The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) which is responsible for the certification of Medical Assistants, has varied restrictions that may affect persons with a history of felony convictions. Successful completion of the program does not guarantee eligibility to take the certification examination. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the AAMA at 800-228-2262 concerning questions they may have regarding their eligibility for certification.

Minnesota law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a Minnesota licensed health care facility have a background study. An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the study, and whose disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, will not be permitted to participate in a clinical placement. Failure to participate in a clinical placement required by the Medical Assistant program at Ridgewater College, will result in ineligibility to qualify for a diploma in medical assisting.

The Ridgewater College Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants' Endowment (AAMAE).