The Medical Assisting Program at Wallace Community College has a two-fold purpose. The program seeks to ensure students have opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the practice of medical assisting and also prepare them to successfully write the American Association of Medical Assistant Certifying Board examination and become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected the need for 273,000 medical assistants by the year 2014.  This reflects greater than 36% growth in this health care field.

Medical assistants work side by side with physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists in ambulatory clinics and medical offices. Under the direction of the physician, CMAs may assist with exams and treatments, perform basic laboratory tests, prepare and administer medications, perform ECGs, and prepare patients for special procedures. In addition, administrative tasks such as being able to complete insurance forms, handle correspondence, handle billing, schedule appointments, and update medical records fall into the medical assistant's scope of practice. Students enrolled in the program at WCC may also focus on short certificate options in the fields of medical transcription and phlebotomy. Completion of the medical assisting curriculum earns one an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting.

The Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board (CRB) of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Accreditation status was reaffirmed in February of 2005 and continues through Fall 2014.

Admission to the Medical Assisting Program or to the Phlebotomy and Medical Transcription options is available each term and is not competitive. Acceptance for enrollment requires eligibility for College admission and is limited by space availability. For specific guidance contact Mr. William Arwood, Program Director, or Ms. Tomi Sherlock, Allied Health Secretary.