TheBestSchools.org lists DCTC #11 on nationwide Top 20
Dakota County Technical College is featured on TheBestSchools.org for 2019 as having one of the best online medical assistant certification programs in the country. DCTC is ranked #11 on the Top 20 list.
TheBestSchools.org connects prospective students with the best online degree programs available. This year, TheBestSchools.org reviewed all accredited online medical assistant certification programs in the U.S. to select the Top 20 programs in the nation.
According to TheBestSchools.org: “The medical assistant certification online encompasses 42 credits emphasizing the clinical duties required of medical assistants in the field. Students can develop skills to perform diagnostic tests, administer medications, and assist with exams and minor surgeries. Course topics include medical terminology, pharmacology, and radiologic imagery. Students conclude the certificate with a practicum experience and capstone project.
“Students may complete most coursework online, save for the practicum requirement. DCTC allows students to take courses on campus, through a hybrid format, or according to full- or part-time schedules. Sample course sequence plans for the Medical Assistant Diploma span two semesters and a summer session.
“Students can complete courses online through the D2L Brightspace platform. Resources for distance students include advising and tutoring services, library and bookstore access, and links to financial aid and registration through the student portal. Distance students can request tech support for D2L or other virtual learning systems through the DCTC ticketing system.”
College and program accreditation
Dakota County Technical College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Medical Assistant Diploma program is regionally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
According to Minnesota State CAREERwise, which provides online tools in the areas of career planning and education, the medical assistant career is currently in very high demand and is seeing very high growth compared to other careers, 25.3 percent, or well above the statewide average.
There will be a need for about 14,079 new Medical Assistants to meet market demand between 2016–2026. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
Graduates assist primary care physicians and specialists in clinics ranging in size from single-doctor to large, multi-specialty. Opportunities are also present in a variety of other healthcare areas. More than half of all medical assistants work in a doctor’s office.
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Learn more about the Medical Assistant program at DCTC by contacting:
Kathleen Paukert, CMA (AAMA)
Medical Assistant Program Director
651-423-8421
Patrice Nadeau, MS, MT (ASCP)
Medical Assistant Faculty
651-423-8355
Margaret Noirjean, BSN, RN
Medical Assistant Faculty
651-423-8540
