MEDICAL ASSISTING

CERTIFICATE: Certificate in Applied Science with a major in Medical Assisting

Medical assistants are multi-skilled allied health professionals who work under the supervision of physicians in their office practices and in other medical settings. In accordance with state law, they perform a broad range of administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants help other health care providers examine and treat patients and perform routine tasks needed to keep offices running smoothly. Assistants who work in a small office or health care facility may handle both clinical and clerical duties. Assistants working in an office with a sizable staff will probably specialize in either the clinical or administrative aspects of the job.

Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2009 as the health services industry expands due to technological advances in medicine, and a growing and aging population. It is one of the fastest growing occupations. The earnings of medical assistants vary widely, depending on experience, skill level, and location. Average hourly wages for medical assistants with more than five years of experienced ranged from $10.50 to $14.00. Wages were higher in the Northeast and West and lower in the Midwest and South.

PREREQUISITES FOR ENTRANCE

Required Courses

High School: Biology, Keyboarding
College: None

NOTE:  A grade of "C" or better is required for each prerequisite course.

Other Requirements

1. High School Diploma or GED
2. Departmental Approval
3. Minimum Cumulative GPA  of 2.0
4. Current CPR Certification by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
5. First Aid Certification
6. Hepatitis B Immunization, Signed Informed Refusal or Titer
7. MMR Immunization or Titer
8. Chicken Pox Vaccination or Titer
9. Two-step PPD / Chest X-Ray
10. Medical Examination - Forms are provided by the college and should be current (within one year) and complete.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

1. Any course with one of the following prefixes requires a grade of "C" or better: ALL
2. Any course with one of the following prefixes may not be attempted more than twice: MED
3. Complete or Maintain CPR Certification by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
4. Dismissal Policy: A student who receives a grade below "C" for any two or more required curriculum courses will be dismissed from the program and will not be eligible to re-enter the program.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Course Requirements
Course					Class	Lab	Credit
AHS	102	Medical Terminology			3	0	3
AHS	121	Basic Pharmacology			2	0	2
AHS	138	Medical Coding Basics			3	0	3
BIO	112	Basic Anatomy And Physiology			3	3	4
ENG	160	Technical Communications			3	0	3
MED	102	Introduction to the Medical Assisting Profession			2	0	2
MED	107	Medical Office Management			2	6	4
MED	113	Basic Medical Lab Techniques			2	3	3
MED	114	Medical Assisting Clinical Procedures			3	3	4
MED	156	Clinical Experience I			1	15	6
PSY	103	Human Relations			3	0	3
					27	30	37
Minimum Total Credit Hours:  37
SEMESTER CURRICULUM
SEMESTER 1 (Fall)
Course					Class	Lab	Credit
AHS	102	Medical Terminology			3	0	3
BIO	112	Basic Anatomy And Physiology			3	3	4
MED	102	Introduction to the Medical Assisting Profession			2	0	2
MED	114	Medical Assisting Clinical Procedures			3	3	4
					11	6	13
SEMESTER 2 (Spring)
Course					Class	Lab	Credit
AHS	121	Basic Pharmacology			2	0	2
AHS	138	Medical Coding Basics			3	0	3
ENG	160	Technical Communications			3	0	3
MED	113	Basic Medical Lab Techniques			2	3	3
PSY	103	Human Relations			3	0	3
					13	3	14
SEMESTER 3 (Summer)
Course					Class	Lab	Credit
MED	107	Medical Office Management			2	6	4
MED	156	Clinical Experience I			1	15	6
					3	21	10
Minimum Total Credit Hours:  37

PROGRAM AND EMPLOYMENT TIDBITS

Contact Person: Kathleen Hanrahan

Waiting List: No

Local Starting Salary:

Local Average Salary:

National Starting Salary:

National Average Salary: