Medical Assisting

Important Information

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education courses .

Courses Needed for This Program*

Total Credits Required for Degree: 60*

Note

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

Program Description

This program is designed to prepare students to work as medical assistants in the office of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, clinics, urgent care centers, concierge medical offices, government agencies, public health departments, and other medical facilities. 

Medical assistants are multi-skilled allied health professionals who perform both administrative and clinical duties under the supervision of a physician.  Clinical skills training includes assisting with medical exams, obtaining and recording vital signs, documenting medical records electronically, preparing and administering medication including injections, and performing venipuncture and other specimen collection and processing.  Medical assistants are also trained to manage and code medical records, perform daily billing and accounting tasks, and communicate effectively and appropriately within the medical facility. Medical assistants can move into office management positions. 

Healthcare is one of the largest employment sectors in the Baltimore region with 188,000 employees as of 2012.  There are at least 24 healthcare systems and medical centers in the region (“Baltimore Regional Talent Development Pipeline Study 2013”, page 16).  The Department of Labor Occupational Handbook predicts that employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 29 percent from 2012 through 2022.  This is much faster than the average for all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes, “The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to spur demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As their practices expand, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.” 

This program is approved by American Medical Technologists for successful graduates to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. 

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, graduates will be able to:

1. produce first-time mailable copy from a variety of input media using state-of-the art software;
2. manage records and data electronically and manually;
3. combine organizational and technical skills to improve office workflow;
4. speak and write effectively for interpersonal, group, and office communication;
5. utilize credible sources and/or databases to gather data, compile research, and draft or abstract reports;
6. comply with HIPAA and other federal and state regulations;
7. process coding and billing of medical records electronically;
8. assist in preparing patients for medical treatment or procedures and accurately document all procedures;
9. collect and process a variety of patient specimens;
10. accurately dose and administer medication; and
11. discern appropriate responses when faced with ethical and professional challenges.

Other