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
- Students earning an AAS in medical Assisting will demonstrate the knowledge required to pass the national RMA certification exam provided by the AMT (American Medical Technologists).
- Please note: Employment as a medical assistant in MT does not require separate certification. However, a growing number of MT employers are requiring the RMA credential. The goal is a 90% pass rate of those graduates choosing to take the RMA exam.
- Students earning an AAS in Medical Assisting will demonstrate entry level “hands on” competency and entry level problem solving re; administrative and clinical skills described by the AMT and AAMA medical assistant scope of practice statements.
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.
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