Medical Assisting Certificate

Our program prepares you with the skills to deliver quality care in a variety of settings. Our balance of academic and clinical components gives you the knowledge and hands-on opportunities to perform administrative and clinical procedures with confidence.

Program Overview

This certificate program is designed for the student interested in an entry-level position as a medical assistant in a medical office. The program provides lectures as well as competency-based training in both administrative and clinical procedures. There is also a non-compensated externship experience in which students work in an actual ambulatory care setting. Externship sites may have their own requirements that students must meet prior to their externship experience. Medical assisting certificate students must maintain a grade of “C” or better in all required courses. Students must provide appropriate health records that include a history and physical, required immunizations, and a negative TB test prior to externship. Students must also have a current American Heart Association’s “Healthcare Provider” CPR certification as well as First Aid certification and meet the program’s technical standards. Also, students will undergo a background check and drug screen prior to externship. Any negative findings may prohibit a student from participating in their externship, and thus not be able to complete the Medical Assisting certificate program. Students who successfully complete the program are required to sit for the American Medical Technologists’ national certification exam in medical assisting *.

To be eligible to earn a Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Certificate the student must be a current degree-seeking student or complete the application and admissions process to the College. Eligibility to earn and receive a Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Certificate does not interfere with the degree-seeking status of the student.

* In order to sit for the American Medical Technologists’ national certification exam in medical assisting, the graduate must have proof of High School diploma or G.E.D.

Outcomes
Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the content areas of the curriculum in medical assisting. These content areas are anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, psychology, communication, medical assisting administrative procedures, medical assisting clinical procedures, and professional components.
• Apply knowledge from content areas to competencies in administrative, clinical, and general skills of medical assisting.
• Analyze the essential elements of core content areas and competencies.
• Critically evaluate patient care and administrative scenarios and use appropriate judgment within the scope of practice of medical assistants.
• Display a professional commitment to the ethical, legal, and compassionate practice of medicine in diverse communities.
• Demonstrate hands-on competency in administrative, clinical, and general skills of medical assisting.
• Communicate effectively with all members of healthcare teams, patients and others associated with the medical profession.
• Function as a competent, professional member of a healthcare team both administratively and clinically.
• Continue to learn and grow in healthcare professions and life.
• Contribute to the development and growth of their communities in creative ways.

Career Opportunities

As a medical assistant, you will work primarily in outpatient care settings under the direction of physicians.