Admission Steps

In order to apply to the Medical Assisting program, the following items must be submitted (in a portfolio) to the Program Director by August 1st.

1. Cover letter indicating why the applicant wants to be in the Medical Assisting Program and what makes them a strong candidate. The letter should be grammatically correct and signed by the applicant.
2. Resume.
3. Two letters of recommendation from employers, co-workers, previous employers, or teachers. The recommended format for the letters of recommendation are listed below.
4. Most recent unofficial transcripts for college, high school or GED and/or HSE. Official transcripts must be on file with the Office of the Registrar.
5. Proof of high school completion: an unofficial copy of diploma, transcript, GED, or HSE certificate
6. Keyboarding test: applicants should key at approximately 35 wpm. Assessment can be performed online at typingtest.com (include best 1-minute assessment in portfolio).
7. Print and attach results from the following Northstar Digital Literacy assessments to the portfolio. Assessments do not need to be taken all at one time, but will take at least an hour to complete:
   1. Basic Computer Skills
   2. Internet Basics
   3. Using Email
   4. Windows 10
   5. Microsoft Word
   6. Microsoft Excel
   7. Microsoft PowerPoint
8. Placement test scores for new college students only.
   • All students, degree and non-degree seeking, at the College of Southern Idaho, must submit placement information prior to enrolling in courses that require math or English placement. The score results are used during the educational planning process to assist students in selecting appropriate level courses in which there is a reasonable probability that they will be successful. Certain courses and program-specific admissions criteria require specific course placement level attainment. Refer to the catalog’s curriculum and program description sections for details. Placement scores are valid for three years from the testing date.
   • Self-Guided Math Placement
   • The Write Class Placement Survey for English placement at CSI.
   • Advising for more information.

Applicant's portfolio documents and/or transcripts must show proof of ability to complete all non-program required coursework within the first semester of the program. Inability to do so may forfeit the applicant's seat in the second semester of the program and the applicant will have to apply for readmission.

Mail complete portfolio to:

OR

take them directly to the Health Sciences and Human Services Department in the Health Sciences and Human Services building located at 397 North College Road.

Interview

An interview with the Medical Assistant Advisory Board will be scheduled by the program director on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, after 5:30 p.m. for all applicants who submit a complete portfolio. Students are selected on a point system. In the event that there are more applicants than seats available, the applicants having the highest points will be placed in the program.

Once accepted into the program, there will be a mandatory orientation Friday, August 5, 2022, from noon to 2 p.m. to explain the following additional requirements:

• First Aid.
• Healthcare provider BLS from the American Heart Association.
• Proof of Health Insurance (for the duration of the program).
• Present (< 6months) evidence of good health with a statement from a health care provider.
• Proof of immunizations: Hepatitis B, MMR, Chickenpox, Tdap, and Influenza (after Oct.).
• Pass background check.
• Pass drug screen.

Letter of Recommendation

1. Letters of recommendation should be written by someone who will address the applicant's professional skills such as abilities, work ethic, dependability, motivation, and attitude. These are suggested topics; the writer may wish to address other areas.
2. The letters of recommendation will become part of the applicant's file, which will be reviewed by the Medical Assistant Advisory Board prior to their interview with the board.
3. Letters of Recommendation - must be signed, addressed to Kara Mahannah, the current date (within last year), and in a sealed envelope addressed by the sender. Full points will not be awarded to unsigned, unprofessional, or unsealed letters.
4. Experience has shown that people are usually happy to write letters of recommendation; however, they must be in the Program Directors office by the August 1st deadline.