About the Program
The Medical Assistant three-term certificate program provides a comprehensive combination of online, classroom and hands-on experience in Medical Assisting. Medical Assistants are health care practitioners qualified by education, experience, and examination to assist doctors in the performance of patient care, examination, and documentation. These multi-skilled practitioners perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks and are critical members of the health care team. Successful completion of this three-term program prepares students to be eligible for the Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), or other national medical assisting accrediting agencies. In addition, students may also sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and the Certified ECG Technician (CET) exams through the Healthcareer Association. The curriculum for the program is based on the standards and guidelines for the CCMA which can be reviewed on the following website: NHA www.nhanow.com.
Program Learning Outcomes
The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Medical Assistant Certificate of Completion are:
Perform and document routine clinical procedures according to current office protocol.
Perform and document routine administrative procedures according to current office protocol.
Effectively apply verbal, nonverbal, and written communication principles and skills.
Uphold legal and ethical standards and confidentiality for patient privacy.
Demonstrate professionalism through acceptable attitude, organization and time management skills, and attire.
Maintain industry standards of infection control and safety principles.
Entry Requirements
Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.
Students attend core MA courses as part of a structured cohort. Cohort students must meet certain minimum academic requirements. Students can apply for program entry prior to prerequisite completion; however, all listed program prerequisites must be satisfactorily complete with a “C-” or better prior to program start. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.
Students must also complete specific health and immunization requirements and a criminal background check prior to starting the program. Students must complete a drug screen prior to placement in a practicum. This screening process has an associated fee. Contact the Allied Health Department for more information.
Students wishing to enter the program cohort must declare their interest by attending a mandatory Allied Health Information Session and apply online through the Allied Health website: Allied Health Occupations.
Selection Process
Applications must be received by the application deadline. Applications received after the application deadline may be reviewed based on cohort capacity and at the discretion of the department.
Advanced Standing
Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the program coordinator’s recommendation. In order to ensure coursework is current, program courses over seven years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department coordinator before being accepted toward core requirements. College Now credit earned in conjunction with local high schools will be accepted in accordance with the current agreement.
Graduation Requirements
These requirements apply only to Medical Assistant students admitted to the program during the current academic year. The program of study, graduation requirements, and courses are under constant review and are subject to revision. Students contemplating admission in a later year may have different requirements and must obtain the program map or catalog for that year. Students must complete all courses on this program map with a grade of “C-” or better to continue in and complete the program and receive their certificates. If certain required courses are graded only on a pass/no pass basis, a grade of “P” for these courses indicate a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.
This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note: some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.
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