Medical Assisting (Certificate)
- To prepare graduates to demonstrate the knowledge base, skills, behavior, values, and competencies necessary to function as entry level Medical Assisting practitioners in accordance with nationally accepted standards of roles and functions.
- To prepare graduates to value life-long learning, problem solving, critical thinking and interpersonal communication as means of achieving personal and professional growth.
- To assure that the program’s goals are consistent with and responsive to the communities of interest that are served by the Medical Assisting program including students, graduates, faculty, employers, physicians and the health care community.
- Submit a completed College application listing Medical Assisting (C.MA.GS) as the major.
- Submit high school transcript or GED scores.
- Submit official college transcript(s), if applicable
- Complete the College placement tests in English, Mathematics, and Reading and place above the developmental level prior to enrolling in Medical Assisting (MAS) courses.
- Submit a Medical Assisting Petition for Admissions form found at http://www.mc3.edu/aa/career/alliedh/med-ast/pet-adm.pdf.
- Purchase all required textbooks, manuals, supplemental supplies, uniforms, and liability insurance.
- Assume all responsibility for transportation to and from externship assignments including clinical experiences.
- Obtain and maintain current American Red Cross or American Heart Association First Aid certification.
- Obtain and maintain CPR certification in American Heart Association's CPR for the Health Care Provider course or the American Red Cross' CPR for the Professional Rescuer course.
- Have a comprehensive physical examination which includes documentation of selected vaccinations and a urine drug screen, within six months of program matriculation.
- Submit application for Child Abuse History Clearance and Criminal Record Check.
- Document proof of computer literacy.
Purpose
The Medical Assisting Certificate Program is designed to prepare graduates who are proficient in all administrative and clinical competencies necessary to perform numerous jobs in physicians’ offices, hospitals, or other health care facilities. This continuous three (3) semester certificate program, located at the College’s West Campus in Pottstown, integrates theory, laboratory simulations and a clinical externship experience. Clinical externships are provided in a variety of community locations. Medical Assisting students have three years from the date of initial enrollment in the program in which to complete all certificate requirements. Graduates of the certificate program are highly valued members of the health care delivery team who are qualified to complete the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) certification examination for Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) and/or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) certification examination for Registered Medical Assistants (RMA).
The Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 210-2350. Graduating students are able to take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) certification examination for Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) certification examination for Registered Medical Assistants (RMA).
Program Mission and Goals
The Medical Assisting Program has a mission consistent with the mission of Montgomery County Community College. The program recognizes that students differ in their needs, aspirations and interests. As a result, the program is organized to assist and prepare students for the level of technical competence required to become highly qualified and successful Medical Assistants.
The goals of this program are
Admissions Guidelines
All applicants who wish to be considered for admission to the Medical Assisting Certificate Program must present credentials in accordance with the following requirements.
The Medical Assisting Certificate Program accepts students each academic year. Due to class limitations, the College does not guarantee continuous enrollment between non-MAS and MAS courses. Eligibility for readmission and/or transfer to the Medical Assisting Certificate Program is based upon space availability as well as meeting the Admission Guidelines. For additional information, contact the Medical Assisting Program Director at 610-718-1812 or Advising at 610-718-1851.
Program Requirements
Once accepted into the Medical Assisting Certificate Program, students are required to
Curriculum
Semester I
| BIO 103 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3 Credits |
| CAO 224/HCP 224 | Medical Terminology | 3 Credits |
| MAS 110 | Laboratory Procedures for Medical Assistants | 4 Credits |
| MAS 112 (15 Credit Hours) |
Medical Assisting - Clinical Assisting Procedures | 5 Credits |
Semester II
| CAO 225/HCP 225 | Health Insurance and Professional Billing | 3 Credits |
| HCP 114/MAS 114 | Medical Law and Ethics for Health Care Professionals | 3 Credits |
| MAS 116 | Medical Assisting - Administrative Assisting Procedures | 4 Credits |
| PSY 206 (13 Credit Hours) |
Human Development - A Life-Span Approach | 3 Credits |
Semester III
| MAS 120 | Professional Issues in Medical Assisting | 1 Credit |
| MAS 130 (4 Credit Hours) |
Medical Assisting Externship | 3 Credits |
TOTAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM CREDIT HOURS: 32
Revised: 7/3/06
6/26/06
