A medical assistant works primarily in ambulatory settings such as medical offices and clinics. Job responsibilities may include administrative (clerical) and clinical (direct patient care) duties. Administrative duties include scheduling and receiving patients, maintaining medical records, and managing practice finances. Clinical duties include obtaining essential data for medical history and treatment, completing laboratory testing, and assisting in clinical procedures.

The Medical Assistant Program has two options. The diploma program prepares students to perform basic clinical and office procedures, while the associates degree program provides a comprehensive background in administrative and clinical procedures and office management. Upon completion of the associates degree program the student may apply to take a certification exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Successful candidates are then Certified Medical Assistants (CMA).

Important Application Note! Hospitals and clinical facilities, as well as professional certification exam agencies, require health care providers to undergo and pass drug screens and/or criminal background checks. As a result, beginning with the Class of 2012, when a student is accepted into an allied health program, the offer of the program seat will be contingent upon the completion and review of criminal background and drug screens, as well as related Adult abuse and Child abuse screens. This testing must be completed within the timeline provided to students offered a program seat, and all costs associated with the testing are the responsibility of the student.  Failure to complete the testing, and satisfy department and clinical site guidelines during the review process, will result in forfeiture of the offered seat. NO testing is to be completed now! Specific testing instructions will be provided to students accepted into a program.

Licensing/Certification Exams AAMA CMA Certification Exam (may only be required by specific positions)

If you would like to learn more about the profession, below are some links that might interest you.