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Medical Assistant Program
Apply for the Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Assistant Program
Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are now closed.
Applications for the 2025-26 Medical Assistant Program will be available Nov. 19, 2024.
Questions? Contact the Hawaii Pacific Health Human Resources department at 808-535-7571.
Upcoming Open House and Information Sessions
Hawaii Department of Education high school students who are interested in learning more about the HPH Medical Assistant Program are invited to attend one of our upcoming open house and information sessions.
- Meet our instructors.
- Review courses and requirements.
- Watch skills demonstrations.
- Learn how to apply.
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024
W.R. Farrington High School Library
1564 N. King St., Honolulu
5:30 p.m. Information Session
6 p.m. Open House
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024
Waipahu High School Library
94-1211 Farrington Highway, Waipahu
5:30 p.m. Information Session
6 p.m. Open House
For more information, download the flyer (PDF).
About the HPH Medical Assistant Program
Hawaii Pacific Health’s Medical Assistant Program is offered to high school seniors, with no tuition costs. Upon completion of the program and achievement of national certification, students will be given primary consideration for employment at an HPH Facility.
The program consists of two semesters of coursework and 225 hours of clinical externships. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, administrative medical assisting and clinical medical assisting, among other classes. Everything taught in the program is designed to mimic a real world scenario, and the skills that are taught to our students are pulled from situations that occur in the clinic setting.
“The program has helped me to get a real hands-on experience of what being in college and the medical field is like. Asides from the multiple skills we've learned, it's also helped me to become more confident and a better leader than when I first walked in.”
Testimonials from Previous Medical Assistant Students
"This program has helped me to grow as a better person and as a future health professional. I understand the rigor and the true meaning of what it means to be a health professional. I gained a lot more respect for the health field because of the hard work and passion the profession looks for."
"I would definitely recommend this program to other students. It is a great stepping stone into the health field and provides students with many opportunities."
“My biggest take away from the program is improving my time management skills because it was a challenge figuring out how I could balance this program, school, as well as other extracurricular activities”
“I would recommend this program to others if they are able to handle the workload and sacrifice their time and availability. This program requires you to be on track and stay consistent with your work but at the same time, this program teaches you to have better responsibility, the professors treat you like a real adult which also boosts maturity”
“The program has helped me to get a real hands-on experience of what being in college and the medical field is like. Asides from the multiple skills we've learned, it's also helped me to become more confident and a better leader than when I first walked in.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a medical assistant?
Medical Assistants play a key role in delivering the highest quality care to patients and their families. This includes assisting with patient care and procedures, administering medications, documenting routine office laboratory and diagnostic tests, as well as performing administrative medical office and business practices such as coding and billing.
How long is the program?
The Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Assistant program is one year in duration including a fall, spring, and summer semester. Classes take place during the student’s senior year of high school. Additionally, students complete a 225-hour externship during the summer after completing high school. The course load for each semester is equivalent to that of a full-time college student.
What is the program schedule?
Classes and labs are held on weekdays and Saturdays to accommodate students’ schedule. Exact dates and times are based on the home campus’ bell schedule.
What are the program costs?
Hawaii Pacific Health will sponsor tuition, professional fees, liability insurance, miscellaneous training fees, uniforms, and the certification exam and study materials. Students are financially responsible for the following items: books, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff kit, second-hand watch and shoes. Students are also responsible for any additional uniforms, any additional costs not sponsored by Hawaii Pacific Health, and any outside costs not associated with the program.
What knowledge do you need prior to completing the Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Assistant Program?
There are no pre-requisites for the program. If students have prior knowledge from a clinical health course, they can review medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and communication skills.
Will I be able to participate in classes or activities outside of the program?
In order to balance the program and other activities (i.e., extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, etc.), it is important to communicate with your instructors and practice time management skills.
How can I be successful in this program?
Preparedness is key! Students are encouraged to complete all assignments and readings prior to attending class. For every one hour of class, it is recommended to spend 2 – 3 hours studying outside of class.
Why should I participate in this program?
With the health industry focus shifting to preventative care, medical assistants are in greater demand with job opportunities projected to continue at a rapid increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is project to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031 which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This program offers high school seniors an opportunity to jump into a career path after graduation with no tuition costs. Throughout the program, students will gain exposure to clinical settings creating an excellent foundation for any future career in health care.