Associate in Science Degree Program

Medical Assisting

The career positions available in this fast-growing, in-demand field include physicians' offices, hospitals, hospice care, laboratories, ambulatory care centers, health insurance companies, etc. The Associate in Science Degree in Medical Assisting may be earned by successfully completing one of the two degree programs offered. Each program offers students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for a fulfilling career in this field.

Course requirements for each program are sequenced to begin with essential skills before moving on to the complex skill mastery demanded of medical assistants found in the laboratory, clinical, and administrative areas. Upon successful completion of course study, the student completes the program through a hands-on experience in the medical field (externship). It should be noted that individuals currently employed by medical facilities may qualify to register for the more advanced course offerings.

Students pursuing an administrative career within the medical field may be interested in the Insurance Specialist Option Program. This program focuses in the areas of billing, insurance, financial medical computer software, and knowledge required of medical office management. Graduates of this program may sit for a National Certification Examination through the AMT organization. A CMAS (Certified Medical Administrative Specialist) credential will be awarded to successful exam candidates.

The Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (http://www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 1361 Park Street. Clearwater, FL 33756. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for National Certification Examinations through AAMA and AMT organizations. Successful exam candidates will be awarded the CMA or RMA credentials.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to: Clear and effective communication skills Entry-level competency in the performance of administrative duties Entry-level competency in the performance of clinical duties Application of legal concepts to health care practice Provision of patient instruction Participation in operational functions Participation in a national certification examination and activities associated with active membership

Course of Study¹
First Semester		Credits
ENG* 101	Composition	3
+BIO* 115	Human Biology	4
+BOT* 180	Medical Terminology	3
+CSA* 105	Introduction to Software Applications	3
+MED* 170	Law Ethics for Health Careers	3
Second Semester
PSY* 111	General Psychology I	3
ENG* 102	Composition and Literature	3
MED* 141	Lab Principles for Medical Assisting	3
___ ___	Humanities Elective (SPA* 101 Recommended)	3
___ ___	Arts Elective	3
Third Semester
MAT* 137	Intermediate Algebra	3
MED* 241	Lab Principles for Medical Assisting II	3
MED* 112	Medical Insurance and Billing	3
___ ___	Social/Behavioral Science Elective	3
Fourth Semester
MED* 114	Administrative Medical Office Assisting	4
MED* 250	Principles of Pharmacology	3
MED* 131	Clinical Medical Assisting	3
MED* 219	Computerized Medical Practice Management	3
Upon Completion of the Above Courses
**MED* 280	Medical Assisting Externship	4
Minimum Credits required for the Degree		60
¹ Click on the Course# for course description, pre-requisites and additional information. +These courses must be taken in the 1st semester of the degree program. It should be noted that prerequisites may be waived for qualified candidates currently employed in a medical/administrative facility with the consent of the program coordinator. ** Prerequisites: American Red Cross Certification in CPR and First Aid, and a minimum grade of C in the following courses: MED*114, MED*112, MED*131, MED*141.