARTBEAT


Become a multi-skilled health professional performing administrative and clinical duties.

Medical Assistants are multi-skilled health professionals who perform administrative and clinical duties under the supervision of a physician in general and specialty practices, clinics, hospitals, laboratories and home health.

Duties include making appointments, coding and billing insurances, taking vital signs, preparing patients for physical examination, phlebotomy, performing laboratory work and electrocardiograms.


The Program

The TCL Medical Assisting program prepares graduates in three-semesters with 40-credit-hours. Courses include general education, science and medical assisting that are taught in the classroom and at various clinical sites throughout the Lowcountry.

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  • Important Dates

    he application period for the Fall 2023 goes through  May 25, 2023. Visit the Health Sciences Application Process page for all of the information about applying.

    Certify Your Skills

    Students must complete 160 hours of off-campus clinical experiences as part of curriculum in order to graduate and become eligible to take the credentialing examination. Students will be awarded a medical assisting certificate in health science upon satisfactory completion.

    In order to obtain national credentialing the students can take exams through several professional organizations such as the American Medical Technologist (AMT), the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), or the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Graduates are also eligible to take Phlebotomy and Electrocardiogram Technician certification exams.

    Accreditation & Accolades

    Technical College of the Lowcountry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Technical College of the Lowcountry may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). 

    Quick Facts


    NEW CAREER IN ONE YEAR

    The one-year, three-semester Medical Assisting program is 40 credit hours.

    IN DEMAND

    Medical assisting is among the 10 fastest-growing occupations in the U.S.

    MED SKILLS

    Medical assistants require a mastery of a complex body of knowledge and skills.

    JOB OUTLOOK


    Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. South Carolina’s annual mean wage for medical assistants is $36,040, according to 2022 reports from the U.S. Labor Statistics. Earnings can increase substantially with time and experience.

    PROGRAM COST


    Total Program Tuition: 40 credits x $214 per credit = $8,560.

    Remember, this is before S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance and other financial aid, which could drop your costs by more than half. In fact, after financial aid, many TCL students attend for free. See more about paying for TCL.

    *Based on Fall 2022 in-state, in-service-area tuition. Your actual cost may differ. Does not include fees, books and other costs. Qualifications vary; all subject to change.

    WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING


    “A growing number of area health care facilities are seeking qualified medical assistants to help their offices run more smoothly.”

    Jaclyn Howarth

    Program Director

    FAQS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    Important Additional Requirements

    Students are encouraged to meet with the program director for advisement regarding program requirements and general education courses.

    Is this program for you?

    Yes, particularly if you:

    • Enjoy caring for others.
    • Like working in medical environments.
    • Are task-oriented and organized.

    Program Dean


    Joey Swearingen

    Dean, Health Sciences

    843-525-8230

    Beaufort Mather Campus, Bldg. 4, Rm. 113

    Instructors


    Jaclyn Valenti

    Director of Medical Assisting / Instructor

    843-525-6042

    New River Campus, Bldg. 50, Rm. 209