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. 

  1. 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
  2. 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

Major Requirements
MDA 1051Medical Assisting-Administrative Procedures4
MDA 1053Medical Office Software Applications1
MDA 1103Medical Terminology3
MDA 1130Medical Assisting Clinical Skills3
MDA 1140Medical Assisting Clinical Procedures4
MDA 1170Medical Assisting Laboratory Procedures3
MDA 1250Phlebotomy1
MDA 1350Medical Law and Ethics3
MDA 1461Medical Assisting Practicum I3
MDA 2010Medical Office Medications3
MDA 2380Medical Office Insurance Coding and Billing4
MDA 2383Medical Office Insurance Coding and Billing Applications1
MDA 2460Medical Assisting Practicum II3
MDA 2560Medical Assisting Seminar4
Total Credit Hours40
A minimum cumulative 2.00 grade point average (GPA) overall is required for graduation.
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