The Medical Assisting program is a career-oriented program that prepares students to work primarily in ambulatory care settings under the direction of a physician. The program is comprised of clinical and non-clinical components, with lecture as well as competency based experiences in performing administrative and clinical procedures.
General education and program requirements for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting are for students interested in pursuing management positions in medical offices. The Certificate program for Medical Assisting is designed for students interested in entry level positions as a medical assistant in a medical office. Both programs include 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.
Students in the Medical Assisting program are subject to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s requirements for admission, basic skills testing, and appropriate course placement, including necessary developmental courses, which are not counted toward completion of the program. Blue Ridge CTC requirements regarding academic standards, student conduct, and graduation procedures also apply. In addition, students in the Medical Assisting program 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 current American Heart Association “Healthcare Provider” CPR certification as well as First Aid certification and meet the program’s technical standards.
* Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to sit for the American Medical Technologists’ national certification exam in medical assisting. In order to sit for the American Medical Technologists’ national certification exam in medical assisting, graduate must have proof of High School diploma or G.E.D.
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