Modern technology and medicine have added years to people’s lives and have improved their quality of life.  As a result, the healthcare industry is one of the major growth areas in employment.  Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly.

The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on office location, size, and specialty.  In small practices, medical assistants are usually “generalists,” handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner.  Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators.

In the Medical Assisting program, you will learn the basic clinical and administrative procedures necessary to work in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.  Coursework includes instruction in anatomy, physiology, medical ethics, medical terminology, office procedures, medical records, and laboratory skills.

As a Medical Assisting student, you will receive a laptop computer on loan for the duration of the time you spend in the program.

Skills

Sterilization techniques

Take vital signs

Administer EKG

Basic laboratory skills

Medical terminology

Anatomy and physiology

Medical ethics/law

Appointment control

Medical record management

Office bookkeeping

Insurance claim processing

CPR

First aid

Equipment

Autoclave

Sphygmomanometer

Electrocardiograph

Centrifuge

Otoscope and ophthalmoscope

Injection materials

Transcriber

Computer

Audiometer

Defibrillator

Career Options

Positions are available for qualified employees in:

Physicians’ offices

Hospitals

Ambulatory care centers

Extended care facilities

Insurance companies

Future Opportunities with Further Education

Nurse

Paramedic

Respiratory therapist

Occupational therapist/assistant

Laboratory technician

Radiographic technician

Physical therapist/assistant

Ultrasound technician

Physician

High School Credit Junior Year

Medical Assisting 2.5

Technology .5

Anatomy & Physiology 1.0

Potential College Semester Hour Credit

College Tech Prep 11.0 (including aligned mathematics courses)