The Medical Assistant is a professional, multi-skilled person dedicated to assisting in patient care management. The practitioner performs administrative and clinical duties and may manage emergency situations, facilities and or personnel. Competence in the field also requires that a medical assistant display professionalism, communicate effectively, and provide instruction to patients.
The Medical Assistant program is a one-year program that is designed to prepare students to work effectively in a physician’s office, medical records, or business office of a clinic or hospital. Upon completion of the required courses, the student will demonstrate proficiency in both front and back office procedures. Successful completion of the program leads to a Certificate of Achievement.
Our MA program is designed to be flexible. There is not a required timeline for completing all portions. There is no application process for our MA program. You will sign up for all classes through your Self Service, just like all other courses.
Welcome
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Medical Assistant
- Patient Accounts Representative
- Receptionist
- Medical Secretary
- Medical Records Technician
ESTIMATED COSTS
- $1,000 (Approximate over three semesters)
PREREQUISITES
- High School Diploma or GED*
- *ALDH 82 Mid Term & Final Exams must be taken and passed with an 80% before being admitted to ALDH 82C.
- Health and safety requirements to attend clinicals will be discussed during ALDH 82.
- AHLD 82C has a one year recency requirement for ALDH 82. Questions regarding recency should be directed to Heidi.Shaw@vvc.edu.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This certificate prepares students for an entry-level position in a physician’s office, clinic or Medical records.
SPECIAL NOTE: While students are encouraged to complete the entire program, they are employable as a Medical Assistant and will receive a certificate from the college upon successful completion of ALDH 82 and ALDH 82C.
REQUIRED COURSES:
- ALDH 139 Medical Terminology
- ALDH 80 Pharmacology
- ALDH 81 Medical Insurance
- ALDH 82 Medical Office Procedures*
- ALDH 82C Medical Office Procedures- Clinical*
- Psych 110 Developmental Psychology
- BET 104 Beginning Word Processing/Typing for Windows A/B/C
*You may begin working as a Medical Assistant after completing ALDH 82 and ALDH 82C.
| MEDICAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM SUGGESTED 1 - YEAR SCHEDULE |
SUMMER UNITS
- ALDH 139 Medical Terminology 3.0
- BET 104 Beginning Word for Windows 3.0
Total units - 6.0
FALL UNITS
- ALDH 80 Pharmacology 3.0
- ALDH 81 Medical Insurance 3.0
- ALDH 82 Medical Office Procedures 4.0
Total units - 10.0
SPRING UNITS
- ALDH 82C Medical Office Procedures – Clinical 5.0
- Psych 110 Developmental Psychology 3.0
Total Units - 8.0
TOTAL PROGRAM UNITS = 24.0
Please note that this schedule is suggested. The only classes that have to be taken in succession are ALDH 82 (first pass this courses Mid Term & Final Exams with an 80% or better), then enroll in ALDH 82C; the clinical portion of the program.
MA STATE CERTIFICATION
After completing our MA program it is highly suggested you certify with the CCBMA. This is not a program requirement. This is recommended to help you meet your career goals.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Heidi Shaw
Medical Assistant Facilitator
E-mail: Heidi.Shaw@vvc.edu
General Information
Health Sciences/Allied Health Office Assistant - 760-245-4271, Ext. 2285
STUDENT BACKGROUND CHECK & DRUG TESTING
In an effort to comply with the recommendations of the Joint commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the majority of the major healthcare facilities and agencies utilized by the College for clinical training require that each student undergo and pass a student background check & drug test prior to participating in clinical rotations. Each student, at his/her expense, is responsible for acquiring the student background check & drug test and authorizing the submission of results to the college.
No student will be permitted to participate in a clinical rotation until the results have been received, reviewed, and accepted by the designated program director. Failure to submit to and pass the required student background check & drug test will result in the student being terminated from the respective program.
Students accepted into certain programs, will be required to have a physical examination, a chest X-ray and/or PPD, lab tests, required immunizations, a criminal background check & drug test. These are required in order to comply with the program and clinical agencies' contractual requirements. Also, the following items are commonly required: a current American Heart Association CPR Certificate and liability insurance (certain limits apply). Most Health Sciences programs have a group policy available, or the students may purchase their own policy. All of the above will be completed at the student's expense. In most cases these items will be completed, with copies submitted, before the first day of the semester. Not submitting the required documentation may preclude the student's ability to continue in the program.
Details regarding these requirements may be obtained from the respective program.