Medical Assistant Online/Hybrid Diploma Program

Available at our State College and Altoona Campuses

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Medical Assistant Online/Hybrid Diploma Program

13 Month Online/Hybrid Diploma Program
Accredited by ACCSC
Licensed by the PA Department of Education, Department of Private Licensed Schools

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Program Highlights :

Medical Assistant Online/Hybrid Diploma Program:

Through a comprehensive educational training program including attention to theory, practice, and application, students in the Medical Assistant program will develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes:

  • Collect and prepare laboratory specimens and perform basic laboratory tests for application in a healthcare setting. 
  • Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician in a healthcare setting.
  • Explain treatment procedures and prepare patients for examination.
  • Apply proper aseptic techniques for diagnostic and treatment procedures commonly performed in a healthcare setting.
  • Utilize the electronic health record to perform medical office functions, such as patient scheduling/check-in, billing, coding, and documenting patient information.
  • Apply diagnosis/procedure codes to inpatient records using ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS.
  • Apply diagnosis/procedure codes to outpatient records using ICD-10-CM and CPT-4. 
  • Apply billing and coding procedures to submit claims for reimbursement.
  • Apply HIPAA and other regulations regarding confidentiality of patient information to workplace scenarios.

Why You should Choose South Hills

South Hills School of Business & Technology has been in the business of helping our students gain the specialized career skills they need for over 50 years. We know that we can help you, too, as you prepare for your future career. Here are just a few reasons why:

 
This photo shows smiling students in the classroom

Small Class
Sizes

It’s important to us that each of our students feels seen, both in what they need out of their education and what their goals are. It’s why we keep our class sizes small, so you can build a personal relationship with your teachers.

Busy colleagues planning goal and task at meeting

Internship and
Networking Opportunities

Every specialized degree program we offer at South Hills includes a 12-week internship component, which gives you not only hands-on experience, but also a chance to network and connect with our partner organizations.

Financial Aid
and
Scholarships

Finances shouldn’t stand in the way of you being able to train for the career you want. South Hills offers a number of ways to help pay for your program for those who qualify. Grants, loans, and special funding for veterans are just some of the possibilities we can explore with you, and our Financial Aid team is available to help you navigate these options.

Teacher Teaching a Lesson

Experienced
Instructors and Mentors

Our instructors are also experienced professionals who know what it takes to be successful in the job market. Medical Assistant classes are taught by professionals in the field who incorporate their experience into the curriculum.

The Outlook for Medical Assistant Jobs and Careers

The demand for healthcare in the United States is growing everyday, and with much of our population aging, the need for skilled medical professionals is expected to expand rapidly. Medical Assistants are one of the fasted-growing occupations in the country. Certified job candidates with quality training from an accredited ASB degree program will be well positioned to take advantage of this in-demand career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics published these facts in 2023:
  • Projected growth 13% (2023-2033) Much faster than average
  • Projected Job Openings (2023-2033) 118,000

Medical Assistant graduates who have secured their CMA Certification can expect to be working in entry level healthcare jobs like:

  • Certified Medical Assistant
  • Electrocardiography Technician
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Phlebotomist
  •  Emergency Department Technician
  • and more!
 

Careers For Medical Assistants

South Hills Medical Assistant graduates are well-trained and in demand for their skillsets and work ethics. Some of the many locations employing our graduates including but not limited to:

  • Advanced Regional Center for Ankle and Foot Care
  • Allegheny Regional Endoscopy (Blair Gastroenterology)
  • Altoona Heart and Vascular Institute
  • Altoona Lung Specialists
  • Blair Medical Associates
  • Dr. Nalin G. Patel
  • Geisinger
  • Huntingdon Healthcare, Inc.
  • James E. Van Zandt Veterans’ Administration Medical Center in Altoona
  • Mount Nittany Physician’s Group
  • Penn Highlands Center For Childrens Care
  • Susquehanna Health
  • Tyrone Medical Associates
  • University Orthopedics in State College & Altoona
  • UPMC Altoona

Classes For Medical Students

The complete course list for the Medical Assistant program is located in our Course Catalog.

