Medical Assistant, CAS
The FVCC Medical Assistant program is designed to prepare students for an entry-level position in Medical Assisting. Medical Assistants are the only allied health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings such as physicians’ offices, clinics, and group practices. These multi-skilled personnel can perform administrative and clinical procedures. Physicians value this unique versatility and view medical assistants as vital partners in the medical office.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to
- Function professionally in a legal and ethical manner as a medical assistant within the scope of practice permitted by state law;
- Effectively communicate with other health-care team members, patients, and physicians;
- Perform computer-based tasks such as scheduling appointments, updating patient demographics, correspondence, coding, billing, and insurance;
- Demonstrate proficiency with basic medical testing procedures;
- Display knowledge and use of techniques for asepsis, workplace safety, and risk management;
- Record patient medical histories and vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, assist with surgical treatments, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, and perform basic laboratory tests and electrocardiograms;
- Give patients injections or medications as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law;
- Provide patient education and health coaching; and
- Take the national certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) to earn the title of Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA or NCMA).
It is recommended that students meet college level skills in math and English.
*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.
RIndicates Related Instruction requirement.
1Acceptable math substitutions include M 094~, M 095~, M 105, M 115, M 121, and M 140.
2COMX 115 is an acceptable substitution and is offered online.
