Concorde in Memphis offers two pathways for Medical Assisting students: a Diploma program, completed in 9 months, costing approximately $19,032, and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program, which takes around 16 months and costs about $32,553. Both programs combine classroom learning, practical lab training, and externship experience. Concorde emphasizes real-world skills and prepares students thoroughly for both clinical and administrative medical assisting roles.
Program Overview
Concorde provides an engaging medical assisting curriculum designed to equip students with essential skills for careers in various healthcare settings, such as private practices, clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Students learn through a combination of virtual coursework, hands-on lab sessions, and real-world externship experiences.
Medical assistants trained at Concorde develop both administrative and clinical expertise, making them versatile and valuable members of any healthcare team. Their training prepares them to perform duties ranging from managing patient records and scheduling appointments to drawing blood and taking vital signs.
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Diploma vs. Associate Degree: What’s the Difference?
Diploma Program (9 Months)
The Diploma program is a shorter, intensive course lasting 9 months. It includes:
- 240 lab hours and 230 externship hours.
- Training focused specifically on practical skills and medical office procedures.
- Courses covering clinical skills such as blood draws, taking vital signs, administering injections, infection control, and preparing lab samples.
- Administrative skills training, including patient scheduling, maintaining medical records, and basic office communication.
The total estimated cost for the diploma is $19,032, covering tuition ($18,288), textbooks ($494), and a technology fee ($250).
Associate of Applied Science Degree (16 Months)
The AAS degree is a more extensive option, lasting 16 months. It provides additional coursework in general education and advanced medical concepts, which can enhance employment opportunities or future educational pathways.
In addition to clinical and administrative training similar to the diploma, the AAS curriculum includes:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathology
- Medical Terminology
- Body Systems
- Advanced laboratory diagnostic procedures, such as EKG
The total estimated cost for the AAS degree is $32,553, which includes tuition ($32,193) and a higher technology fee ($360).
Curriculum Highlights
Regardless of program choice, students gain comprehensive training in essential medical assisting responsibilities, including:
Clinical Duties:
- Taking patient histories and recording vital signs
- Assisting physicians during patient exams
- Administering injections and medications under supervision
- Collecting blood and lab samples (venipuncture)
- Performing basic first aid, CPR, and managing infection control
Administrative Duties:
- Patient scheduling and reception
- Medical records management and transcription
- Insurance billing and coding
- Communication skills for handling calls, emails, and patient inquiries
Program Structure and Schedule
Both diploma and associate degree programs combine hands-on lab practice, classroom instruction, and real-world externships. The diploma is a quicker entry into the field, while the AAS offers broader educational coverage.
Classes are held on-site at Concorde’s Memphis campus, providing direct access to experienced instructors and modern medical equipment. There’s an emphasis on practical application, ensuring students leave ready for real-world healthcare environments.
Admissions Requirements
Prospective students must fulfill the following admissions criteria:
- Completed Application Form
- High School Diploma or GED
- Pass Wonderlic/ORA Assessment
- Attend a Financial Aid meeting and develop a Personal Funding Plan
These requirements help ensure that students are academically prepared and financially supported throughout their training.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualifying students, with a dedicated Concorde team available to assist applicants through the funding process. A notable offering is the Healthcare Demand Grant, automatically considered for all new students enrolling in healthcare programs at Concorde. This makes the financial aspect easier for eligible students, with no separate application required for this grant.
Employment Outlook
Medical assisting is expected to grow rapidly, with job demand projected to increase significantly over the next decade. Concorde’s structured training, externships, and career services prepare graduates to take advantage of these employment opportunities upon completing their chosen program.
Who Should Consider This School?
Concorde’s Medical Assisting programs are suitable for individuals looking for intensive, hands-on training in a relatively short time. Those who prefer a quicker route into the healthcare workforce may find the diploma program particularly appealing. Students looking for deeper education and career flexibility might benefit more from the associate degree. Given the significant costs involved, prospective students should carefully consider their financial situation and career objectives. Concorde’s blend of practical skills training, comprehensive support, and structured learning environment is ideal for those seeking focused, professional medical assisting education.
Category | Details |
Cost: | Diploma: $19,032; AAS: $32,553 |
Duration: | Diploma: 9 months; AAS: 16 months |
Class Schedules: | On-campus, blended with virtual coursework and in-person labs and externship |
Online Classes?: | Partial (blended format with virtual components and in-person training) |
Requirements: | – High school diploma or GED – Approved application – Wonderlic/ORA assessment – Financial aid meeting and personal funding plan |
Address: | 5100 Poplar Ave. Suite 132, Memphis, TN 38137 |
Phone: | (901) 881-2694 |
Website: | https://www.concorde.edu/allied-health-programs/medical-assistant/memphis |
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