Medical Assistant, One-Year Certificate

Overview

The Medical Assistant Program prepares students for entry level employment in a physician's clinic or a variety of other health care settings. Program graduates will have the academic, administrative, and clinical skills necessary for an allied healthcare professional. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as computers, office procedures, communication, psychology and math.

Job Description

Medical Assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep healthcare delivery systems running smoothly. MAs will work in reception, scheduling, medical records, insurance billing, and as a medical office secretary. An MA will also work as a clinical assistant to the physician by preparing patients for examinations, assisting with treatments, collecting and testing specimens, and educating patients on health promotion and disease prevention issues.

Employment Opportunities

The job outlook is excellent, locally, regionally, and nationally, and is projected to grow.

Potential Earnings

The average rate of pay for Medical Assistants in Oregon is $19/Hr or $39,520 annually + benefits.

Role Descriptions

The Medical Assistant Program is designed for persons intending to work in a physician’s office, performing routine administrative clinical procedures that keep health care delivery settings running smoothly.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Learning experiences in this program are designed to assist the student in realizing the following outcomes:

  1. Interact in a caring and respectful manner with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
  2. Establish and manage office procedures and implement medical documentation systems using appropriate medical terminology.
  3. Perform the administrative business tasks required in a medical office.
  4. Assist the physician and other members of the health care team in clinical procedures related to the examination and treatment of patients.
  5. Comply with quality assurance requirements in performing clinical laboratory procedures.
  6. Perform common diagnostic procedures under a licensed healthcare provider to ensure patient comfort and safety.

Admissions Application Requirements

Medical Assisting Program admission is limited and the process occurs once per year. Applications for Fall term are accepted beginning in April of each year and are evaluated in order of receipt. Students applying to the program must demonstrate proficiency in reading, math, and writing.

Mandatory Clinical Requirements

Admitted students must meet/pass a list of clinical requirements established by the Oregon Health Authority and/or our clinical facility partners. More information is available upon application to the Medical Assistant program.

Program Requirements

Writing

 
WR121ZComposition I

4

WR227ZTechnical Writing

4

Mathematics

The math course must have been taken within the past 5 years.

Complete with a grade of C or better.

MTH063Math for Medical Assistants

4

Or

MTH065Mathematics for Applied Sciences

4

Or

MTH095Algebra - Intermediate

4

Or

Any 100 level or higher math course that includes intermediate algebra.

Human Relations

Complete with a grade of C or better.
PSY101Psychology of Human Relations

3

Core Courses

Complete with a grade of C or better.
MA112Medical Assistant: Clinical Procedures I

3

MA113Medical Assistant: Clinical Procedures II

4

MA115Pharmacology for Medical Assistants

3

MA120Body Structure and Function I

4

MA121Body Structure and Function II

4

MA127Office Skills / Medical Office

5

MA133MedicalAssistant Clinical Practicum I

4

MA231Medical Assistant Clinical Practicum II

5

Planner

Note: 47 credits are required for graduation.

Fall

MA112Medical Assistant: Clinical Procedures I

3

MA120Body Structure and Function I

4

MA127Office Skills / Medical Office

5

WR121ZComposition I

4

Winter

MA113Medical Assistant: Clinical Procedures II

4

MA121Body Structure and Function II

4

MA133MedicalAssistant Clinical Practicum I

4

MTH063Math for Medical Assistants

4

Spring

MA115Pharmacology for Medical Assistants

3

MA231Medical Assistant Clinical Practicum II

5

PSY101Psychology of Human Relations

3

WR227ZTechnical Writing

4