MEDICAL ASSISTING - Associate in Applied Science Degree

Would you like to play an integral role in a health care team and be of service to others? If so, a career as a medical assistant may be right for you. As the health care industry continues to expand, there is a growing need for qualified medical assistants. Interacting with patients, performing basic medical procedures, and managing a doctor's office are all part of working as a medical assistant.

The School of Health Sciences at Northwestern College offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting, which equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to make a positive impact on patients and their well-being.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Medical Assisting program at Northwestern College provides students with a solid foundation in clinical and administrative skills. Our program is based on the guidelines of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and prepares students to work in entry-level positions within an ambulatory care setting.

The rigors of our medical assisting curriculum also prepare students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credentialing exam, which is considered the gold standard of the medical assisting profession. The CMA credential gives you a professional edge, increased prestige in the workplace, and increased job opportunities.

MEDICAL ASSISTING EXTERNSHIP

Our medical assisting externships provide students with the opportunity to complete a minimum of 160 hours in a physician's office or health care facility. Qualified medical personnel supervise and evaluate students as they perform both clinical and administrative tasks. Although there is no remuneration for externships, the hands-on experience gained is invaluable.

PROGRAM GOALS

As a graduate of Northwestern College's Medical Assisting program, you'll be prepared to start a successful career providing direct patient care and performing an array of administrative tasks. Upon completion of the program, you will:

• Meet entry-level administrative competencies as identified by CAAHEP
• Meet entry-level clinical competencies as identified by CAAHEP
• Be prepared to successfully obtain industry-accepted medical assisting credentials (CMA)
• Display professional and ethical standards of practice in a variety of healthcare situations

ACCREDITATION

The Northwestern College Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the Medical Assisting program at Northwestern College can expect to find employment in a variety of health care settings, including the following:

• Medical offices
• Hospitals
• Ambulatory care clinics
• Outpatient laboratories
• Free-standing surgical centers
• Occupational medicine clinics

THE NC ADVANTAGE

Northwestern College develops students' abilities to perform various clinical and administrative duties in a hands-on environment. This program prepares the student to take the CMA, certified medical assistant exam. The exam fee for the professional credentialing exam is included in the price of the program. Request more information about our program today, and join this growing occupation.