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 instructions 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 a 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.
While students are encouraged to complete the entire certificate, they are employable in the Medical Assisting field upon successful completion of ALDH 82 Medical Office Procedures and ALDH 82C Medical Office Procedures - Clinical.
Note: Upon successful completion of ALDH 82 Medical Office Procedures the student may enroll in ALDH 82C Medical Office Procedures - Clinical. On the first day of ALDH 82C Medical Office Procedures - Clinical the student is required to bring to class the following:
- Students must demonstrate physical health as determined by a history and physical examination.
- The students must submit a current physical and meet required immunizations, titers, and have a chest X-ray and/or PPD. Also, a current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR Certificate, or equivalent, must be obtained and current. Criminal background checks are required in order to comply with the program and clinical agencies’ contractual requirements. Per individual facility requirements, random drug testing may also be required.
Career Opportunities
Medical Assistant, Patient Account Representative, Receptionist, Medical Secretary, Medical Records Technician
Faculty
Gray, Tiana
Truelove, Terry
Transfer
Not a transfer major. Some Allied Health courses transfer as electives or fulfill subject credit requirements.
Medical Assistant, AS
State Control Number: 04956
Program Code: MA.AS
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
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 medical assistant display professionalism, communicate effectively, and provide instructions to patients.
To earn this degree, complete the major coursework with “C” grades or better and all of the following graduation requirements: 60 minimum degree-applicable units (including a maximum 4 units of activity); 2.0 minimum overall GPA; 12 degree-applicable units through VVC; Information Competency; Global Citizenship; Kinesiology, and the VVC General Education pattern. Courses may count in one area only, either in the major or in a general education category. Courses counted in one AA/AS major may not be used in another AA/AS major.
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
ALDH 80 | Pharmacology | 3.0 |
ALDH 81 | Medical Insurance | 3.0 |
ALDH 82 | Medical Office Procedures | 4.0 |
ALDH 82C | Medical Office Procedures - Clinical | 5.0 |
ALDH 139 | Medical Terminology | 3.0 |
BET 104 | Beginning Word Processing/Typing for Windows ABC | 3.0 |
PSYC 110 | Developmental Psychology 1 | 3.0 |
Complete at least 3 units from the following: | 3.0 | |
Nursing Assistant | ||
Home Health Aide | ||
Acute Care C.N.A. | ||
Medical Assisting Exam Review | ||
Basic Arrhythmia | ||
Medical Aspects of Drugs & Alcohol | ||
Athletic Training I | ||
Athletic Training II | ||
Total Units | 27 |
- 1
- PSYC 110 Developmental Psychology is allowed to satisfy VVC’s General Education requirement in Category IIA, Social and Behavioral Sciences in addition to this major.
Medical Assistant Certificate of Achievement
State Control Number: 20543
Program Code: MED.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
This certificate prepares students for an entry-level position in a physician’s office, clinic, or medical records. It is designed to prepare students to work effectively in a physician's office, medical records or business office of a clinic or a hospital. Upon completion of the required courses, the student will demonstrate proficiency in both front and back office procedures.
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
Complete all of the following with a C or better | ||
ALDH 80 | Pharmacology | 3.0 |
ALDH 81 | Medical Insurance | 3.0 |
ALDH 82 | Medical Office Procedures | 4.0 |
ALDH 82C | Medical Office Procedures - Clinical | 5.0 |
ALDH 139 | Medical Terminology | 3.0 |
BET 104 | Beginning Word Processing/Typing for Windows ABC | 3.0 |
PSYC 110 | Developmental Psychology | 3.0 |
Total Units | 24 |
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate administrative and clerical medical office procedures.
- Demonstrate clinical back office procedures.