Compare Programs
Review all five programs, then select up to 3 for a closer side-by-side comparison.
All Five NCE Programs at a Glance
Each program leads to a diploma. Certification preparation is not an automatic award of a professional credential; credentialing organizations set their own examination and eligibility requirements.
| Program | Duration / Clock Hours | Training Format | Externship | Certification Preparation | Disclosures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | 36 Weeks / 720 hours | In-classroom or hybrid online; day or evening classes | 160 hours included | NCMA | Medical Assistant School Performance Fact Sheet (PDF) |
| Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist | 36 Weeks / 720 hours | In-classroom or hybrid online; day or evening classes | 160 hours included | NCPT, NEKG | Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist School Performance Fact Sheet (PDF) |
| Electrician | 36 Weeks / 720 hours | In-classroom or hybrid online; day or evening classes | No externship | OSHA 10, Ladder Safety, LOTO, ET Card Support | Electrician School Performance Fact Sheet (PDF) |
| Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning | 42 Weeks / 840 hours | In-classroom or hybrid online; day or evening classes | No externship | EPA Section 608, OSHA 10, Ladder Safety, LOTO | Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning School Performance Fact Sheet (PDF) |
| Personal Fitness Trainer | 40 Weeks / 800 hours | In-classroom; day or evening classes | No externship | NASM CPT, NASM CNC | Personal Fitness Trainer School Performance Fact Sheet (PDF) |
For tuition, fees, entry requirements, and the Personal Fitness Trainer examination details, review the student catalog and current addendum and admissions requirements. Passing the NASM-CPT and NASM-CNC exams is not a condition of graduation from the Personal Fitness Trainer diploma program.
Select Programs to Compare
| Feature | Medical Assistant | Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Allied Health | Allied Health |
| Duration | 36 Weeks | 36 Weeks |
| Clock Hours | 720 | 720 |
| Certification Preparation | NCMA | NCPT, NEKG |
| Training Format | In-classroom or hybrid online | In-classroom or hybrid online |
| Externship | 160 hours included | 160 hours included |
| Career Paths | Medical Offices, Clinics, Hospitals, Urgent Care Centers | Hospitals, Laboratories, Diagnostic Centers, Blood Banks |
| Key Skills | Patient Care, Vital Signs, EKG, Phlebotomy, Medical Terminology, Office Procedures | Lab Procedures, EKG Testing, Phlebotomy, Specimen Collection, Lab Safety |
| Learn More | View Program | View Program |