The Medical Assistant Certificate program prepares a student for a career in the field of medical assisting. Medical Assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of a physician, other health practitioner, or office manager. Clinical skills include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, assisting with the primary physical exam and other specialty exams, preparing patients for minor surgical procedures, providing patient education, cleaning and sterilizing instruments, and assisting in the collection and analysis of laboratory specimens. Administrative skills include coordinating and scheduling patient appointments, receiving and processing patients in the office, preparing and maintaining patient records, coding and filing health insurance claims, and performing bookkeeping tasks.
In addition to academic requirements, a Medical Assistant should possess certain personal characteristics to successfully work in the people-centered environment of the medical care facility. These qualifications include dependability, flexibility, good communication skills, positive attitude, and a genuine concern for others.
Basic classroom study and labs are followed by a six-week, unpaid professional practicum in a healthcare facility at the end of the second semester. The professional practicum will provide the student with an opportunity to put the skills they have learned in the classroom setting to the real life environment, which will include patients, doctors, and office staff members.
Graduates are able to:
- function as members of the healthcare team
- perform clinical and administrative tasks under a supervising physician, other health practitioner or office manager
- communicate professionally, accurately, and within legal/ethical boundaries
- display a professional manner and image
- demonstrate standard safety and emergency practices and procedures while performing assigned duties
Note: BLS Certification by the American Heart Association, a physical examination, a criminal history background check, and proof of immunizations are required.
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