Allied Health

Medical Assisting Certificate

Overview

Students in the Medical Assisting certificate acquire a wide range of clinical, computer, communication, and organizational skills that prepare them for a multitude of positions in various medical environments. Medical Assistants are versatile, multifaceted professionals.

The Medical Assisting Certificate program is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Medical Assisting Certificate Admission Requirements

Admission into the Medical Assisting Certificate program requires that the applicant attend an information session. Students must also meet all health requirements (Immunization Requirements), the Medical Assisting Technical Standards, and pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Record Information (SORI) check. To remain in this program a student must maintain a 75% average in each required course, a satisfactory clinical evaluation, and adhere to the attendance policy.

Medical Assisting Certificate Technical Standards
In order to be eligible for and successfully complete the Medical Assistant Certificate, certain physical and behavioral standards are required as part of the program and clinical/lab experience. These technical standards have been developed using the U.S. Department of Labor's skills and abilities for those working in a medical setting. Some cooperative work experience opportunities may have additional requirements beyond the technical standards listed here and requirements may vary by agency. Students must satisfy the program’s technical standards and the individual agency requirements before a clinical assignment is approved.

These technical standards are established in accordance with the Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act. All students must be able to satisfy these standards with or without a reasonable accommodation. These include:

Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal)

• Communicate effectively either independently or with corrective devices.
• Communicate in English through reading, orally and in writing to instructors, professors, clinical staff, clients, families and all members of the health care team.
• Understand oral directions/requests from health care workers, clients, voice pages and telephone messages stated in a normal tone.

Auditory Ability

• Hear all alarms on technical and supportive equipment set at a normal volume.
• Listen and respond to distress sounds from clients.
• Accurately detect audibly blood pressure readings with a stethoscope.

Visual Ability

• See and accurately read all written medical information pertaining to the client.
• See and accurately read all readings and functions of technical equipment pertaining to client care.
• See and accurately read all calibrated containers for accurate measurement of body fluids and specimens.

Physical Strength (Gross Motor Control)

• Ability to lift 25 pounds unassisted in a safe manner, thereby protecting yourself, the client, and those in close proximity to you.
• Bend and/or lift to assist client with activities of daily living and manipulate client equipment.
• Lift to safely transfer or position all clients in various situations.
• Move, push or pull equipment, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc.
• Ability to raise arms over one’s head in order to assist clients and manipulate equipment.
• Walk/stand for extended periods and distances over an 8-hour period.

Manual Dexterity (Fine Motor Movement)

• Accurately manipulate dials, gauges, buttons and switches to set, monitor and care for client care related equipment.
• Safely and effectively perform dressing procedures without contaminating the wound.
• Successfully don and remove protective apparel (including sterile gloves) to maintain standard precautions.

Behavioral/Mental Performance

• Function safely, effectively and calmly under stressful situations.
• Prioritize and manage tasks simultaneously.
• Exhibit social skills necessary to interact therapeutically with clients, families, staff and faculty.
• Maintain personal hygiene consistent with department dress code guidelines.
• Display ethical attitudes and actions consistent with professional behavior.
• Display the social skills to behave with politeness, tact and sensitivity to others in all settings.
• Exhibit respect for cultural and ethnic differences of clients, peers and individuals.
• Remain free from alcohol and/or chemical impairment in classroom and clinical settings at all times.

The Immunization Requirements are available at: Student Immunization Records.

Medical Assisting Certificate Graduation Requirements

• Students must successfully complete each required course and must maintain a 75% average in each course.
• Students must take a nationally recognized certification exam at their own expense prior to graduation from this program.

Career Outlook

This occupational profile is provided by O*NET.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this certificate, entry-level Medical Assistants are able to:

• Demonstrate competence in both administrative and clinical skills.
• Apply the knowledge acquired in the program in both the administrative and clinical areas under supervision and direction of the physician.
• Practice the behaviors that reflect a professional and caring attitude.
• Display sensitivity to all patients.
• Describe the value of obtaining professional certification and continuing education.