Medical Assisting, AAS

The Medical Assisting program is a 2-year associate degree program that includes classroom, laboratory, and practicum experiences. Medical Assistants are trained in both clinical and administrative duties for a variety of healthcare settings. 

The Medical Assisting program at Northwest State Community College meets the state education requirements in the state of Ohio. Northwest State Community College has not determined if the Medical Assisting program at Northwest State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.

Career Outlook

According to the United State Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assisting is one of the Nation’s fastest-growing careers. Advances in technology, a growing population of elderly Americans and an increasing number of outpatient facilities mean trained medical assistants are in demand.

Performance Standards

The following performance standards are necessary to safely and accurately carry out medical assisting duties:

• Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment,
• Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces,
• Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment,
• Ability to prepare and administer medications,
• Ability to transfer patients,
• Ability to read medication labels and patient records,
• Ability to take blood pressure and hear breath sounds through a stethoscope,
• Communicate English clearly enough for most patients to understand and understand the verbal communication of English-speaking patients,
• Clear written communication, and
• Manual dexterity.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to do:

1. Describe the structure and function of the human body and recognize common disorders associated with each body system.
2. Demonstrate competence in clinical duties associated with assisting healthcare providers in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in an ambulatory setting.
3. Apply the legal concepts and ethical responsibilities associated with patient care and the documentation of health information.
4. Display professionalism with interpersonal situations and business functions.
5. Apply principles of equipment and facility maintenance.
6. Apply principles of effective oral and written communication skills with patients, their families and other health care providers, including effective patient instruction on health topics.
7. Demonstrate competence in performing administrative duties and maintaining accurate medical practice finances.
8. Demonstrate proficiency in computer operations and applications relative to patient care and the management of a medical office.
9. Demonstrate the ability to solve problems through proper means of analysis / synthesis and application of rational, systemic and logical thinking.

Admission Requirements for the Program:

• Course placement Algebra score at the MTH090 level or successful completion of MTH090.
• High School Biology and Chemistry with a grade of “C” or higher or BIO101 Principles of Biology with a “C” grade or higher.
• ACCUPLACER testing. Complete any developmental courses needed.
• GPA 2.0 or higher.

Requirements prior to enrollment in Externship:

American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR + First Aid
BCI/FBI Criminal Background Check
Health Insurance Coverage
Health Physical and Immunization Form
Signed Confidentiality Statement
Clinical agencies may require a drug screen with negative results.

Note: Students shall not receive compensation or payment, monetary or otherwise, for the externship/practicum experience.

Accreditation

The Medical Assisting program is Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th St. N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210- 2350
www.caahep.org