Associate of Applied Science Degree: 90 credits
Enrollment Point: Fall or Winter Quarter
The Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assistant Education Review Board (MAERB). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763, (727) 210-2350.
The program prepares students to become multi-skilled professionals who perform a variety of patient-related tasks in physician offices and other health care settings. The design of the curriculum meets the credentialing requirements for Medical Assistant-Certified as described in RCW 18.360. Students learn to set up clients for examination, draw blood for basic lab studies, administer certain medications, perform EKG’s, assist with minor surgical procedures and master front office skills related to medical records and billing. A practicum experience is included.
A state certification is required of all those who work in this field and is obtained after passing a required credentialing exam. The Registered Medical Assistant Exam from the American Medical Technologists is given to all students during the last quarter of the program.
Students who successfully complete all the requirements of their core course will receive a Certificate of Completion. To earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree, students must complete the certificate program and meet the general education course requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Enter the allied health workforce as a competent entry-level medical assistant in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
- Display professionalism in appearance and job performance.
- Demonstrate ability to work as a team member.
- Successfully pass a nationally recognized medical assistant credentialing examination upon graduation.
- Communicate effectively with a wide variety of patients from different age groups and cultures.
- Perform administrative duties related to scheduling, billing, finances and coding.
- Practice health information management and utilize Electronic Health Record systems.
- Recognize the processes and perform the duties of clinical support.
- Apply legal concepts within the scope of practice for medical assisting and the healthcare field.
- Develop life-long learning skills and the initiative to critically evaluate information and apply it to their personal and professional lives.
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