Medical Assisting, AAS
The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree prepares students for one of the fastest-growing occupations in the healthcare field, with a 18 percent projected growth rate from 2020-2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical assistants perform routine clinical and administrative duties to ensure the operations of the healthcare facility. Students in the medical assisting program acquire necessary competencies such as taking vital signs and electrocardiography, phlebotomy, and preparing patients for examinations and procedures. Students also acquire competencies in record keeping, medical coding, billing, and insurance. Basic Life Support certification is required for the clinical practicum.
The AAS Medical Assisting degree program provides students with the ability to do the following:
- Recognize laws and regulations regarding HIPPA and confidentiality in the healthcare environment.
- Communicate and collaborate professionally and effectively in culturally diverse environments.
- Demonstrate and practice behavior consistent with the legal and ethical standards of the profession.
- Utilize medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology in the performance of daily duties.
- Perform basic laboratory testing, phlebotomy, electrocardiograms, vital signs, and other pertinent clinical skills across diverse populations.
- Demonstrate proficiency in analytical and quantitative problem-solving.
- Demonstrate computer and information literacy as it relates to medical administrative tasks.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major-Related Courses | ||
| HC-101 | Introduction to Medical Assisting | 3 |
| HC-105 | Medical Assisting I | 4 |
| HC-110 | Medical Assisting II | 4 |
| HC-126 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HC-180 | Medical Coding & Billing for Medical Assisting | 4 |
| HC-210 | Clinical Laboratory Procedures | 4 |
| HC-214 | Medical Office Procedures | 4 |
| HC-230 | Phlebotomy and Electrocardiography | 4 |
| HC-292 | Medical Assisting Practicum | 4 |
| Major-Related Courses Subtotal | 34 | |
| General Education and Related Courses | ||
| EN-111 | College Writing and Critical Analysis | 3 |
| EN-121 | Analytical Thinking, Writing & Research | 3 |
| EN-206 | Professional Writing and Presentation | 3 |
| HC-108 | Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| IT-115 | Electronic Spreadsheet Applications | 3 |
| LA-122 | Fundamentals of Communication | 3 |
| MA-115 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| General Education and Related Courses Subtotal | 30 | |
| Total Credits | 64 | |
Academic Requirements
- A grade of 'C' or better is required in the following courses for progression in the major: HC-101 Introduction to Medical Assisting, HC-108 Anatomy and Physiology, HC-126 Medical Terminology, HC-105 Medical Assisting I, HC-110 Medical Assisting II, HC-210 Clinical Laboratory Procedures, HC-230 Phlebotomy and Electrocardiography, HC-292 Medical Assisting Practicum, HC-180 Medical Coding & Billing for Medical Assisting and HC-214 Medical Office Procedures.
- The required HC-292 Medical Assisting Practicum is generally taken in the final semester, and is only available during the day Monday through Friday.
Recommended Sequence
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HC-101 | Introduction to Medical Assisting | 3 |
| EN-111 | College Writing and Critical Analysis | 3 |
| IT-115 | Electronic Spreadsheet Applications | 3 |
| LA-122 | Fundamentals of Communication | 3 |
| LA-ELE | Liberal Arts Elective (Psychology recommended) | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| HC-108 | Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| HC-126 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| EN-121 | Analytical Thinking, Writing & Research | 3 |
| MA-115 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| HC-105 | Medical Assisting I | 4 |
| HC-180 | Medical Coding & Billing for Medical Assisting | 4 |
| EN-206 | Professional Writing and Presentation | 3 |
| Open Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| HC-110 | Medical Assisting II | 4 |
| HC-210 | Clinical Laboratory Procedures | 4 |
| HC-230 | Phlebotomy and Electrocardiography | 4 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| HC-214 | Medical Office Procedures | 4 |
| HC-292 | Medical Assisting Practicum | 4 |
| Open Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Total Credits | 64 | |
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Major Area and Open Elective should be chosen based on advisement and area of concentration.