Program Overview

Medical Assistant Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)

The Medical Assistant Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the medical field.

College and Program Learning Objectives

The program has specific learning objectives that are aligned with the college's overall mission and goals.

Sample Program Sequence

A sample program sequence is provided to help students plan their course of study.

Course Requirements

The program requires the completion of several courses, including:

Major Core Courses

• HEA1101 Foundations of Health Services (3 Credits): This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the American healthcare system, including the structures and operations of healthcare organizations, the forces responsible for shaping the system, and the policies influencing the system's current and future performance.
• HEA2200 Medical Terminology (3 Credits): This course provides a solid foundation and understanding of the medical language used by healthcare professionals, including the introduction, reinforcement, and combination of medical word parts, word building, analysis of word parts, spelling, special endings, plural forms, and correct pronunciation of terminology related to procedures and diseases of the various body systems.
• HEA2203 Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Services (3 Credits): This course introduces the principles of law as applied to the healthcare field, including ethical standards and issues related to healthcare.
• HEA2255 Electronic Health Records (3 Credits): This course familiarizes students with computerized billing and electronic health records using practice management software, including entering and editing patient personal history information, entering charges and posting payments to financial accounts, and printing statements.
• MED1100 Clinical and Surgical Office Procedures (3 Credits): This course teaches students the skills needed to function in a clinical office setting, including patient relations, laboratory procedures and safety, maintaining medical asepsis, recognizing surgical instrumentation, conducting proper autoclaving and disinfecting, obtaining vital signs, draping patients, assisting with examinations and treatments, and performing diagnostic procedures.
• MED1120 Medical Office Administration (3 Credits): This course introduces the healthcare industry and the medical assistant profession, emphasizing patient relations, efficient procedures, and administration of the professional office.
• MED1130 Medical Emergencies and Electrocardiography (3 Credits): This course introduces the anatomy and physiology of the cardiac system, including performing electrocardiograms (EKG) on patients, troubleshooting EKG machine problems, and recognizing basic cardiac arrhythmias.
• MED1140 Specimen Collection and Procedures (3 Credits): This course teaches students a variety of laboratory procedures, including specimen collection, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment Waiver Test, and Point of Care Testing (PoCT).
• MED1160 Principles of Pharmacology and Human Diseases (3 Credits): This course combines the basic principles of pharmacology and human pathophysiology to further the understanding of medication administration and the therapeutic and non-therapeutic effects of various medication classifications.
• MED2280 Medical Assistant Capstone and Practicum (6 Credits): This course requires students to integrate the knowledge, skills, and techniques learned throughout the Medical Assistant program, including a practicum component that provides hands-on work experience in a supervised ambulatory healthcare environment.

Business Core Course

• CIS1115 Computer Applications (3 Credits): This course provides an introduction to computer technology with an emphasis on applications, including using software such as Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Liberal Arts and Science Core Courses

• ENG1105 Writing and Research (3 Credits): This course introduces expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition, teaching students to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles.
• ENG2205 Writing Through Literature (3 Credits): This course further develops writing, reading, and interpretive abilities through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres.
• SCI1100 Anatomy and Physiology I (3 Credits): This course studies the structure, function, and pathology (disease) of the human body, introducing various body systems including the musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, and integumentary, as well as the special senses.
• SCI2100 Anatomy and Physiology II (3 Credits): This course continues the study of the structure, function, and pathology (disease) of the human body, introducing various body systems including the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, lymphatic, and reproductive systems.
• SOC2225 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits): This course explores the basic principles of psychology and their direct application to individuals' thoughts and behaviors, including human development, personality, cognitive process, motivation, emotion, adjustment, perception, and psychological disorder and treatment.

Additional Program Information

The program requires completion of a practicum, and prior to participating, students must satisfy all practicum clearance requirements, which may include a physical assessment by a licensed medical professional, meeting immunization requirements, undergoing a criminal background check, and drug screenings. Students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program must meet the minimum passing grade requirements for certain courses.

Program Costs

Information about program costs, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies, is available.

Professional Licensure & Certification

Information about professional licensure and/or certification requirements for this program is available.

Graduation Requirements

60 semester credit hours are required for graduation.