Diploma - Medical Assistant Technician

The objective of this program is to provide students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to pursue entry-level employment in the health care industry as Medical Assistant Technicians. Medical assistants work directly with doctors, nurses, and patients in many health care settings, including medical offices, clinics, labs, x-ray facilities, hospitals, and insurance companies. Students are introduced to basic medical terminology, anatomy, human diseases, pharmacology, medical office procedures, and clinical medical assisting skills. Students are trained in front office procedures, such as handling patient accounts and records, word processing, and scheduling of patients. Students are also trained in back office procedures, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for medical procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, and performing selected diagnostic tests, as directed by the physician. This program also provides training in basic medical laboratory and X-ray procedures.

Prior to graduation, students are required to complete a 6-week externship course that provides hands-on training in the field. Externship sites may require students to submit to a criminal background check, drug screen, medical examination or other requirements.

Upon graduation, students may elect to take the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam offered by the National Center for Competency Training (NCCT). All students take a Certification Review course at the end of the program, which is designed to assist in preparing for the NCMA exam. However, the College cannot guarantee a student's eligibility to take the exam, or that they will pass the exam. It is the student's responsibility to inquire into and understand all eligibility requirements.