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ECPI University

At A Glance:

Program Format and Structure

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences – Medical Assisting program at ECPI University in Charlotte is designed for students who want to quickly and confidently enter the healthcare workforce. Using an accelerated, year-round format, this program allows students to complete their degree in approximately 15 months. Courses are delivered on campus, with hands-on labs and interactive classroom instruction that simulates real-world healthcare settings. The curriculum is structured around five-week terms, where students focus on two classes at a time—allowing for deeper focus and faster progression through the material.

A major highlight of the program is its built-in five-week externship at a local medical facility, giving students critical real-world experience under professional supervision. This externship serves as a bridge between classroom learning and actual clinical practice, preparing students for patient-facing roles upon graduation.


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Curriculum and Skills Training

The 61-credit-hour curriculum integrates a mix of core medical assisting content, general education, and self-integration coursework. Featured classes include Medical Ethics, Medical Office Procedures, and courses covering lab work, EKGs, phlebotomy, patient care, and administrative procedures. Students will learn how to perform basic clinical duties like taking vital signs, administering injections, assisting with minor procedures, performing EKGs, collecting lab specimens, and upholding patient confidentiality.

Administrative training includes scheduling appointments, managing electronic health records, handling insurance documentation, and executing billing and coding tasks. This dual focus ensures graduates are qualified for both front-office and back-office positions in medical environments.

In addition to skill-building, students receive CPR training and are prepared to sit for industry-recognized certifications, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) by AAMA, Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) by AMT, Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), and EKG Technician certifications.


Class Schedule and Flexibility

ECPI University is known for its flexible scheduling, which accommodates a range of student needs. While this program is delivered on campus, students benefit from small class sizes, evening and weekend availability, and structured five-week terms. By taking two classes at a time, students can stay focused without becoming overwhelmed, all while maintaining momentum toward graduation.


Admissions Requirements and Process

The admissions process at ECPI is straightforward. Prospective students begin by requesting information through the university website. After that, they’ll schedule a meeting with an admissions advisor, submit any previous college transcripts, and, upon acceptance, enroll in the next available term. There are no extensive prerequisites beyond a high school diploma or GED, though some background in science or healthcare may be beneficial.


Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

At $7,848, the program is competitively priced, especially considering its accelerated format. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, including federal aid, grants, and scholarships. ECPI University also maintains relationships with numerous employers who offer tuition reimbursement benefits, and military students may access special funding through GI Bill® benefits, TA, and Yellow Ribbon support. A financial advisor is available to help students identify the best options to reduce out-of-pocket costs.


Accreditation and Educational Credibility

The Medical Assisting program at ECPI University is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a respected agency for allied health education. Institutionally, ECPI is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. These accreditations confirm the quality and rigor of the program and may be essential for students pursuing certification or transferring credits later.


Faculty and Instructional Support

Courses are led by faculty with real-world healthcare experience. Instructors combine theoretical instruction with practical application, making use of lab-based learning and real equipment. The small class sizes ensure a more personal learning environment, and instructors are known for being highly accessible outside of class hours. This mentorship and support are crucial for students new to the medical field.


Career Services and Job Placement Support

ECPI University offers job placement assistance, drawing on a robust network of employer partnerships. Career services include resume-building workshops, mock interviews, and direct employer connections through job fairs and on-campus recruitment. The five-week externship also serves as a valuable introduction to the job market, often leading to direct employment opportunities after graduation.


What Students Can Expect

Students should be prepared for a fast-paced, structured program with a balance of classroom, lab, and real-world clinical learning. The program is ideal for individuals who want to enter the healthcare field quickly and are ready to dedicate themselves to an accelerated schedule. Graduates of the program will be equipped for entry-level positions in hospitals, doctors’ offices, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics, and will have the skills necessary to grow in the industry or pursue further education.


This program is a good fit for

Program InformationDetails
Cost$7,848
Program Duration15 months
Class SchedulesOn-campus, two classes per five-week term, flexible scheduling available
PrerequisitesHigh school diploma or GED
Address4800 Airport Center Pkwy Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28208
Phone(704) 751-4558
Email[email protected]
Websitehttps://www.ecpi.edu/programs/medical-assistant-associate-degree
Job PlacementYes

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