Medical Assistant, Associate of Applied Science
(91 credits)
Program Description
The Medical Assistant Associate of Applied Science (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 students with 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)
| HIEP131 | Medical Office Billing II | 3 |
| HIEP133 | Essentials of Electronic Medical Records | 3 |
| HPED125 | First Aid/CPR | 1 |
| MAST170 | Pharmacology for the Medical Assistant | 4 |
| OFED121 | Human Relations | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Fall (Second Year)
Winter (Second Year)
| CAPP140 | Word Processing | 3 |
| MAST240 | Clinical Skills for the Medical Assistant with Lab II | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | Native American Studies General Education Open | 3 |
| | |
| SPCH100 | Basic Communications | 3 |
| OR | |
| ENGL107 | Communication in the Workplace | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring (Second Year)
| ALLH170 | Community Service | 2 |
| MAST270 | Medical Assistant Externship | 8 |
| MAST281 | CMA Exam Prep | 2 |
| NASD101 | History of Indians in the United States | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Total Credit Hours: 91