Medical Assisting, AAS
The Associate of 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 Associate of Science in Medical Assisting program provides students with the ability to do the following:
- Recognize laws and regulations regarding HIPAA and confidentiality in electronic health records.
- Engage in professional communications and collaborations with patients, the inter-professional team, and third-party providers in diverse environments.
- Practice behaviors and skills within the scope of practice while adhering to professional, legal, and ethical standards.
- Apply knowledge and skills to perform safe and quality patient care.
- Demonstrate proficiency in analytical and quantitative problem-solving, electronic medical record software, and computer and information literacy.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major-Related Courses | ||
| HA-106 | Introduction to Contemporary Health Issues | 3 |
| HC-126 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HC-105 | Medical Assisting I | 4 |
| HC-180 | Medical Coding & Billing for Medical Assisting | 4 |
| HC-110 | Medical Assisting II | 4 |
| HC-210 | Clinical Laboratory Procedures | 4 |
| HC-230 | Phlebotomy and Electrocardiography | 4 |
| HC-292 | Medical Assisting Practicum | 4 |
| HC-214 | Medical Office Procedures | 4 |
| Major-Related Courses Subtotal | 34 | |
| General Education and Related Courses | ||
| MA-115 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| 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 |
| LA-122 | Fundamentals of Communication | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Electives | 3 | |
| IT-115 | Electronic Spreadsheet Applications | 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: HA-106 Introduction to Contemporary Health Issues, 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 Medical Assisting Practicum HC-292 Medical Assisting Practicum, which is required and generally taken in the final semester, is available only during the day Monday through Friday.
Recommended Sequence
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HA-106 | Introduction to Contemporary Health Issues | 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-126 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HC-108 | Anatomy and Physiology | 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.