Graduate Success Stories

Our graduates are building careers in the fields they’re passionate about.
Here’s what some of them have to say about their experience.

Elleonna Willey

Medical Assistant graduate

"My time at South Hills was amazing. I was at a loss of what I was going to do moving forward after high school. I found out about South Hills and I immediately had to put an application in and make an appointment. My first time meeting the staff just put it all into perspective. I immediately felt like I was with family. Never once felt less than or talked down to. Everyone was so helpful and encouraging. It made the entire process and school period so nice. I have recommended South Hills to so many people, and not just for the medical assistant program, but for all of the other programs also. I found great friendships and relationships with so many people and I wouldn't have it any other way. They made me step out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I'd do. It truly was a blessing to be a part of South Hills and I miss being a student every day because of it. I couldn't thank South Hills enough for the encouragement and friendships and lessons I've learned along the way."

Explore More Graduate Success Stories

Meet the Faculty

Bobbi
Brumbaugh

Program Coordinator/
Altoona Campus

Bobbi's Biography

Bobbi Brumbaugh has been an instructor at South Hills School of Business and Technology since 2020 and currently serves as the Coordinator and Instructor for the Medical Assistant Program at two campus locations. With a strong background in clinical practice and education, Bobbi is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in the medical assisting field.
Bobbi is a 2012 graduate of the Medical Assistant Program at YTI Career Institute, where she earned an Associate in Specialized Technology in Medical Assisting, graduated with Academic Honors, and received the Career Motivation Award. She is also a Certified Medical Assistant through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Throughout her career as a Certified Medical Assistant, Bobbi has gained extensive hands-on experience working in a variety of specialty practices, including cardiology, orthopedics, rheumatology, and ophthalmology. This diverse clinical background allows her to bring real-world knowledge and experiences into the classroom.
As an educator, Bobbi is passionate about lifelong learning and understands the challenges students face when learning new and complex material. She strives to keep her teaching methods current, engaging, and focused on helping students build confidence in their clinical skills. Most recently, completing an IV Therapy Certificate Program has expanded her clinical knowledge and enhanced her ability to teach and simplify the concepts and skills associated with IV insertion.

Mary-Lou
Phillips-Ryder

Instructor
State College

Mary-Lou's Biography

I have dedicated my career to education, emergency medical services, and healthcare training, combining extensive academic preparation with years of practical experience in patient care and instruction.

My educational foundation began at South Hills School of Business & Technology, where I earned an Associate in Specialized Business degree. This education provided me with a strong background in healthcare administration, professionalism, and the skills necessary to excel in both clinical and educational settings.

Committed to advancing my knowledge in emergency medicine, I completed my Emergency Medical Services education through Rescue Hose & Ladder EMS Company, where I developed the essential skills required to provide prehospital emergency care at the BLS level. I further expanded my EMS education at Penn State Fayette, strengthening my clinical knowledge and emergency response capabilities, as well as my knowledge of EMS education and mentorship.

To achieve one of the highest levels of prehospital care certification, I completed my Paramedic education through Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This rigorous program equipped me with advanced life support training, critical thinking skills, and the expertise to manage complex medical and traumatic emergencies.

Today, I serve as a Medical Assistant and CPR Instructor at South Hills School of Business & Technology. In this role, I have the privilege of preparing future healthcare professionals by teaching both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical skills required for success in the medical field. As a CPR instructor, I am committed to ensuring that students and healthcare providers are equipped with lifesaving skills that can make a meaningful difference in emergencies.

Throughout my career, I have remained passionate about education, mentorship, and healthcare. My goal is to inspire confidence, professionalism, and excellence in every student I teach while contributing to the development of compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals.