HEALTH CAREERS PROGRAM
MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM
OVERVIEW OF MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAMS
According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Medical Assistants are in demand.
“ Medical assisting is one of the nation’s fastest growing careers, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to a predicted surge in the number of physicians’ offices and outpatient facilities. Technological advancements and the growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment are also factors for the increased demand for medical assistant.” AAMA.
“Medical assistants have a great amount of variety in their jobs and are cross-trained to perform many administrative and clinical duties.” AAMA.
The Medical Assistant AAS Degree Program at SPC is accredited by the AAMA and is designed to prepare students to be eligible to take the AAMA Certification Exam by the completion of the program. Graduates who pass this exam will be able to practice in a health care facility as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
The Medical Assistant Certificate Program at SMC is accredited by the Medical Technologist (MT) and is designed to prepare students to be eligible to take the MT Medical Assistant Exam by the completion of the program. Graduates who pass this exam will be able to practice in a health care facility as a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).
Graduates are expected to take the CMA or RMA tests after Practicum. The starting salary for a Medical Assistant is $10.30 per hour.
** ADMISSION TO THE MA DEGREE PROGRAM OCCURS ONLY IN THE SPRING SEMESTERS AND THE SKILLS COURSES ONLY OFFERED AT THE SPC CAMPUS **
Pre-Program Requirements for MA-AAS degree Program
1. HS diploma or GED
2. Pass CAC Entrance tests at reading level RDG094 and MAT082. If the student does not pass these tests they will have to take and pass RDG094 and/or MAT082 before enrolling in the program.
3. Complete Preprogram Requirement courses.
4. Pass the required HESI tests with a score of 70 or above on each section.
5. After completion of the above requirements, students must apply for admission to the program with the MA Coordinator before given permission to enroll in courses requiring Director Approval.
** ADMISSION TO THE MA CERTIFICATE PROGRAM OCCURS ONLY IN THE FALL SEMESTERS AND THE SKILLS COURSES ONLY OFFERED AT THE SMC CAMPUS **
Pre-Program Requirements for MA Certificate Program
1. HS diploma or GED
2. Pass CAC Entrance tests at reading level RDG094 and MAT082. If the student does not pass these tests they will have to take and pass RDG094 and/or MAT082 before enrolling in the program.
3. Pass the required HESI tests with a score of 70 or above on each section.
4. After successfully completing the HESI Exam, students must apply for admission to the program with the with the MA Coordinator before given permission to enroll in courses requiring Director Approval.
College Transferrable Credit
If a student has completed 9 or more transferrable credits at another college, the student will need to have those credits transferred by having an official transcript from that college sent to CAC. Students should also ask the college to send the student an unofficial transcript to show to the instructor.
Central Arizona College reserves the right to change without notice, any materials, information, curriculum, requirements, and regulations in this publication.
COST ESTIMATE FOR THE MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
HPM 140 141 ,171 AND 175* medical assisting courses and practicum (16 credits x 82.00) $1312.00
Liability Insurance $25.00
Textbooks approximate $250.00
Background check $136.00
UNIFORM and Shoes approximate $70.00
Physical and Immunization approximate $100.00
CPR and First Aid Card approximate $45.00
CMA approximate $250.00
RMA approximate $100.00
Total Estimated Approximate Cost of Medical Assisting Program $2,288.00
*Fees are subject to change by the Central Arizona Community Colleges Governing Board. All costs quoted are subject to change.
Please Note:
Once you have completed HPM 140, you will receive in HPM 141 your Practicum packet that will outline all requirements that must be completed before end of class.
Students may be removed from the program based on the following criteria. This criterion is not all inclusive and may need administrative approval.
1. Stealing 2. Drug Use
3. Certified Background Falsification 4. Breach of Confidentiality
5. Felony Convictions or Numerous Misdemeanors 6. Serious Unprofessional Conduct
Students must take the courses in sequence according to the program of study/Program Sequencing Map. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. Skill classes must
be completed the semester immediately prior to the practicum. Skills courses may only be taken once and the student must earn a grade of "C" or better in each course.
Medical Assisting Programs Technical Standards
Print this form, read thoroughly and sign. Email to Linda Buchanan-Anderson, MA Coordinator, at
Central Arizona College has determined the technical standards for these programs according to the nature of the work required in medical practice and the educational requirements of the medical assisting curriculum. The student
must be able to meet the following with or without accommodations:
Issue Standard Expected Outcomes
(not all inclusive)
INTERPERSONAL
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, physical, medical and intellectual backgrounds
Able to interact effectively with patients, clients, families and colleagues
COMMUNICATION
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
Able to collect and assess data and be able to
communicate the rationale for planned treatment and patient educational aids.
Able to document legibly either in written or computer format assessment findings or treatment rendered.
COGNITIVE ABILITIES Ability to be oriented to time, place, and person; organize responsibilities and make decisions
Able to collect data regarding patient complaints.
Able to provide prioritized patient care / treatment via triage.
Able to implement appropriate treatments per physician.
CRITICAL THINKING
Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.
Able to assimilate knowledge from lecture, laboratory and clinical arenas.
Able to utilize basic mathematical skills.
MOBILITY
Physical abilities sufficient to move around rooms in the administrative, clinical and laboratory environment, such as maneuver in small spaces,
including bending and stooping, reaching needed equipment, and to
stand and to walk for extensive periods of time.
Able to move around clinical operatories, sterilization rooms and other treatment areas.
Able to make frequent trips from workstation to patients rooms.
Able to move around in patient’s rooms, work spaces and treatment areas.
Able to position patient and treatment table according to the required exam.
Able to administer CPR and BLS procedures.
Able to transfer patients from wheel chairs to exam table
WEIGHT-BEARING Ability to lift and manipulate / move 45-50 pounds.
Able to position patient(s)
Able to move equipment
MOTOR SKILLS
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective
assistance to the physician, client and co-workers.
Able to move, calibrate, use equipment and supplies including sharp instruments.
Able to administer therapeutic or therapy aids at exam table side (examples: mannequins, small equipment, small instruments, etc.)
Able to document procedure / treatment via written or computerized means.
Able to insert in and out urinary catheters.
Able to palpate and take various pulses..
Able to manipulate syringe and give various types of injections.
Able to palpate vein and insert intravenous catheters.
AUDITORY
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
Possess normal hearing at 0-25 decibel or mild hearing loss at 26-40 decibel range with correction.
Able to hear patients, cries of distress, sound of instruments being properly utilized, sound of electric thermometers, centrifuge and etc.
Able to monitor vital signs via manual and electronic methods.
VISION
Visual ability sufficient for performance of Administrative, Clinical and Laboratory procedures
and maintenance of environmental safety
Possess normal or corrected vision within 20/10 to 20/30acuity ranges.
Able to distinguish color and color shades.
Able to observe client responses.
Able to assess variation changes (e.g., coloration of skin, specimen, drainage, and other; facial expressions that may indicate pain or distress; healthy vs. disease state including changes in appearance).
Able to monitor vital signs via manual and electronic methods.
Able to use equipment such as a microscope, digital thermometer, audiometer, and Tympanogram.
TACTILE Tactile ability sufficient for performance of clinical and laboratory procedures including safety functions.
Able to perform medical assisting functions utilizing small instruments (e.g., suture removals, injections, blood draws and other lab procedures).
Able to insert in and out urinary catheters.
Able to palpate and take various pulses.
Able to manipulate syringe and give various types of injections.
Able to palpate vein and interest intravenous catheters.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Immune system competent to allow contact with humans and body fluids
and no conditions that would limit procedures to be performed.
Prior to contact with human or body fluids each student must verify that they are not subject to any undue risk from human disease or organs.
HEALTH, IMMUNIZATION, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Physical, mental and other health requirements to participate in the activities of a health profession in a
clinical setting.
Able to adapt to the academic and clinical environment, function in everyday activities and cope with stressors.
Able to meet state and clinical agency health form
requirements.
Able to provide proof of required immunizations or positive blood titers as stated on health form and clinical agency contracts.
Able to provide satisfactory criminal background and urine drug screening as required by clinical agency contracts.
Declaration:
I have read and understand the technical standards for Medical Assisting. I hereby declare that I am able to meet the above listed essential technical standards.
_____________________________________
Name of Applicant (Print or Type)
_______________________________________________ Signature of Applicant
MA Professional Skills and Attributes Checklist:
Print this form and place a check in the second column boxes and place initials in the 3rd column boxes.
Add comments if desired in 4th column boxes. Save in Word and email to Linda Buchanan-Anderson, MA
Coordinator, at [email protected]
MA Job Description and Recommendations
Student Name: (Print)
Student Name: (Sign) Date submitted:
MA students must be able to perform the following professional skills and attributes in order to be successful in the program.
Check off this box verifying that you are able to perform these tasks and/or have these attributes.
Place your initials in each box to acknowledge you have read and understand the importance of these standards.
Comments
If you need to clarify something please do so in the space provided.
Stand and walk at least 70% of the time
Possess sufficient manual dexterity and the ability to reach and lift arms above shoulders.
Able to read patient information materials, any equipment instructions, and testing results, etc. Ability to adequately hear and interact with patients and healthcare team members, carry on phone conversations, etc Coordination to lift 50 pounds and the ability to carry 25 pounds
Have the strength to assist, lift and move patients of all ages, types and conditions.
Demonstrate appropriate verbal and nonverbal skills in speaking, reading, and writing with patients and health care team members. Interact with care and compassion with patients. Perform emergency procedures and first aid as the situation requires. I am aware that the practicum site does NOT have to make special accommodations for me during the practicum.
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
(Circle One)
MEDICAL ASSISTANT DEGREE MEDICAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE
PERSONAL Please Print or Type #880____________________ (CAC School ID #)
** YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS AND A COPY OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED WITH YOUR APPLICATION **
Name:-______________________________________________________________________________
(Last) (First) (Middle)
Address:___________________________________________________________________________ _
(Street) (City, State) ( Zip Code)
Telephone
Numbers:__________________________________________________________________
(Home) (Work) (Cell)
Email Address (CAC STUDENT EMAIL
ONLY):________________________________________________
EDUCATION
Name and Location of School
Dates Attended
Degree Awarded From
Mo/Yr.
To Mo/Yr. High School
Other
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Name and Address of Employer Position
From Mo/Yr.
To
Mo/Yr. Reason for Leaving
1.
2.
Please use this space to explain your interest. Include specialty, full or part-time attendance and start date.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________
Please Enter Your Program Enrollment Date: ___________________/_______________ Please Check One:
Full Time Student (12 or More Credits)
or Part Time Student (6 or Less Credits)
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SIGN BELOW
I certify that the information on this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that withholding information or giving false information may make me ineligible for
admission and enrollment. I release from all liability or damages those persons, agencies, or organizations who may furnish information in connection with my application for admission. If accepted, I agree to read and abide by all school policies and procedures.
