The Medical Assisting major at Rhodes State College is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program that includes a comprehensive curriculum of general and technical courses. Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) are allied health professionals who assist physicians in their office or other ambulatory care settings, including clinics and hospitals. Certified Medical Assistants have a great amount of variety in their jobs and are cross-trained to perform many administrative and clinical duties. Below is a quick overview of the types of tasks a CMA does during a typical workday. (Keep in mind, the duties of CMAs perform will vary from office to office depending on location, size and specialty).

Administrative Duties:

• Using computer applications
• Managing health information utilizing electronic
• Answering telephones, scheduling appointments
• Greeting patients
• Updating and filing patient medical records
• Coding and processing insurance forms
• Arranging for hospital admissions, diagnostic testing & laboratory services
• Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping

Clinical duties:

• Taking medical histories
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Preparing patients for examination
• Assisting the physician during the exam
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Drawing blood
• Taking electrocardiograms
• Removing sutures/staples and changing dressings
• Instructing patients about medication and special diets
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician

Additional Resources

• American Association of Medical Assistants
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Ohio State Society of Medical Assistants
• Ohio Job Outlook
• Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition

The Medical Assisting program exists to develop students into ethical, critically thinking members of the healthcare team who assist their physician employers to meet the diverse needs of their patients, patients’ families, and the community in general. Qualified faculty members provide an environment that includes delivery of a dynamic curriculum applying a variety of learning domains that strives to foster life-long personal growth, achievement of educational goals, demonstration of competencies and core skills, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their community and profession.

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that Medical Assisting will be in the top 10 professions of growth for the next decade. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition, “As the health care industry expands because of technological advances in medicine and the growth and aging of the population, there will be an increased need for all health care workers. Increasing use of medical assistants in the rapidly growing health care industry will further stimulate job growth.” Placement rates for graduates are expected to continue to demonstrate success.

The Rhodes State College Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program [CAAHEP, upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)].

Questions regarding accreditation should be directed to CAAHEP, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 Phone: 727-210-2350 or www.caahep.org.

Questions regarding professional certification may be directed to American Association of Medical Assistants, 20 North Wacker Drive, Ste. 1575, Chicago IL 60606-2903, Phone: 312-899-1500 or www.aama-ntl.org

In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements have been established for Medical Assisting applicants.

1. ACT composite score of 21 or higher or COMPASS assessment and completion of recommended developmental courses with a grade of “C” or better.

2. College GPA of 2.0 or higher for all previously completed applicable college courses.

3. Basic computer skills prior to admission to the program. This may be satisfied through high school courses, completion of CPT 104 or equivalent , or life experience with demonstration of computer proficiency.

Requirements 4 and 5 must be completed during the first quarter of enrollment in the program:

4. Evidence of sufficient physical and mental health to engage in the practice of medical assisting as evidenced by a physical evaluation by a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) including specified laboratory tests and immunizations.

5. Hepatitis B vaccine series during MAT 101. Second injection must be received before admission into MAT 102, with the series completed prior to entrance into MAT 103.

Applicants who do not meet academic requirements may plan a program of study under the guidance of the Academic Advisor for Allied Health to prepare for possible admission to the program.

NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OR CURRENT MEDICAL ASSISTING STUDENTS

You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences at some hospitals or other clinical sites; therefore preventing you from completing the program. A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession.