Medical Assistant

Overview

The Medical Assistant Certificate provides training for entry-level employment in a medical practice setting, with emphasis on the routine administrative and clinical tasks required in the day-to-day operation of offices and clinics of health professionals. It introduces students to telephone techniques and other front office functions such as filing and coding insurance claims, scheduling patients, and keeping electronic medical records. It also introduces them to back office skills that include taking vital signs, assisting with electrocardiograms and other special procedures, using medical terminology, and administering medication. The certificate’s externship course offers practical experience in a medical office setting. Prior to certificate completion, students take the Medical Assistant certification examination to become certified as Registered Medical Assistants. 

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate the skills necessary to perform a wide range of duties for employment in a modern medical facility.
• Demonstrate a nationally-recognized measure of competency for national certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
• Perform administrative duties, including telephones, correspondence, insurance forms, medical records, billing, bookkeeping, and office supplies; and greeting, admitting, and scheduling patients.
• Perform clinical duties including taking vital signs and medical histories, explaining treatments, preparing patients for examination, and assisting physicians with lab procedures, EKGs, and medications.

Admission Requirements

Prior to acceptance:

• Complete Medical Assistant Application (PDF)
• Meet with a program advisor
• Be 18 years of age upon completion of course
• Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Tuberculin skin test (TB or negative chest x-ray)
• Hepatitis B Series
• Obtain appropriate uniform (prior to HLT 140)

Degree & Certificates

• Medical Assistant - Certificate (Catalog)