Medical Assisting A.A.S.

http://catalog.umt.edu/colleges-schools-programs/missoula-college/health-professions/aas-medical-assisting/

Students in Medical Assisting are cross-trained with skills and knowledge in front office administrative, clinical, and limited laboratory procedures that are designed to assist healthcare practitioners in administering to the needs of patients. Selected administrative skills include scheduling, medical office accounting systems, medical coding and billing, and electronic medical records. Some of the clinical skills the student will learn include assisting with medical examinations, vital signs, administering medications and injections (under supervision), sterilizing instruments and electrocardiography. Laboratory skills will include venipuncture (under supervision), and performing selected CLIA-waived laboratory tests. Additionally, Medical Assisting students will become acquainted with the laws and regulations governing medicine in the ambulatory setting, as well as ethical issues being confronted in the health care arena. The program is designed to prepare the student for an entry-level position in Medical Assisting. Students may apply for admission by meeting with the program director. Prior to entry, the student must be able to show competency in computers. Each Spring students will have to provide documentation of vaccines, background check, etc. as posted on the program’s web page. Because some classes are only offered in a specific semester, plus some courses have pre-requisites or co-requisites, meeting with the program director before each semester is necessary to avoid problems. Students must earn a “C” or better in all courses in order to progress and complete the program. This includes being able to pass 100% of psychomotor and affective competencies required in AHMA 260 & AHMA 262 Laboratory courses. A course may be attempted a maximum of two times. At the end of the program the student will perform a 200-hour, unpaid externship/practicum in an ambulatory facility, such as a clinic or doctor’s office. The site must be approved by the Program Director. This provides the student with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in a real world setting. Students successfully completing the program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree. Graduates who desire to obtain certification as a Medical Assistant will need to meet with the program director to discuss available options.