Medical Assisting Associate in Science Degree Program
Program Overview
Medical Assisting Associate in Science Degree Program
Related Degrees & Certificates
- AS Associate in Science Degree Program
- Medical Billing Specialist | 60 units
- CA Certificate of Achievement
- Medical Administrative Assistant | 21 units
- Medical Assisting | 35 units
- Medical Billing Specialist | 21 units
- Medical Coding Specialist | 18 units
Career Opportunities
The field of Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing occupations in this decade. Career opportunities for the well-trained medical assistant are plentiful. Graduates of Cañada’s program secure employment in physician’s offices, clinic, hospitals, labs, medical publication firms, laboratories, pharmaceutical firms, public health agencies, and the claims departments of health insurance companies. Recommended high school preparation: written and oral communication skills, typing, biology, psychology, and basic mathematics.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Apply their education and training to begin employment in health care.
- Use updated job skills to maintain or advance in current employment.
Program Overview
The ability to work well with people, be well organized, and be emphatic in dealing with patients are essential qualities in a medical assistant. The Medical Assisting program at Cañada is designed to provide the finest training and experience available. Through the expertise of a talented faculty and exposure to professionals in the field, students can expect to learn administrative duties such as medical/financial records management, medical report transcription, patient appointment scheduling, and clinical duties including preparation of patients for examination, assistance with minor surgery, giving injections, and operating electrocardiographs.
Requirements
AS Degree Requirements Major: Core and Selective Requirements
Complete Core Courses, 35 units
- BIOL 130 | Human Biology | 3 units
- MEDA 100 | Introduction to Medical Assisting | 3 units
- MEDA 110 | Medical Terminology | 3 units
- MEDA 115 | Introduction to Electronic Health Record | 3 units
- MEDA 120 | Clinical Procedures I | 4 units
- MEDA 121 | Clinical Procedures II | 4 units
- MEDA 140 | Implementation of Electronic Health Record | 3 units
- MEDA 150 | Medical Office Procedures | 3 units
- MEDA 160 | Medical Insurance Procedures | 3 units
- MEDA 190 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 3 units
- MEDA 672 | Work Experience Education: Internship | 3 units
Total Required Major Units: 35
And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.
Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Medical Assisting Associate in Science (AS) degree program at Cañada College prepares students for employment in various healthcare settings. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform both administrative and clinical duties in the medical field.
Objectives:
- Provide comprehensive training in medical assisting to prepare students for employment in healthcare settings.
- Enable students to apply their education and training to secure employment or advance in their current roles.
Program Description:
The Medical Assisting program emphasizes the development of essential qualities such as empathy, organizational skills, and strong interpersonal abilities. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and exposure to professionals in the field, students acquire a wide range of proficiencies.
Administrative Duties:
- Medical/financial records management
- Medical report transcription
- Patient appointment scheduling
Clinical Duties:
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Assisting with minor surgeries
Careers:
Graduates of the Medical Assisting program have ample career opportunities in various healthcare settings, including:
- Physician's offices
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Labs
- Medical publication firms
- Laboratories
- Pharmaceutical firms
- Public health agencies
- Health insurance companies (claims departments)
Recommended High School Preparation:
- Written and oral communication skills
- Typing
- Biology
- Psychology
- Basic mathematics
Cañada College Summary
Overview:
Cañada College is a community college located in Redwood City, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs leading to associate degrees and certificates, as well as transfer opportunities to four-year universities. The college emphasizes student support services and provides a welcoming and diverse campus environment.
Services Offered:
Cañada College offers a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Guidance on course selection, program planning, and transfer options.Financial Aid:
Assistance with scholarships, grants, and loans.Career Services:
Resources for career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Student Life:
Clubs, organizations, and events to enhance the campus experience.Disability Services:
Support for students with disabilities.Library:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Basic Needs Assistance:
Information and resources for food, housing, and mental health support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Cañada College provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and events, including:
Athletics:
Intercollegiate sports teams and recreational activities.Student Government:
Opportunities for student leadership and advocacy.Cultural Events:
Performances, exhibitions, and workshops showcasing diverse cultures.Social Activities:
Gatherings, parties, and outings to foster a sense of community.Key Reasons to Study There:
Free Tuition:
Cañada College offers free tuition for eligible students.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of academic programs to choose from, including associate degrees and certificates.Strong Transfer Opportunities:
Excellent transfer rates to four-year universities.Supportive Environment:
Dedicated faculty and staff committed to student success.Engaging Campus Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, leadership development, and social connections.Academic Programs:
Cañada College offers over 100 academic programs, including:
