The Medical Assisting program is designed to prepare students to perform both administrative and clinical tasks that assist physicians in various areas of medical practice. The responsibilities of medical assistants can range from administrative functions to clinical care and patient treatment. Students will learn to take and record medical histories and vital signs, administer medications, sterilize instruments, assist with minor office procedures, and manage patient emergencies. In the laboratory setting, students will learn to obtain blood samples and carry out routine laboratory procedures. In the administrative aspect, students will learn to update and organize patient medical records, complete insurance forms, and coordinate hospital admissions and laboratory services. Additional administrative responsibilities may include answering phones, greeting patients, managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, and processing billing. Before completing the course of study, students must finish a two hundred twenty-five (225) hour practicum in a medical environment.
Upon fulfilling the program requirements, students will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting and will be eligible to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. It is crucial to enroll in MAT 228R: Medical Assistant CCMA Review Course either concurrently or following the completion of MAT 229: Medical Assisting Practicum to adequately prepare for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam.
Area I: Written Composition
Area II: Humanities and Fine Arts
Area III: Natural Science and Mathematics
Area IV: History, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Area V: Career and Technical Courses
Additional Degree Requirements
**Optional Courses
**Note: Students have the opportunity to complete optional courses for the purpose of completing stackable credentials. These courses are not required for the AAS in Medical Assisting.
Notes
Suggested Course Sequence
| First Term | Second Term | Third Term | Fourth Term | Fifth Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Humanities Elective |
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Medical Assisting Program must:
- Have unconditional admission to the College.
- Complete the application for the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting.
- Achieve a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.0 OR a minimum 2.0 cumulative high school GPA if no prior college coursework exists OR a GED certificate.
- Complete all developmental coursework.
- Be eligible for enrollment in English 100/101 and Math 100 as determined by the College.
- Good standing with the College.
- Meet essential functions required for medical assisting.
- Be able to comply with any additional requirements as outlined by the clinical agencies such as dress code or confidentiality training.
- Acceptance to the Medical Assisting program is dependent upon meeting admission criteria in effect at the time of readmission
Progression
Students meeting the following criteria will be permitted to progress within the Medical Assisting program. All medical assisting students must:
- Receive a grade of C or above in all MAT courses.
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater throughout the program.
- Receive a satisfactory rating for all clinical, administrative and laboratory skills components.
Students with a grade of W, D or F in any given MAT course, who have not received a grade of W, D or F in any prior MAT course, will not be allowed to progress in the program without first completing counseling with either the instructor of the course in which they were unsuccessful or the Medical Assisting Program Director. A grade of W, D, or F in one or more courses within a term is considered one unsuccessful attempt. Following completion of counseling, the student may continue enrollment in medical assisting.
A student with a total of two unsuccessful attempts (W, D or F) in two separate semesters will result in dismissal from the program. Students with two unsuccessful attempts must apply as a new student in the Medical Assisting program.
Students are responsible for meeting all the progression and graduation requirements, including all necessary graduation fees for any desired medical assisting short certificate for which they have completed the necessary coursework and the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting.
Readmission Policy
Students who are not enrolled in the Medical Assisting program for two or more consecutive terms or have a total of two unsuccessful MAT course attempts in two separate semesters will be required to reapply and meet admission criteria in effect at the time of readmission. Additionally, students who apply for readmission must comply with the current program of study. Students who apply for readmission to the program following two unsuccessful MAT course attempts must attend a readmission counseling appointment with the Medical Assisting Program Director.
Transfer Students
Students who have been enrolled in other programs are evaluated individually to determine appropriate placement.
Required Documents
Students who have submitted an application for any Medical Assisting program, to include the A.A.S. option or short certificate options, and are notified of acceptance will be required to submit current health documentation (including background check and drug screening) and ensure currency is maintained throughout the duration of their time in Medical Assisting program. Proof of background check and drug screening must be submitted as defined by the program. All other required health documentation must be submitted prior to the last day of class during the first semester in which the student will be enrolled in medical assisting coursework. Students must contact Health Sciences Secretary/Coordinator for more information about required health documents.