MEDICAL ASSISTING

Program Overview

Northwest State’s medical assisting program is a 2-year, associate degree program that includes classroom, lab and practicum experiences. Medical Assistants are trained in both clinical and administrative duties for a variety of healthcare settings. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting is one of the nation’s fastest-growing careers. Advances in technology, a growing population of elderly Americans and an increasing number of outpatient facilities mean trained Medical Assistants are in demand.

The Medical Assisting program at Northwest State Community College meets the state education requirements in the state of Ohio. Northwest State Community College has not determined if the Medical Assisting program at Northwest State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.

 

About Medical Assistants

See links below for information:

What is a Medical Assistant?

What is a Certified Medical Assistant, and how do I earn the credential?

What is the job outlook for Medical Assistants?

 

Job Responsibilities

Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties, as evidenced by the Occupational Analysis of Medical Assistants. Below is a quick overview (duties vary from medical practice to medical practice depending on location, size, specialty, and state law)

 

Clinical Duties

May include, but not limited to:

Taking medical histories

Explaining treatment procedures to patients

Preparing patients for examinations

Assisting the physician during examinations

Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens

Performing basic laboratory tests

Instructing patients about medication and special diets

Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)

Transmitting prescription refills as directed

Phlebotomy

Taking electrocardiograms

Wound care and changing dressings

 

Administrative Duties

May include, but not limited to

Using computer applications

Answering telephones

Welcoming patients

Updating and filing patient medical records

Coding and filling out insurance forms

Scheduling appointments

Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services

Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

 

Patient Liaison

Medical assistants are instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the physician’s office and often explain the physician's instructions.

 

PCMH Team Member

Medical assistants are essential members of the patient-centered medical home team. According to a survey by the Healthcare Intelligence Network, medical assistants ranked as one of the top five professionals necessary to the PCMH team.

 

CMA (AAMA)® Certification

Many employers of allied health personnel prefer, or even insist, that their medical assistants are CMA (AAMA) certified.

 

Program Accreditation

The medical assisting program at Northwest State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs www.caahep.org upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

 

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

 

Learn more about accreditation here:
What is Accreditation and Why is it Important?

 

Medical Assisting Uniforms

Uniforms can be purchased using a credit card or financial aid. If you would like to use financial aid, select that option and include your N number in the box.

Uniform shoes are not available from this site and should be purchased at the uniform shop of your choice. Shoes must be white leather or vinyl. For safety reasons, no holes or mesh are permitted.

If you have questions or concerns regarding uniforms, contact the Division Office at 419.267.1246.

Purchase medical assisting uniforms here