Associate of Applied Science Degree: 90 credits
Enrollment Point: Fall or Winter Quarter
The Medical Assistant Certificate Program prepares students to become skilled, capable healthcare professionals proficient in performing a wide range of clinical and administrative duties. This program emphasizes hands-on learning, where students will practice clinical skills needed to support providers and healthcare teams in outpatient clinical settings.
Practicum Requirement
As part of their education, students are required to complete 160 hours of unpaid practicum in a real-world healthcare setting. This hands-on learning allows students to apply their knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced professionals, providing invaluable preparation for their future roles.
Career Readiness
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be equipped to pursue entry-level positions as medical assistants, offering essential support in a variety of healthcare environments.
A state certification is required of all those who work in this field and is obtained after passing a required credentialing exam. The Medical Assistant Certification from the National Healthcare Association is given to all students during the last quarter of the program.
A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon successful completion of core course requirements. 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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