Medical Assisting FAQs

This certificate program is primarily taught online with a few courses delivered in the hybrid format (partially online and partially face-to-face).

The general education courses may be taken prior to the medical assisting (MA) courses which may allow students to spread the program out over a longer period of time. Once a student is accepted into the certificate program, all medical assisting classes must be taken in consecutive order, full-time. 

Medical assisting courses are mainly offered asynchronously, online, with the exception of meeting once a week in person on Wednesdays.

Students can work any job so long as that job does not prevent them from attending classes or the practicum experience in an actual medical office.

Once admitted to the certificate program, it takes two (2) semesters to complete.

View the full academic calendars for UC Blue Ash.

Visit the Admissions page to see all deadlines.

You will work with Admissions and Student Life to complete the University's application and enrollment process. Once you've met the minimum program requirements, you will need to submit a Change of Major Form change of major form.

Visit the UC Blue Ash fees and tuition page for all UC Blue Ash financial details.

Veteran benefits are available for qualifying students. UC Blue Ash has an on-campus veteran's affairs coordinator.

Contact Program Director Tera Archbold at archbota@ucmail.uc.edu to schedule a meeting. 

Yes, both a drug test and a physical are required. Practicum sites may also require a drug test before beginning the practicum experience.

Yes, a criminal background check is required.

Please speak with the medical assisting faculty advisor about what sorts of offenses prevent students from getting jobs as a medical assistant: Tera Archbold at archbota@ucmail.uc.edu or 513-558-9489.

After you have confirmed your acceptance to the college and had your official transcripts sent from your previous college/s, then you should meet with your Pre-Health Professions advisor. They will be able to evaluate your transfer credits. View a list of advisors by program.

• Confirmed admission to the University of Cincinnati
• Place into STAT 1031 (or complete MATH 0029 with minimum grade of C)
• Place into ENGL 1001 (or complete ENGL 0099 with minimum grade of C)

You do not need the placement test if your courses meet or exceed the minimum requirements for application to the program.

Medical assistants are multi-skilled healthcare professionals who work primarily in outpatient settings such as physician offices, clinics, urgent care facilities or other ambulatory care settings.

You can take your prerequisite classes and general education classes at any college where they are offered. You must take all core medical assisting (MA designation) classes at the Blue Ash campus.

All students should initially meet in person with their Academic Advisor. Students should continue to make contact with their advisor each term.

The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

This program prepares students to take the CMA(AAMA) credentialing exam. This is considered the "gold standard" credential for medical assistants.

Medical assistants working in the clinical setting spend a lot of face time with their patients. If you are looking for a career with lots of hands on time with patients, this is the program for you!