MEDICAL ASSISTING

Associate in Applied Science (MDA.AAS)

   The Medical Assisting certificate is designed to prepare an individual for an entry-level position as a Medical Assistant in a private medical office, clinic or other health care facility. Both clinical and administrative skills are included in the course work. On-the-job experience is provided by a total of 210 hours of externship placement with a licensed health care practitioner. The student may choose to complete an associate in applied science degree after completion of the certificate in Medical Assisting.

   Upon completion of the certificate program the student will be prepared for the American Association of Medical Assistant’s (AAMA) national certification exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The program also provides continuing education for employed medical assistants.

   The business administration area of instruction will include medical law and ethics; scheduling appointments; telephone practices; processing mail; oral and written communication skills; including medical transcription, reports and manuscripts; responsibilities of office care and management; patient and insurance billing; financial records; payroll records and banking; and safety precautions. Students will also use word processing skills to develop job descriptions and office policy manuals.

   The clinical area of instruction will include Universal Standards, preparing the patient for exam; obtaining vital signs and medical histories; assisting with exams, treatments and surgeries; performing routine laboratory procedures; EKGs and other diagnostic procedures; sterilization procedures; instructing patients in preparation for x-rays and laboratory tests; venipuncture; administration of medications; proper charting and documentation; first aid; and patient education.

   The Medical Assisting one-year certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs at www.caahep.org, on recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board (CRB) of the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Endowment (AAMAE).

   Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 35 E. Wacker Drive, Ste. 1970, Chicago, IL 60601-2208.

In order to be eligible for extern placement students must also obtain the following:

• A 2.0 grade point or better in all major required program requirements.
• A current CPR card.
• A current health history and physical exam with appropriate immunization documentation.

   The policies and regulations regarding progression and retention in the program, as well as certification requirements are outlined in the Medical Assisting Student Handbook which is provided to each student enrolled in the Medical Assisting program.

   A mandatory criminal history check will be conducted on all students prior to the start of the program. 1) Conviction of a felony or any attempt to commit a felony within the 15 years immediately preceding the date of the criminal history check; or 2) Conviction of a misdemeanor within the 10 years immediately preceding the criminal history check, will preclude eligibility for admission. In addition, all selected students must have a drug screen test prior to the start of the program. For details contact 248.942.3067.