Program Overview

Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Medical Assistant

The Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Medical Assistant is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a career in the medical field.

Program Overview

The program requires 60 semester credits for graduation and is designed to be completed in four semesters.

Sample Course Sequence

The following is a sample course sequence for the program:

First Semester

• SCI1100: Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits)
• HEA2200: Medical Terminology (3 credits)
• SOC2225: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• ENG1105: Writing and Research (3 credits)
• CIS1115: Computer Applications (3 credits)

Second Semester

• HEA1101: Foundations of Health Services (3 credits)
• MED1130: Medical Emergencies and Electrocardiography (3 credits)
• SCI2100: Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credits)
• MED1120: Medical Office Administration (3 credits)
• HEA2203: Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Services (3 credits)

Third Semester

• MED1100: Clinical and Surgical Office Procedures (3 credits)
• MED1160: Principles of Pharmacology and Human Diseases (3 credits)
• MED1140: Specimen Collection and Procedures (3 credits)
• ENG2205: Writing Through Literature (3 credits)
• HEA2255: Electronic Health Records (3 credits)

Fourth Semester

• MED2280: Medical Assistant Capstone and Practicum (6 credits)
• Social Science Elective (3 credits)
• Humanities Elective (3 credits)
• Free Elective (3 credits)

Certification Examinations

Graduates of the Medical Assistant program are eligible to sit for a variety of certification examinations, including:

• Certified Medical Assistant - CMA (AAMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant - RMA (AMT)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant - CCMA (NHA)
• Certified Electrocardiography - CET (NHA)
• Certified Phlebotomy - CPT (NHA)
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers - BLS (AHA)

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for graduation, students must participate in one of the following national credential examinations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA): Certified Medical Assistant - CMA (AAMA), Registered Medical Assistant - RMA (AMT), or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant - CCMA (NHA). Additionally, students must take and pass the Certified Electrocardiography - CET (NHA) and Certified Phlebotomy - CPT (NHA) exams, as well as the Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers - BLS (AHA) exam.

State Certification Requirements

It is worth noting that some states have specific certification requirements for medical assistants. However, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania do not require individuals to obtain any of the credentials listed above before becoming eligible for employment. Employers may require one or more of the credentials listed above or prefer candidates who have obtained one or more of the credentials listed above.