Degrees & Certificates • Academic Programs • Medical Assisting

Medical Assisting

A medical assistant is an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in the administrative office, the examining room and the physician’s laboratory.

Individuals in this unique position will be involved in many of the following skills: projecting a professional manner and image; adhere to legal and ethical principles; use medical terminology effectively; use effective and correct verbal and written communication; schedule, coordinate and monitor appointments; perform telephone and written communications; arrange hospital admissions; manage medical records; process insurance claim forms; manage office financial records; maintain inventory; prepare patient for examination procedures and treatment; record medical histories; take vital signs; chart patient information; administer medications and injections; provide patient instruction and education; perform venipunctures; collect and prepare other specimens; perform electrocardiograms (ECG); sterilize instruments; and perform basic laboratory tests.

What can I do with this degree?

The Medical Assisting Program prepares graduates for work in the physician’s office, outpatient clinics, and other ambulatory health care facilities. Graduates will be prepared to take the certification examination of the Registered Medical Assistant through American Medical Technologists.

When and How do I get started with this degree?

The following materials must be on file in the Program Coordinator’s office before
April 1:

• Application for admission to SCC
  
• Official high school transcript or a passing GED official score report
  
• Transcripts of all post-secondary education or training
  
• Results of the ACT or Compass examination report
  
• Letter written to the MA Program Coordinator stating intent to be admitted to the program
  
• Attending a pre-admission conference

Check out the SCC calendar to find out when class terms and enrollment begins. For more information on becoming a student at SCC follow our 9 easy steps for becoming a student at SCC.

Admission Criteria

Potential candidates are recommended to the President by the MA Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee will make their recommendations based on the following:

• Preference may be given to applicants with an “enhanced” ACT composite score of 19 or higher or the equivalent Compass/Asset score.
  
• Preference may be given to applicants who rank in the upper half of their graduating class or have an average score of 50 or above on the GED.
  
• Preference may be given to those applicants who have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better taking 12 or more credit hours of college work.
  
• Preference may be given to applicants who are Kentucky residents or live within the college’s service area.
  
• Applicants who complete the admissions procedure prior to April 1.

Technical Standards

• Adequate visual acuity
• Adequate auditory perception
  
• Sufficient strength, gross motor, and fine motor coordination
  
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills
  

Additional Criteria

Upon admittance the student must submit the following materials prior to beginning clinical experiences.

• Evidence of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine series or a vaccine declination form
• TB skin test or chest X-Ray
• Immunization records

Student Responsibilities

In addition to tuition, students are responsible for transportation to the various clinical sites, professional liability insurance, books, and uniforms. Any student seeking financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid Office.