The Medical Assistant Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree focuses on a competency-based learning approach that prepares graduates with the key cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills required by healthcare employers and the opportunity to pursue career opportunities with private practices, hospitals, clinics and government agencies. Students will participate in classroom and hands on laboratory activities to include career development, medical law and ethics, effective communication, introduction to the electronic health record (EHR), coding and billing, finance, administrative procedures, human disease, anatomy and physiology, infection control, phlebotomy, diagnostic testing, simulation module learning and applied clinical laboratory practices.
Career Opportunities
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026. Medical Assistant is currently in the lead for fastest growing profession. As a result, physicians will hire more medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.
Certified Medical Assistants are able to obtain additional certifications including Electrocardiography Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Specialty Certified Medical Assistants and work as clinic managers.
The median annual Medical Assistant salary is $33,988, with a range usually between $31,331-$36,700, however this can vary widely depending on a variety of factors.
Program Outcomes
- Be eligible and sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) clinical certified medical assistant examination (CCMA) and the phlebotomy technician certification exam (CPT).
- Qualify for employment in the healthcare field.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Medical Assistant A.A.S., students will be able to:
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills a healthcare setting.
- Display professionalism and respect for diversity in relation to culture, age, and gender.
- Perform within the legal and ethical scope of practice in the role of a Medical Assistant.
- Demonstrate professional and effective forms of communication with patients, families and other health care professionals in culturally diverse communities.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the administrative and clinical competencies that are required in the role of a Medical Assistant.
Requirements:
- Students that are accepted into the Medical Assistant Program must be taken all HIEP and MAST courses consecutively starting fall quarter/first year.
- Students are required to earn a B or better in all HIEP or MAST courses.
- Students are required to earn a C or better in all non-medical assisting courses.
- All students are responsible for additional program fees to include purchase of uniform, name tag, OSHA approved clinical shoes, stethoscope, wrist watch with a second hand, immunizations, liability insurance, lab fees, certification fees and a federal background check.
- All students are required to have a complete federal background check done prior to the end of fall quarter/first year. Any discrepancies may result in denial of acceptance into the program. Any changes in a conviction record and/or pending criminal charges which occur between the initial completion of the criminal background/registered sexual offender check and program completion must be provided in writing to the program director within ten working days from the date of notification. Failure to provide such information within the required time frame may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
- All students are required to provide documentation of health insurance upon acceptance to the Medical Assistant Program.
- All students are required to successfully complete 160 hours of unpaid clinical externship hours prior to graduation.
- All students are required to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant national exam prior to graduation.
- Non-compliance with the SKC Student Handbook and/or the SKC Medical Assistant Student Handbook may be at risk for continuance in and completion of the Medical Assistant program.