Medical Assistant, Associate of Applied Science
(91 credits)
Program Description
The Medical Assistant AAS Degree prepares students for employment in healthcare facilities including clinics, hospitals, tribal health, etc. in both the front office and the clinical setting. This two-year AAS degree provides knowledge and skills in Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, patient in-take, billing and coding, law and ethics in the healthcare field, communication with patients, and software used for patient records. Clinical skills will include preparing patients for exams, taking patient histories, phlebotomy, lab specimen collection, medications, human diseases, and routine patient care.
Career Opportunities
Employment trends indicate that the Medical Assistant profession is expected to grow significantly both in Montana and nationally over the next 5-7 year period.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Medical Assistant A.A.S., students will be able to:
- Utilize correct medical terms and identify body systems and functions.
- Apply knowledge of the ethical/legal aspects of working in the healthcare field.
- Demonstrate effective skills in coding and billing in a healthcare facility.
- Input patient information into healthcare software for the purpose of coding, billing and maintaining patient records.
- Perform the routine clinical skills of an office or clinic.
- Administer routine medications.
- Assist Health Care Providers in various settings.
- Demonstrate appropriate methods of communication when dealing with patients, co-workers, and other healthcare providers.
- Include cultural considerations in all aspects of their position when interacting with clients.
Requirements:
- Must complete a background check by the second quarter of the program
- Must have all immunizations required by clinical agencies
- Must provide documentation of health insurance coverage
- Must earn a B or Better in all HIEP, BIOS and MAST Courses
Curriculum
Fall (First Year)
Winter (First Year)
Spring (First Year)
| OFED 121 | Human Relations | 3 |
| CAPP 161 | Electronic Spreadsheets | 3 |
| HIEP 131 | Medical Office Billing II | 3 |
| HIEP 133 | Essentials of ElectronicMedicalRecr | 3 |
| MAST 143 | Pharmacology for the Medical Assist | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Fall (Second Year)
| HMNT 101 | Introduction to Humanities | 3 |
| OR | |
| PHIL 100 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| OR | |
| ENGL 210 | World Literature | 3 |
| | |
| MAST 235 | ClinicalSkillsForTheMedAsstantLab I | 6 |
| HIEP 201 | Medical Office Procedures | 4 |
| NASD 101 | History of Indians in the US HCT | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Winter (Second Year)
ELECTIVE
| NASD | 3 |
| SPCH 100 | Basic Communications | 3 |
| MAST 240 | ClinicalSkillsForTheMedAsstantLabII | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Spring (Second Year)
| MAST 271 | Medical Assistant Externship | 12 |
| MAST 281 | CMA Exam Prep | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Total Credit Hours: 91