Medical Assisting, Certificate of Completion
Certificate of Completion “Pending THECB Approval”
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 bookkeeping. 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), Electrocardiography (EKG), and Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) through the National Healthcareer Association. These certifications can be used anywhere in the United States. For further information, please contact the Continuing Education Coordinator of Allied Health at (940) 696-8752 ext. 3213.
Registration Procedures
1. Enrollment is limited to 12 students per program. Application packets and schedules can be found at the Vernon College Continuing Education Office or online at www.vernoncollege.edu/CE/ (under Fast Track Careers). Students will complete the registration process once accepted into the program. Tuition payment will be due at the time of registration. The deadline for registration will be set upon approval of the application.
Program Requirements
1. Complete and submit the application packet for the Medical Assisting 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
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. Provide evidence that the following immunization must be met prior to enrollment in the Massage Therapy Program: tetanus/diphtheria toxoid (within the last 10 years), measles, mumps, rubella (2 doses), Varicella (2 doses), and Hepatitis B (three doses). Bacterial Meningitis vaccination is also required for students younger than 22 years of age. (Read the vaccine requirement and exemptions on the VC website).
2. Provide High School Diploma or GED.
3. Provide Background Screen.
4. Provide Drug Screen.
5. Once all forms have been completed and submitted, an interview process will take place with the Continuing Education Coordinator of Allied Health.