Program

Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants are the only allied health professional specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings, such as physicians' offices, clinics and group practices.  These multi-skilled personnel can perform administrative and clinical procedures.

Medical management responsibilities include:

• Computer applications
• Patient reception
• Schedule, coordinate and monitor appointments
• Establish, organize and maintain patient medical records
• Coding and processing insurance claims
• Patient transactions, billing and bookkeeping
• Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services

Medical clinical responsibilities include:

• Measuring vital signs
• Assisting with examinations
• Sterilizing instruments
• Assisting with minor office surgery
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
• Taking medical histories
• Running electrocardiograms
• Laboratory testing in urinalysis, hematology and microbiology
• Explaining treatment procedures to a patient
• Drawing blood
• Removing sutures and changing dressings

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assistant:

• Performs a wide range of clinical skills to promote care of patients and families effectively;
• Conducts patient education to ensure continuity of care;
• Directs office business by performing a variety of administrative duties;
• Communicates effectively with staff, doctors, patients, community, and other medical personnel;
• Maintains professional skills and attitudes with colleagues and patients; and,
• Maintains, coordinates and documents policies and procedures for office.

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

The Medical Assistant program prepares graduates for entry-level careers in ambulatory health care settings such as medical offices and clinics, and provides the student with a background sufficient for growth and advancement in the medical assisting profession.  Entry-level jobs include Certified Medical Assistant, either clinical, administrative or both; Phlebotomist; or Electrocardiograph Technician.

Medical Assistants are ranked as one of the fastest growing occupations over 2008-18.  Job placement for our program is approximately 90 to 95 percent.

Occupation Profile