Medical Assistant, Certificate

Suggested sequence*:

Credit Hours Required: 41

Medical Assistant - Additional Program Information

Program Description:

The Medical Assistant program is designed to prepare students with the necessary skills and abilities to assist physicians and providers in rendering professional services to patients. Employment may be available in private offices, clinics, hospitals, and federal and public health facilities. Students graduating from the Medical Assistant Certificate program are qualified to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistant’s (AAMA) National Certification exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant.[CMA (AAMA)]. The CMA (AAMA) credential is awarded to candidates who have successfully completed the CMA (AAMA) examination administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Like other professional designations, the CMA (AAMA) credential is evidence of competence in a demanding field. Certified Medical Assistants [CMA (AAMA)] may benefit from broader career advancement opportunities and job security.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Utilize appropriate anatomical structures to prepare patients for examination or procedures.

2. Apply appropriate health related mathematical computations.

3. Apply infection control procedures.

4. Outline components of nutrition, food pyramid, and therapeutic diets.

5. Communicate information to providers and patients.

6. Identify medical office administrative functions.

7. Differentiate finance practices.

8. Describe processes for third party reimbursement.

9. Perform diagnostic and procedural coding.

10. Differentiate between legal and ethical issues affecting healthcare including standard of practice and HIPPA.

11. Differentiate between ethical and moral issues affecting healthcare.

12. Describe safety and protective practices.

Accreditation:

The Medical Assistant Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158

Clearwater, FL 33763

727-210-2350

www.caahep.org

Requirements & Specific Information:

Expenditures for the Student:

The student is responsible for the following expenditures which are not included within the program course fees:

• criminal background check
• drug screen
• health history and physical, including immunizations and/or titers:
  • MMR, influenza, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB testing or chest x-ray
• uniforms, white duty shoes, watch with a second hand, stethoscope and blood pressure cuff, lab kit
• transportation to the practicum site, and medical and liability insurance

NOTE: It is highly suggested that students achieve an acceptable mathematics and reading placement test score to enter the Medical Assistant program.

All students must apply for their certificate and/or degree and submit the application form to Enrollment Services during the semester the certificate or degree will be earned.

Students must achieve grade “C” or better, or grade “Pass” (if the course is a Pass/Fail course) for all the Core and General Education courses in this program.

Career Opportunities:

• Medical Assistant

Transfer Pathways:

We Work Hard to Make Transferring Easy!

Macomb Community College is a great place to start if your goal is to earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Whether you are already considering a specific transfer destination/program or have not yet decided on a major, Macomb’s Office of Articulation and Transfer provides you with and helps you explore a variety of transfer options.

Transfer Opportunities