MEDICAL ASSISTING (MAT)
(Wallace Campus)

The Medical Assistant is a professional, multi-skilled individual trained to assist physicians in the many aspects of medical practice. Duties of the Medical Assistant vary from performing administrative tasks to assisting with examination and treatment of patients. Students learn to measure and record vital signs, take medical histories, administer medications, sterilize instruments, assist with minor office surgeries, and handle emergencies. Students also learn to obtain blood samples, perform routine office laboratory procedures and electrocardiograms, and instruct patients in preparation for x-ray and laboratory procedures. In the administrative area, students learn to schedule and receive patients; handle telephone calls; type correspondence, reports, and manuscripts; perform medical transcription; process insurance forms; and handle office accounts, fees, and collections. Prior to completion of an area of concentration, a 225-hour preceptorship in a medical setting is required.

Students entering the program must be high school graduates or possess a GED certificate. The Medical Assisting student must provide health information to the College and complete a physical examination by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. To progress successfully through the curriculum and function as a practicing member of the health care team after graduation, the following physical attributes are needed: visual acuity with corrective lenses, if required; hearing ability with auditory aids to understand the normal speaking voice without viewing the speaker’s face; sufficient physical ability to question the client and relay information about the client verbally to others; manual dexterity to provide safe, effective procedures in delivery of health care. Admission is conditional and depends on the student’s ability to perform the essential functions identified for this program. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

The student who is in need of additional academic background will be scheduled in courses to improve deficient areas. This will require additional time to complete the program, as technical courses are sequential and designed to facilitate the learner’s progress from relatively simple to complex tasks.

An associate in applied science (AAS) degree in Medical Assisting and/or a program short certificate in Transcription Phlebotomy may be earned through the Medical Assisting program. To receive an AAS degree in Medical Assisting, students must complete general education core requirements and all courses in the medical assisting field of concentration. Students desiring a short certificate in the areas of phlebotomy or medical transcription will be required to meet only requirements listed in the corresponding fields of concentration. Students desiring an AAS degree in Medical Assisting with a Transcription short certificate must complete all Medical Assisting courses and MAT 222, 223, and 242. Students who desire to receive an AAS degree in Medical Assisting with a Phlebotomy short certificate must complete all Medical Assisting AAS courses and MAT 239.

On completion of degree requirements for the AAS degree in Medical Assisting and compliance with the Disciplinary Standards of the American Association of Medical Assistants, graduates are eligible to apply for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination. Students completing all courses required for the short certificate in a Phlebotomy concentration are qualified to sit for the Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP) and Registered Phlebotomy Technician (AMT) certification examinations.

Contractual agreements between the College and clinical agencies may impose additional requirements on students enrolled in health programs. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the areas of confidentiality, attire, criminal background check, liability insurance, and substance abuse screening.

PROGRESSION
Each term, students are allowed to progress in the Medical Assisting program as they meet the following criteria:

1. Receive a grade of “C” or above in all MAT prefix courses.
2. Receive a score of 70% or higher in all clinical and administrative skills components.
3. Receive a score of 80% or higher on any drug calculation, phlebotomy, and CPR component.

Students are restricted to a total of two attempts at any MAT prefix course before becoming ineligible to continue in the Medical Assisting program. Withdrawals are allowed according to College policy. A grade of “W” will be recorded as a withdrawal. Grades of “F” and “D” will be considered unsuccessful attempts.

READMISSION
Students who are not enrolled in the Medical Assisting program for two or more consecutive terms, excluding summer terms, are required to meet current admission criteria and to comply with the current program of study. Previous work is subject to reevaluation under the policies and program requirements in effect at the time of the student’s readmission to the Medical Assisting program.

TRANSFER
Students who have been enrolled in other programs are evaluated individually to determine appropriate placement. Validation exams may be required.