At Esperanza High School, our Medical Sciences Academy gives our Medical Assisting seniors a chance to take a prepaid NCMA test to become a National Certified Medical Assistant after graduation. This certification is recognized throughout the United States and is a useful tool when applying for a job in healthcare. With this certification, you are a step ahead of other contenders who may also be applying for either school or healthcare positions. The test is in May, and students are given the preparation materials in February. You are given 3 hours to take the test, and to pass, you must score at least 575. The best materials to study are the NCMA Interactive Review on ncctinc.com, which offers many ways to test your knowledge, but it does require you to pay about $70. Using the Interactive Review to study for the test has resulted in a high passing rate among our Esperanza senior Medical Assisting students, and students are encouraged to study when materials are provided at least 3 months prior to the test. The students who had bought the interactive review felt more confident and prepared before the test, as the Interactive Review gives you a Practice exam and a Preliminary exam to help in your preparation, which are made to be similar to the questions it would ask on the test.

In order to complete the program and become a Medical Assistant, you need a passing grade for the program, to complete 120 hours at your Externship site you are assigned during your last semester, and to pass the NCMA test. For our students to be given this opportunity is a very big deal, as not many other schools offer it. With this certification, you are seen as more experienced, and it shows your dedication and commitment to your goals. Throughout your entire senior year, you are working and developing skills to pass this exam. Throughout the program, you get prepared for real-life healthcare expectations and experiences. It teaches you hands-on things you cannot learn just by reading a textbook. If you are interested in healthcare, you would want to look into this program, as it is a great starting point, especially before you even graduate high school. The Medical Sciences Academy allows students to feel more prepared for college classes and future medical careers.