Aspiring healthcare workers in Great Falls will have a new pathway to medical careers beginning September 2025 with the launch of the Great Falls Medical Assistant School, an 18-week program offering hands-on training, certifications, and externships at the Open Door Medical Clinic.
The program, conveniently located at 2 5th St N #204, is designed to prepare students for careers as medical assistants by combining classroom instruction, onsite labs, and practical experience. Graduates earn both the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential—accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)—and a school certificate of completion, along with a BLS (CPR) card.
Students will complete an 80-hour externship, working alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to gain real-world experience. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, neurology, healthcare ethics, phlebotomy, patient intake, vital signs, medication management, and administrative tasks such as billing, coding, and electronic medical records.
The school’s mission emphasizes accessible, debt-free training, offering flexible tuition plans designed to save students tens of thousands of dollars compared with traditional programs.
“We’re excited to expand into Great Falls with a medical assistant school that emphasizes hands-on training and job readiness,” said Chris Lofton, CEO of Zollege, the organization behind the school. “By reducing financial barriers and focusing on real-world experience, we’re helping students achieve meaningful healthcare careers close to home.”
Graduates will be prepared to work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, research facilities, and other healthcare settings in their communities.