Montgomery County Community College

Medical Assisting Certificate

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, and at the Central Campus in Blue Bell beginning in the fall of 2009, 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 Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Additional information regarding CAAHEP can be obtained by contacting the organization directly at 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, telephone (727) 210-2350.

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 the Medical Assisting Program are to produce graduates who will:

• exhibit clinical and administrative/office management competency in the cognitive (knowledge ), psychomotor (skills) and affective (Behavior) learning domains required of an entry level Medical Assistant.
• demonstrate effective communication skills in oral, written and technological interactions.
• follow heath and safety policies and procedures essential to the establishment of a safe working environment that supports the health and well being of patients and healthcare workers.
• express a commitment to professional growth and development.
• develop a community awareness as a component of responsible citizenship while providing health care services to diverse populations.
• demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills as a means to continually assess and improve one's knowledge, practice, and ethical judgment.

Technical Standards

Medical Assisting involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of all Medical Assisting interventions and functions.
Students enrolled in either Medical Assisting Program must exhibit the following characteristics.

1. Sufficient visual acuity, such as needed in the accurate performance of clinical and administrative skills. Students must be able to read instrument scales, charts and graphs, prepare and maintain medical records, read medication orders, assess patient physical condition, and read and document significant findings.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health care team in order to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as stethoscopes, fire alarms, etc. Additionally, the student must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally in order to elicit information. The students must be able to obtain vital signs, including blood pressure. Students must be able to interact with patients and members of the health care team, specifically interview patients, obtain patient histories, instruct patients with special needs, and use proper telephone technique.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to carry out clinical and administrative procedures. Manual dexterity is essential in handling of all instrumentation i.e. manipulation of equipment, positioning and assisting patients, responding to emergency situations, and carrying out diagnostic procedures.
4. Sufficient physical stamina for standing for extended periods of time is required with meeting the health needs of the patient as related to Medical Assisting.
5. Sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively.
6. Sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals and the health care team during stressful situations, including the ability to recognize emergency situations and intervene appropriately.

Additional Information

Additional Information on advanced placement, student employment, transfer credits and credit for life experience, withdrawals and refunds can be obtained by contacting the Medical Assisting Program Director.

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.

1. Submit a completed College application listing Medical Assisting (C.MA.GS) as the major.
2. Submit high school transcript or GED scores.
3. Submit official college transcript(s), if applicable
4. Complete the College placement tests in English, Mathematics, and Reading and place above the developmental level in English and Reading, and at or above MAT 011 prior to enrolling in Medical Assisting (MAS) courses.
5. Submit a Medical Assisting Petition for Admissions form.

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

1. Purchase all required textbooks, manuals, supplemental supplies, uniforms, and liability insurance.
2. Assume all responsibility for transportation to and from externship assignments including clinical experiences.
3. Obtain and maintain current American Heart Association or American Red Cross First Aid certification.
4. Obtain and maintain CPR certification in American Heart Association: CPR for the Health Care Provider or American Red Cross: CPR for the Professional Rescuer.
5. Have a comprehensive physical examination which includes documentation of selected vaccinations and a urine drug screen, within six months of program matriculation.
6. Submit application for Child Abuse History Clearance and Criminal Record Check. A Child Abuse History will and a Criminal Record may exclude the student from participation in the practicum component of the program
7. Document proof of computer literacy.
8. Complete a national Medical Assisting certification examination prior to program completion.

Curriculum

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS CREDIT: 34

For additional information, contact Kathleen Schreiner, Medical Assisting Program Director at 610-718-1812 or email kschreiner@mc3.edu.

Revised: 04/26/11, 11/02/10, 7/2/09, 3/26/09, 7/3/06, 6/26/06

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