Medical Assistants, under the provider’s direction, perform both administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records and clinical duties such as taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, drawing blood, and getting patients ready for examinations. Medical Assistants typically serve in the outpatient setting at physician’s offices, clinics and multi-specialty facilities.
Certificate of Achievement
This certificate has a total of approximately 58-65 credits and is usually completed in five quarters. It prepares participants for entry-level positions as Medical Assistants in outpatient settings.
See the full Certificate of Achievement curriculum.
Requirements
- Admission to Bellevue College as a credit student.
- Basic computer skills and access to a computer with Internet access is highly recommended
- Placement by assessment into ENGL&101 for advanced classes.
- Successful completion of both Foundation and Program courses.
The following table outlines the Medical Assistant Certificate program as of Summer 2025:
| Foundation Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| AHE 100 | Introduction to Healthcare | 5 Cr. |
| AHE 110 | Medical Terminology | 5 Cr. |
| AHE 120 | Safety for Healthcare | 2 Cr. |
| AHE 130 – OR – BIOL 108 – OR – * BIOL& 241 – AND – * BIOL& 242 | The Human Body: Structure and Function – – – Human Biology – – – Anatomy & Physiology I – – – Anatomy & Physiology II | 5 Cr. – – – 6 Cr. – – – 6 Cr. – – – 6 Cr. |
| 17-24 Cr. |
AND
| Medical Administrative Assistant Program Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| AHEA 100 | Medical Law & Ethics | 3 Cr. |
| AHEA 102 | Introduction to Medical Administration | 5 Cr. |
| AHEA 104 | Introduction to Billing & Coding | 5 Cr. |
| AHEA 106 | Medical Computer Systems | 5 Cr. |
Sub-Total MAA: | 18 Cr. |
AND
| Medical Assistant Program Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| AHEM 120 | Clinical Procedures I | 5 Cr. |
| AHEM 124 | Clinical Procedures II | 5 Cr. |
| AHEP 101 | Clinical Procedures III | 5 Cr. |
| AHEM 128 | Medical Assistant Practicum | 8 Cr. |
Sub-Total MA: | 23 Cr. |
Total MA-C Certificate: 58-65 Cr.
BOLD courses are the standard department recommendation, any listed course may be selected as an alternative. Courses not listed, though of equivalent content (including transfer) may be eligible for substitution following the Bellevue College transfer and/or substitution policies.
* Both BIOL&241 and BIOL&242 must be completed to meet the anatomy and physiology standard, if this option is selected.
t Some courses have defined prerequisite or placement standards, please see the course catalog for requirements for these courses.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for national certification exams, and apply for Washington State MA-C (Medical Assistant-Certified) certification. This is a multi-step process, students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an Allied Health advisor to review certification goals and plan.
“Completion of the Bellevue College MA-C program (and completion of a professional certification exam through AAMA or NUCC) meets Washington State requirements for licensing in the field of medical assisting.”
More information for Out of State students can be found at: bellevuecollege.edu/elearning/start/out-of-state/
Career Outlook
Projected employment for Medical Assistants in the United States from 2020 to 2030 is expected to increase by 18% in the United States and by more than 24% in the state of Washington according to CareerOneStop.
Last Updated April 29, 2026
