Medical Assisting FAQ
Medical Assisting Program – Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you in advance for your interest in the Medical Assisting program here at Stanly Community College. The following list of questions have been complied to help answer the most common questions related to the Medical Assisting program admission process; however this list of questions is not meant to take the place of collaborating with our Admissions staff.
- I am interested in Medical Assisting but am just not sure; can I talk to someone on
campus?
Please contact the Eagle’s One Stop, who will first ask you a few questions and then refer you to the proper career counselor. The Eagle’s One Stop can be contacted by phone at 704-991-0123 or via email at onestop@stanly.edu. Their link on the website may be viewed HERE. They can also help answer your questions related to registration, financial aid, email accounts, Self-Service, Canvas, and much more.
- I’ve noticed that there are four options for the Medical Assisting program, can you
tell me more about this?
Here are the options currently available for Medical Assisting at Stanly Community College:
The Medical Assisting certificate program is offered at night (with some limited online/day courses) at our Allied Health Signature Campus in Locust. The certificate program prepares students to work in the administrative positions of an ambulatory care setting. Currently Financial Aid is available for certificate programs.
The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate option prepares students to sit for the Certified Professional Coders (CPC) or Certified Professional Coders-Hospital Exam (CPC-H).
Our diploma program is an 11 month program that prepares students to become multi-skilled health care professionals who are qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures. After successful completion of the diploma program you are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant Exam given by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
SCC’s Medical Assisting program is awarded a 1+1 program, which means that all AAS graduates also receive the Diploma. After completion of the diploma program, students may elect to finish the Associate’s Degree program by completing two additional semesters of course work.
- How do I apply to the Medical Assisting program?
Application to SCC can be completed online. You can use the link to apply, obtain transcripts, and learn about the placement testing for the college.
- When do you accept applications for the Medical Assisting program?
The Medical Assisting program application is open from October 1st - May 1st.
- What are the requirements for admission to the Medical Assisting program?
The admission requirements and process for the Medical Assisting program are located at the following link.
MA program Admission Checklist
The link contains the course sequence, application requirements, and application process and should answer the majority of your questions.
- Who is my academic advisor?
Visit our Advising/Success Coach page to see who is your advisor based on your program.
- What do I have to complete prior to the application deadline?
Refer to the link of admission requirements for the program of study:
- Can I take general education courses before being admitted into the Medical Assisting
program?
Yes. Although it is not required to take them before hand, it is recommended that as many of those general education courses be taken before hand as possible, especially BIO 163 due to the time intensity of this course with MED courses. Anything other than courses beginning with the prefix of MED can be taken before admission. Taking general education courses or not has no bearing on your admission status.
- How do I register for the placement test?
Registration for the test can be completed online here: Schedule Placement Test or you can schedule the test with admissions by contacting them at 704-991-0226. For more information visit the testing and assessment web page.
- How do I find out more about the placement tests?
Please visit the FAQ page for the tests.
- What if I have taken a placement test elsewhere? Can I submit my scores?
Yes. Once you have applied to the program, you may have your scores sent to admissions. These scores are not automatically part of your transcript so they must be specifically requested by you to transfer.
- When do I find out if I have been granted conditional acceptance to the program?
Admissions will notify applicants, by letter, around the beginning of March. Applicants that are on the alternate list will also receive notification by letter. The information may be accessed via Self-Service as well after letters have been mailed.
- Do I have to complete a drug test and background check for the program?
Yes. As a requirement of the clinical facilities, all students within the medical assisting diploma curriculum must complete drug screening and criminal background screening. The college does not see the criminal background check results nor give advice related to the results. Being accepted to the program does not mean that you are automatically cleared to attend the clinical sites. If the clinical site denies a student clinical privileges, that student is withdrawn from the program.
- How much does the program cost?
Tuition for the program is based on the number of credit hours you take within a given semester. The following link explains the tuition and other charges in great detail. Please refer to the chart to determine your approximate tuition costs.
- How much are books and other items for the program?
The required textbooks and supplies vary in price from year to year. During your orientation meeting, we will pass out information on approximate costs of outside expenses you will be responsible for.
- Do I need clinical uniforms and equipment before the program starts?
No. At a mandatory orientation session prior to your first day of medical assisting classes, faculty will discuss the clinical uniforms and equipment in great detail. The items can then be purchased at a retailer given to you by your instructors.