Medical Assisting, A.A.S.

A45400 Total credit hours: 64

The Medical Assisting curriculum prepares multi-skilled health care professionals qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures. The goal of the Medical Assisting program is “to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.” (From the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Medical Assisting, Std II.)

Course work includes instruction in scheduling appointments, coding and processing insurance accounts, billing, collections, computer operations; assisting with examinations/treatments, performing routine laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, supervised medication administration; and ethical/legal issues associated with patient care.

Graduates of CAAHEP accredited medical assisting programs may be eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Examination to become Certified Medical Assistants. Employment opportunities include physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations and health departments.

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills with consumers and coworkers in the role of medical assistant.
2. Solve problems related to administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures.
3. Utilize policies and manuals related to administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures.
4. Perform mathematic calculations related to generating laboratory results and preparing and administering medications.
5. Use current technologies in the implementation of administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures.
6. Demonstrate the academic knowledge and technical skills necessary for entry-level medical assisting practice.
7. Display professionalism by projecting a positive attitude, working as a team member, showing initiative and responsibility, and displaying sensitivity to cultural diversity.
8. Practice in a legal and ethical manner.

Accreditation

The Davidson County Community College Diploma Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org), upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). The address for the commission is: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756; telephone: 727.210.2350. (www.caahep.org)

The medical assisting program at Davidson County Community College has an exam pass rate average of 97% over the past five years.

Technical Standards

In addition to DCCC requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of a medical assistant. These technical standards are published in the application for admission to health programs and the program student handbook. Medical Assisting Technical Standards  

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Medical Assisting program must complete the requirements for admission as described in the Medical Assisting Admissions Packet.

NOTE: Meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee placement into the Medical Assisting program.

Transfer Credit for Medical Assisting Courses

The decision regarding transfer credit for medical assisting courses is made by the Director of the program in consultation with members of the faculty and the Associate Dean. Syllabi for courses for which credit is requested will be required.

Progression Requirements

A student must meet earn a grade of “C” or better in all program courses in order to progress in the program.

Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check and drug screen testing are required by the clinical site prior to participation in the clinical component. If any clinical facility refuses to allow the student to participate in clinical experiences in the clinical agency, the student will not be able to progress in the program.

NOTE: Special legal requirements exist which may limit the ability of an individual to obtain clinical experience, employment, or certification in the Medical Assisting field. Prospective students should obtain additional information from a College Adviser or program director prior to seeking admission.