Medical Assisting
Associate of Applied Science Degree
National American University's Medical Assisting program utilizes a combination of lecture and laboratory sessions, as well as an practicum following completion of required coursework. A medical assistant performs administrative and clinical duties in a physician's office or other outpatient care setting. Administrative duties may include patient scheduling, medical record management, medical insurance procedures and office accounts. Clinical duties may include interviewing and teaching patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the exam, performing routine laboratory testing, sterilizing instruments and equipment, and administering medications. A medical assistant with sufficient training and experience may become responsible for office management. Students complete an practicum before graduation. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take the national certification exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMAAAMA).
The medical assisting programs offered at Albuquerque, Bloomington, Colorado Springs, Denver, Independence, Overland Park, Roseville, and Sioux Falls are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) on the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs can be contacted at 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756, phone (727)210-2350, fax (727) 210-2354.
Program Goals
The program will:
- develop the student’s entry-level competence in performing administrative and clinical functions as required of medical assistants.
- encourage students to project a positive attitude, and show initiative and responsibility.
- expose the student to holistic health care philosophy, cultural differences, and practices to respond to needs and expectations of patients, physicians and employers.
- develop communication skills necessary to provide patient care, and work effectively as a health care team member.
- engage learners in the process of developing professional ethics as they apply to the medical assisting profession, including knowledge of the Medical Assisting Code of Ethics.
- encourage student membership and involvement in professional organizations, and provide them with a thorough understanding of the importance of certification and continuing education.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- demonstrate entry-level skills, knowledge and behavior competence in content, administrative and clinical functions and procedures, including general operational functions, as defined by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs Standards and Guidelines for Medical Assisting Educational Programs.
- apply customer service concepts and principles in providing quality care.
- explain office policies, instruct patients according to their needs, and identify various community resources.
- recognize and respond to written, verbal and nonverbal communication concepts and principles in gathering assessment data, providing documentation, and implementing quality care.
- articulate fundamental principles, regulations, and statutes for performing within legal and ethical boundaries.
- recognize the importance of becoming a Certified Medical Assistant, membership in professional organizations, and continuing education.
* For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete the program and other important information, please visit www.national.edu/disclosures.