Medical Assistant Diploma Program Learn More The Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) Medical Assistant diploma program offers a comprehensive blend of theory coursework and simulation and clinical experiences, including an 8-week externship at a medical facility. An exciting change is coming to our Medical Assistant diploma program; beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the duration of the program has reduced to 9 months (1,140 hours). Our comprehensive and rigorous career program provides training in all essential competencies and duties of a medical assistant through simulation, hands-on learning, and theory coursework. We’ll continue to offer [...]

The GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of seven postsecondary students that will complete the medical assistant diploma program at the end of November with a graduation ceremony on November 7th.  After completion of the 240-hour clinical externship with a local medical facility, they will complete all program requirements. Many have already passed the American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Medical Assistant exam and the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam! View Photos This is the inaugural class of the hybrid medical assistant diploma program. Students in the hybrid program attend class sessions two evenings per week and complete coursework online. Students had [...]

View All Photos On June 18, 2024, the GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of 50 adult students that successfully completed several postsecondary career-training diploma programs with a ceremony at the GACTC. Graduates, GACTC administration, staff, faculty, Joint Operating Committee members, families, and friends attended to recognize the graduates' accomplishments. Mr. Eric Palmer, Executive Director, provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates. Several graduates shared messages to the graduates and attendees, including: Aaron Cassidy, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program Alicia Hurd, Medical Assistant program Kylie Smith, Welding with Print Reading program Faith Warwick, Expanded Function Dental Assistant program Julie Patosky, Continuing Education [...]

On June 13th, a health career fair was held at the GACTC for current adult health sciences students and alumni, including students and alumni from our practical nursing, medical assistant, and phlebotomy programs. More than 30 employers attended to promote their organization’s open positions! GACTC students have been preparing references, resumes, cover letters, and growing their professionalism skills, which they were able to put to good use at the career fair. Employers that attended represented area hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers.   They were eager to share their opportunities with our locally trained workforce, and students [...]