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 Medical Assisting
Education Review Board (MAERB), 20 N. Wacker
Dr., Suite 1575, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 1-800-228-2262, Fax: 312-899-1259,
Website:
www.aama-ntl.org/endowment,
Email:
accreditation@aama-ntl.org
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants to certain programs should be aware that a criminal
background check may be required while they are enrolled in the
program, or as a condition of employment in the field; certain
internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care facilities,
may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or
current criminal record; and certain licensing boards may refuse to
issue a license to practice based upon prior or current criminal
offense(s). To learn more about whether the program or profession in
which you are interested has such requirements or limitations,
please see the Department Chair.
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
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students must assume responsibility for transportation and/or other living costs to and from statewide clinical sites.
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 Ethics |
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 |
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