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Health and Public Services

Medical Assisting

MEDICAL ASSISTING

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE  |  DIPLOMA

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to work in a variety of health care settings performing clinical and administrative duties. The practice of medical assisting necessitates mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession.

To prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Coursework includes instruction in scheduling appointments, coding and processing insurance accounts, billing, collections and computer operations; assisting with examinations and treatments; performing routine laboratory procedures; electrocardiography; supervised medication administration; and the legal and ethical issues associated with healthcare.

Credentials
After completion of the Associate’s Degree, a student is eligible to sit for the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) exam.

Admissions
The following requirements must be completed for admission:

  • Official High School Transcript or equivalent mailed or hand-delivered in the original, sealed envelope from the awarding institution.
  • Updated ACC application with a declaration of Medical Assisting as the major area of interest.
  • Official transcripts of all post-secondary education mailed or hand-delivered in the original, sealed envelope from the awarding institution.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0 on all previous college work
  • Placement testing for Math and English or approved waiver
  • Complete all DRE courses.
  • Complete DMA 010, 020, 030.
  • Completion of MED 116 Introduction of Anatomy and Physiology with a minimum grade of 70.
  • Appointment with admissions coordinator or Medical Assisting Department Head and/or faculty member.

Students admitted to the medical assisting program should be full-time and follow the semester-by-semester curriculum plan.

Contact the department head or Student Development for more specifics on admissions criteria.

Progression/Re-Admission
Specific progressions and readmission criteria are in the Medical Assisting Program handbook that will be given to students upon entry into the program. For questions, contact the department head or admissions coordinator. To remain in the program, students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” and satisfactory completion of all skills.

Clinical sites may require a criminal records check, drug testing, or other requirements before students can participate at their facility.

Technical Standards
Students entering the program must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in the admissions office and the program handbook.

Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards must contact the Coordinator for Special Needs and Counseling at 336-506-4130 for more specific information.

Medical Assisting Applicants
Students are admitted under the Associate in General Education Degree until they have met admissions requirements for the Medical Assisting Program. Medical assisting faculty members advise students as to the courses in the medical assisting curriculum they should take before formal admission. All developmental requirements must be completed before admission.

Occupational Risk
Accredited medical assisting programs are required to teach students about the hazards they may face on the job and the protocols to ensure a workplace culture that prioritizes safety.  Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of infectious diseases, disease transmission, infection control procedures, biohazard management, OSHA standards and applicable North Carolina laws.

 

AAS = Associate in Applied Science Degree
C= Certificate
D= Diploma

 

Medical Assisting Information Session

Click the link to review the Medical Assisting information session.

 DOWNLOAD

 

The Medical Assisting (A.A.S. Degree) at Alamance Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
www.caahep.org


The Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)
2339 N. California Ave. #47138
Chicago, IL 60647
www.maerb.org

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Graduates of CAAHEP accredited medical assisting programs may be eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants' (AAMA) Certification Examination to become Certified Medical Assistants, CMA (AAMA).

American Association of Medical Assisting (AAMA)
20 N. Wacker Dr., Ste. 1575
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 899-1500.
www.aama-ntl.org

2023 Annual Report: MAERB

2023 annual report

 

Medical Assisting is a highly rewarding and versatile profession. Medical Assistants can perform a wide range of administrative and clinical duties, allowing them to contribute significantly in various healthcare settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics clearly outlines this as a growth field, with an anticipated 14% growth from 2022 to 2032.

As with any healthcare profession, there are certain occupational risks that demand attention and precautionary measures. Accredited medical assisting programs are required to inform and educate students about the hazards they may face in the program, on the job and the protocols to follow.

  • Exposure to infectious diseases: Medical Assistants may come into contact with infectious diseases, making it crucial to follow appropriate infection control procedures to minimize the risk of transmission.
  • Sharps injuries: Medical Assistants may handle needles and other sharpe instruments which could pose a potential hazard. Proper handling and disposal techniques and the use of safety-engineered devices can significantly reduce the risk of such injuries.
  • Bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards: Medical Assistants may handle blood samples and bodily fluids. Adherence to strict protocols to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other biological hazards is crucial.
  • Chemical and drug exposure: Working with various chemicals and medications carries the risk of exposure. Adhering to safety guidelines, utilizing personal protective equipment, and maintaining proper storage and handling practices are essential for minimizing the associated hazards.
  • Ergonomic hazards: Medical Assistants may face ergonomic challenges resulting from lifting heavy objects, prolonged sitting, and repetitive tasks. Implementing proper lifting techniques, ergonomic workstations, and regular breaks can help mitigate these risks.
  • Latex allergies: Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to latex, which is commonly found in medical gloves. Identifying latex-sensitive individuals and using latex-free alternatives can prevent adverse reactions.
  • Stress: The demanding nature of the profession and exposure to critical situations can contribute to occupational stress. Implementing stress management techniques, fostering a supportive work environment, and promoting work-life balance are vital for the well-being of Medical Assistants.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) provides valuable information and resources related to hazards and safety precautions for healthcare workers.

 

Questions? Contact Us.

Miasha Torian
Department Head, Medical Assisting
mdtorain364@alamancecc.edu
336-506-4213

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