Medical Assisting Certificate Program

medical-assisting-workerMedical assistants work alongside physicians, nurses, and other senior medical professionals in outpatient or medical offices, hospitals, and clinics. Medical Assistants are trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties, including helping with patient exams, taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, preparing samples for lab tests, and updating patients’ medical records. The program length is 76 weeks.

The ageing population of the United States, in combination with changing roles of professionals in healthcare, has resulted in an increased need for medical assistants. These trends will support the growth of this occupational area for the foreseeable future. (Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm)

The responsibilities of medical assistants may vary depending upon location, specialty, and practice size, and usually involve recording patient history and information, taking vital signs, assisting with examinations, giving patients injections or medications, scheduling appointments, preparing samples for lab tests, and entering patient information into medical records. The Medical Assisting program prepares students to perform both administrative and clinical tasks, including patient reception, health records management, billing, and payment processing. In addition, students gain skills to perform clinical tasks such as assisting with minor surgery, taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, performing EKG’s, obtaining health history, specimen collection, administering first aid, and other related tasks commonly performed in a physician’s office or other outpatient healthcare setting.

The Medical Assisting program is a Stackable Credential program with all credits transferring into the A.S. in Healthcare Administration. Entrance requirements: Students must have earned either a H.S. Diploma or GED and complete an admissions interview.

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Medical Assisting Program Learning Outcomes

Communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing.

Describe the processes, procedures, and terms related to the medical billing cycle.

List and discuss best practices for preparing, administering, and documenting. medications and immunizations following the six rights of medication administration.

Describe the role of the medical assistant in preparing the patient for and assisting with patient examinations, surgical, and lab procedures commonly performed in a physician’s office.

Identify best practices for safety and infection control in a medical office.

Compile and maintain patients’ electronic medical records, and ensure completeness, accuracy, security, confidentiality, and compliance with regulations.

Perform administrative functions relating to the medical environment.

Describe the structure and function of the various body systems and identify the pathophysiologic conditions and disorders, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options for each.

Medical Assisting Certificate Program – Topics include:

  • Lab Procedures
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Preparing Patients for Exams
  • Medical Coding and Insurance Forms
  • Medical Terminology and Definitions
  • Basic First Aid and CPR
  • Diagnostic Tests
  • Medication Classifications
  • Medical Office Procedures
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Regulations, Legislation, Ethics, and Compliance

For more information regarding the Medical Assistant profession, please click here for the most current information from the DOL, Occupational Outlook Handbook:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm

Is a Career in Medical Assisting Right for You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in learning more about a career as a Medical Assistant and exploring whether online learning with Martinsburg College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call (866) 764-6743

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