Medical Assistant, A.A.S.

Description of Program

Medical Assistant training includes theory and practice associated with administrative and clinical skills needed to assist physicians with patient care. Administrative skills include: answering telephones, using computer applications to schedule patients and update pt. medical records; arranging hospital admissions, lab and radiological procedures; handling correspondence, billing, coding and bookkeeping. Clinical skills include: taking vital signs and patient histories, administering immunizations and medication, wound care, assisting with minor office surgery, instrument care and sterilization, drawing blood and performing CLIA waived lab tests and ECGs. Additionally, Medical Assistants must understand principles of medical ethics and medical legal issues.

Clinical externship placement has specific requirements. Students must pass a core group of 10 courses with at least a C average, possess current First Aid and Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Certifications, documentation for current TDaP immunization, three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (or positive Hep B titre) , negative TB test, current health insurance coverage and criminal background check.

At present, the program accepts ten students into the externship courses each fall. Some years this necessitates a competitive selection process.

Students will be required to purchase suitable medical office attire (scrubs) and may want to purchase a personal stethoscope. Lab Fees are assessed for malpractice insurance and consumable lab supplies.

Graduation from the Medical Assisting program requires a C or better average in the following courses: Clinical Procedures I and II, Externship I and II, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, and Pharmacology.

Objectives

The objectives of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Assistant are:

• Provide a quality education blending theory and practice to assist students with meeting their individual employment goals while impacting the ever increasing needs of the health care industry.
• Facilitate effective communication, problem-solving and critical thinking through a variety of traditional and technological resources. Students receive a general education core, targeted administrative and business courses, and clinical skills education.
• Expose students to a variety of work-based learning opportunities to meet personal interests.

Outcomes

Montana Tech grads are eligible to take a national credentialing exam provided by the AMT. Successful candidates must have a firm grasp on the theory and practice associated with doing medical assistant work. Part of the education includes demonstrating competency in a variety of clinical activities generally associated with the scope of practice. The Montana Tech College of Technology MA Program incorporates the necessary procedural clinical practice to assure graduates of opportunities to reach entry level competency.

Assessment

The Health Programs Department believes that the quality of an academic program is defi ned by the capability of the students to enter and succeed in the workforce. If graduates meet our didactic and clinical requirements, they will be well prepared for a career in health care.