Medical Assisting (MDA.CT)
Certificate
Health Sciences
Highland Lakes Campus
The Medical Assisting certificate is designed “to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains” for an entry-level position as a Medical Assistant in a private medical office, clinic or other health care facility. Both clinical and administrative skills are included in the course work. On-the-job experience is provided by a total of 180 unpaid hours of practicum placement with a licensed health care practitioner. The student may choose to complete an associate in applied science degree after earning and applying for a certificate in Medical Assisting (MDA.CT).
A mandatory Medical Assisting orientation (current within two years) is required of all students entering any Medical Assisting program. Additionally, a criminal history check will be conducted on all students prior to the start of the program, at the student's expense.
- Conviction of a felony or conviction of any attempt to commit a felony within the 15 years immediately preceding the date of the criminal history check; or
- Conviction of a misdemeanor within the 10 years immediately preceding the criminal history check, and/or a positive drug screen will preclude eligibility for admission.
For details contact (248) 942-3069 or refer to the OCC website: oaklandcc.edu/health/medical-assisting.
Upon completion of the certificate program the student will be eligible for the American Association of Medical Assistant’s (AAMA) national certification exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA-AAMA). Training incorporates cognitive knowledge in the performance of psychomotor and affective domains in the practice as medical assistants in both administrative and clinical areas.
The business administration area of instruction will include medical law and ethics; scheduling appointments; telephone practices; processing mail; oral and written communication skills, including reports and manuscripts; responsibilities of office care and management; patient and insurance billing; financial records; payroll records and banking; and safety precautions. Students will also use word processing skills to develop job descriptions and office policy manuals.
The clinical area of instruction will include Universal Standards, preparing the patient for exam; obtaining vital signs and medical histories; assisting with exams, treatments and surgeries; performing routine laboratory procedures; EKGs and other diagnostic procedures; sterilization procedures; instructing patients in preparation for x-rays and laboratory tests; venipuncture; administration of medications; proper charting and documentation; first aid; and patient education.
The Medical Assisting certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB at maerb.org.)
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, (727) 210-2350
Selection into the Practicum portion of the Medical Assisting Certificate program is done at the point of placement through an application process. Details are provided in the Medical Assisting Student Handbook. Selected students will be notified prior to placement.
In order to be eligible for Practicum placement students must also obtain the following:
- A grade of a “C” (2.0) or better in all major program requirements.
- A current CPR card at health care provider or professional provider level.
- A current First Aid card.
- A current health history and physical exam with appropriate immunization documentation.
- A negative drug screen test immediately prior to the start of practicum courses.
- Application for Practicum placement is due the semester prior to Practicum. Selected students will be notified prior to placement.
The policies and regulations regarding progression and retention in all Medical Assisting Programs, as well as certification requirements, are outlined in the Medical Assisting Student Handbook which is provided to each student attending the mandatory orientation.
Medical Assisting program webpage
Full Time - Medical Assisting program plan example
Part Time - Medical Assisting program plan example
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| MDA 1051 | Medical Assisting-Administrative Procedures | 4 |
| MDA 1053 | Medical Office Software Applications | 1 |
| MDA 1103 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MDA 1130 | Medical Assisting Clinical Skills | 3 |
| MDA 1140 | Medical Assisting Clinical Procedures | 4 |
| MDA 1170 | Medical Assisting Laboratory Procedures | 3 |
| MDA 1250 | Phlebotomy | 1 |
| MDA 1350 | Medical Law and Ethics | 3 |
| MDA 1461 | Medical Assisting Practicum I | 3 |
| MDA 2010 | Medical Office Medications | 3 |
| MDA 2380 | Medical Office Insurance Coding and Billing | 4 |
| MDA 2383 | Medical Office Insurance Coding and Billing Applications | 1 |
| MDA 2460 | Medical Assisting Practicum II | 3 |
| MDA 2560 | Medical Assisting Seminar | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 40 | |