Unitek College Medical Assisting Program

Biggest Takeaways:

The Medical Assisting Diploma Program at Unitek College in Sacramento is designed to help students gain the skills and credentials needed for entry-level positions in healthcare. The program takes just 9 months to complete, includes evening classes for flexibility, and features a 160-hour externship to provide hands-on experience.

Program Format

Unitek’s program combines classroom instruction with practical training to prepare students for the medical field. Evening classes accommodate busy schedules, and the curriculum emphasizes teamwork, communication, and professionalism. Students will learn critical clinical and administrative skills, such as sterilizing instruments, updating patient charts, performing EKGs, and managing billing tasks.

Externship

A strong feature of the program is its 160-hour supervised externship at a local healthcare facility. This provides students with real-world experience in clinics, hospitals, or other medical settings. Tasks during the externship may include assisting with exams, collecting lab samples, and updating patient records. This hands-on training is essential for building confidence and applying classroom knowledge in a professional environment.

Admissions Requirements

Schedule a career-planning session and admissions interview.
Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
Complete an entrance exam.
Submit an application and enrollment agreement.
Complete FAFSA and a financial aid interview.
Provide proof of required vaccinations.

Curriculum Highlights

The program covers a wide range of topics to ensure students are well-prepared for healthcare roles. Key areas of focus include:

Laboratory techniques and clinical procedures.
Pharmaceutical principles and medication administration.
Medical law, ethics, and patient relations.
First aid and OSHA regulations.

Students also gain practical experience through simulation training, which complements the externship and prepares them for diverse roles in the healthcare industry.

Career Support

Unitek College offers a strong career services team to assist graduates in entering the workforce. Services include resume writing, mock interviews, and clinical placement assistance. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in clinics, hospitals, nursing facilities, and other medical settings.

Campus Features

The Sacramento campus provides a modern learning environment, including skills labs equipped with medical tools and devices. Class sizes are capped at 30 students to ensure personalized instruction. Conveniently located near major highways and public transit, the campus is accessible for students from Sacramento and surrounding areas.

Certifications

While certification is not mandatory for medical assistants in California, Unitek graduates are eligible to sit for several national certification exams, such as the NCMA (National Certified Medical Assistant) and RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) credentials. These certifications can enhance job prospects and career advancement opportunities.

Is This Program Right for You?

This program is ideal for individuals looking for a short-term commitment to enter the healthcare field. With evening classes and a focused curriculum, it’s perfect for those balancing work or family obligations. The externship and career services support make it an excellent choice for students seeking practical training and job placement assistance. If you’re detail-oriented and passionate about healthcare, this program could be a great fit.

Category	Details
Cost	Not specified.
Duration	9 months
Class Schedules	Evening classes (Monday-Thursday, 5:30 PM – 10:50 PM)
Online Classes?	No
Requirements	High school diploma or equivalent, entrance exam, vaccinations, FAFSA completion, interview.
Address	4330 Watt Ave, 4th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95821
Phone	(916) 312-1067
Website	https://www.unitekcollege.edu/programs/medical-assistant/sacramento/