Medical Assisting
Department Chair: Barbara Larsson -
(207) 453-5161
~ Associate in Applied Science
Degree ~
Accredited by the Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education
Programs (CAAHEP) (www.caahep.org)
upon recommendation of the Curriculum Review
Board of the American Association of Medical
Assistants’ Endowment (CRB-AAMAE)
CAAHEP, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 210-2350
DESCRIPTION
The Medical Assisting program includes theoretical and
laboratory experience that is competency-based. During their final
semester, students are provided with practical experience in the
clinical setting, including rotations in a physician’s office and
hospital laboratory. A medical assistant will have triage
responsibilities, provide direct patient care and education, obtain
and test biological specimens, and assist providers in patient
diagnosis by gathering patient history and performing physical
assessment. Medical office management skills include the
understanding of legal and ethical issues, confidentiality,
recordkeeping, billing, scheduling appointments and referrals,
coding, and processing insurance claims.
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the Medical Assisting program is to prepare
students for employment in physicians’ offices, clinics, and
hospitals. The curriculum provides students with current
knowledge in both clinical and administrative procedures. The
program is committed to providing students with a foundation of
knowledge, skills and behaviors that will carry them into the
work force and lifelong learning.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the Medical Assisting
Program, the graduate is expected to:
- Be prepared and eligible for the American Association of
Medical Assistants certification examination.
- Comply with the Code of Ethics of the AAMA.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills
within the boundaries of professional practice.
- Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families,
and other health care
professionals.
- Empathize and employ ethical principles by showing respect
for diversity of culture, age, and
gender.
- Continue to grow professionally by utilizing educational
opportunities for career advancement.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students must assume
responsibility for transportation and/or other living costs to and
from statewide clinical sites.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
| Hospitals/Laboratories |
Family Planning Centers |
| Family Practice Clinics |
Pediatricians’ Offices |
| Outpatient Facilities |
Physicians’ Offices |
| Specialized Medical Offices (Dentists,
Optometrists, Cardiologists, Urologists) |
Federally Funded Health Care Programs |
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
Students must complete 64 credits in the Medical Assisting program and achieve a minimum grade of
"C" in all courses. Students must attain a final GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Pre-requisite: Biology Lab
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
|
FIRST SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| CPT117 |
Software Applications I |
3 |
| BIO213 |
Anatomy and Physiology I |
4 |
| COM104 |
Introduction to Communication |
3 |
| MAS121 |
Medical Terminology |
3 |
| MAS114 |
Medical Office Law and Management |
3 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS FIRST SEMESTER |
16 |
|
SECOND SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS
|
| ENG101 |
College Composition |
3 |
| MAS116 |
Introduction to Professional Adm.
Mgmt. |
3 |
| MAS115 |
Clinical Procedures |
3 |
| MAS117 |
Clinical Lab |
1 |
| MAT113 |
Elements of Math |
3 |
| BIO214 |
Anatomy and Physiology II |
4 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS SECOND SEMESTER |
17 |
|
THIRD SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS
|
| MAS211 |
Insurance Coding for the Medical
Office |
3 |
| MAS215 |
Advanced Clinical Theory |
3 |
| PSY101 |
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
| BIO216 |
Pathophysiology and Principles of
Pharmacology for the Health Professional |
3 |
| MAS217 |
Advanced Clinical Lab |
2 |
| ______ |
Humanities Elective |
3 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS THIRD SEMESTER |
17 |
|
FOURTH SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS
|
| ENG108 |
Technical Writing |
3 |
| MAS212 |
Introduction to Health Insurance and
Claims Processing |
3 |
| MAS234 |
Clinical/Medical Office Practicum |
5 |
| ______ |
General Education Elective |
3 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS FOURTH SEMESTER |
14 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS
|
64 |
