Medical Assistant Edge

Many physicians are unsure of what tasks are appropriate to assign to a Medical Assistant. Clinical medical assistants work even more closely with doctors and patients, taking vital signs and updating medical records, preparing patients for exams, doing basic laboratory work, and facilitating treatment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Centralia College is a two-year, public community college that offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting (A.A.S.). The 91-credit program, which includes face-to-face lectures, supplemental textbook reading, lab practice, and a clinical externship, is generally completed in two years.

The US Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.” At GCC this includes our career-ready certificate programs.

For example, medical terminology courses educate students and prepare them to interpret and apply the medical words, definitions, and abbreviations commonly used in the workplace; while anatomy courses teach the students about the structure of the human body.

The medical administrative assistant (AAS) program provides graduates essential medical administration skills such as transcribing, word processing, and insurance coding. In addition to this training, some community colleges and technology schools also offer externship training.

Often assistants in medical office work under pressure, answering phones and always having to be ready when the doctor needs assistance. When you apply to the college, you will be accepted into the undeclared program while you complete the prerequisite requirements.

While in the medical assisting program students may have similar occupational exposures. Graduates are ideal candidates for bachelor's degree programs in fields like Healthcare Informatics. CUW delivers its medical assistant certificate in a hybrid format, combining face-to-face and online coursework.

The curriculum of this online medical assistant associate degree program focuses on the skills professionals need for clinical medical assisting. These credentials help graduates both stand out to employers and qualify for continuing education programs. Courses include clinical procedures, healthcare laws, pharmacology, coding, diagnostic procedures, and CPR.

The school's programs are approved by TWC. The 60-credit medical administrative specialist AAS encompasses four semesters of coursework in general education and major requirements. During the exam, assistants hand the doctor any medical instruments or medications.

In order to become a certified medical assistant, you should consider a study program that allows you to pass the certifying exam. You'll likely be calmly answering patients' questions about their care, as well as preparing patients for procedures and delivering test results.

NHA certifications are recognized nationally and will open the door to a number of career opportunities and improved pay. Your search ends at Concorde, where you can train to be a medical assistant in a program that can prepare you to achieve an exciting future in health care.