Medical Assisting Diploma Program

The medical assisting program prepares a multi-skilled graduate to function in clinical and administrative areas of the physician’s office and ambulatory care centers. Medical assistants work under the supervision of a physician and are competent in both administrative and clinical procedures. Medical assisting is an exciting and rapidly-expanding health care profession.

Graduates of the program have an opportunity to pursue an Associate's Degree in Occupational Technology with a Major in General Technology.

Administrative duties of the medical assistant include scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, transcribing medical dictation, handling telephone calls, performing basic clerical functions and managing medical practice finances.

Clinical duties of the medical assistant include: practicing safety and infection control, obtaining patient histories and vital signs, performing first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests and administering medication.

The medical assistant must work well with people, have good communication skills, like a variety of work experiences, be accurate in work performance and be trust worthy with confidential information.

Medical Assisting graduates may earn the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) credential by passing the National Certifying examination. Felons are not eligible to take this examination unless a waiver is granted by the AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants). Students enrolled in this program must be enrolled on a full-time basis.

The Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs: 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, Florida, (727) 210-2350.

Last Updated July 26, 2007