Medical assistants perform valuable administrative and clinical duties on the healthcare team. If you seek a meaningful career in patient care, you will welcome the possibilities for growth in this rising field. Our program prepares you for an entry-level job in healthcare and helps you contribute directly to the well-being of your community. Our program includes an externship experience—an added preparation for life in the working world.
Program Overview
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 the lecture as well as competency-based experiences in performing administrative and clinical procedures. General education and program requirements are designed for students interested in pursuing management positions within physician offices. 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 degree 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 degree program. Students who successfully complete the program are required to sit for the American Medical Technologists’ national certification exam in medical assisting *.
Students interested in pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assisting (PTA)
The PTA degree is a selective entry program. Students will initially declare Medical Assisting as their major with a concentration in Rehabilitation Foundations. During completion of the first year of coursework, the student will:
1) Complete the pre-requisites for the PTA program and apply for possible acceptance,
2) Continue in the Medical Assistant degree path, until accepted into the program, or
3) Graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting.
For more information about the requirements for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assisting, visit the PTA page on Blue Ridge CTC’s website.
* In order to sit for the American Medical Technologists’ national certification exam in medical assisting, a graduate must have proof of High School diploma or G.E.D.
Mission Statement
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s Medical Assisting Program is committed to providing learner-centered career programs for a diverse student population to pursue professional administrative and clinical medical education within the college’s service area. These programs are designed to provide graduates with the opportunity to obtain entry-level jobs in allied health careers, and in so doing, contribute to the growth and development of their communities.
Program Goals
The following goals are the primary purposes for the Medical Assisting Program:
Prepare competent, entry-level allied health professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Prepare students for nationally recognized certification exams.
Prepare graduates to obtain jobs in allied health fields.
Prepare graduates who can function in and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
Program 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, your busy schedule may include greeting patients, answering telephone calls, scheduling appointments, and filing medical records. Your clinical work may include serving as a liaison between doctor and patient, preparing patients for exams, administering medications, and drawing blood.
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