Medical Assisting
Medical Assistants perform routine clinical and administrative duties under the direct supervision of a physician or other health care professional. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and book keeping. Duties vary according to laws of the jurisdiction and may include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting during diagnostic examinations. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for X-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. They also facilitate communication between the patient and other health care professionals. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be eligible to take their certification exams for Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) through the National Healthcareer Association.
Registration and Program Requirements
1. Complete the Vernon College admission procedure. A student must be accepted by the College before being considered for the Medical Assisting program. Admission to the college does not guarantee enrollment in the program.
2. Apply for Financial Aid, if applicable.
3. Submit a Medical Assistant New Student packet to the program which include the following criteria:
a. Must be 18 years of age with a GED or high school diploma
b. Must be computer literate and communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
c. Must have visual acuity with/without corrective lenses
d. Must have manual dexterity to use sterile techniques, prepare and transfer dental materials, and transfer instruments.
e. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time and maneuver in limited spaces.
f. Must have current CPR certification for healthcare providers
g. No criminal convictions or probation
h. Must have current vaccinations (MMR,TD, Varicella, Hepatitis B)
i. Must take reading, writing and math portions of Accuplacer for benchmark assessment
j. Must sign all forms regarding confidentiality and general releases
4. Once all the forms have been submitted to the program and the student meets the requirements for the program, an interview will be scheduled with the program faculty.
5. After completion of packet and interview process, program faculty will make the final determination of students.