Considering a career in healthcare? Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to make a true impact on patient care. Understanding the courses required to become a medical assistant can give you an idea of what to expect as a medical assistant student and help you see how the skills you’ll learn translate into the workplace.
American Career College’s Medical Assistant (MA) program offers a comprehensive curriculum that helps prepare you for both the hands-on and office responsibilities of a medical assistant. Let’s dive into what you can expect.
What Courses Do Medical Assistant Students Take?
ACC’s Medical Assistant program combines clinical and administrative coursework to ensure you’re ready for the range of tasks required in healthcare. Here’s a look at some key courses commonly included in medical assistant programs:
- Introduction to Medical Assisting: In this course, you’ll explore the primary responsibilities of a medical assistant, including patient confidentiality, ethical considerations, and healthcare professionalism. It’s an essential starting point for any medical assisting career.
- Anatomy and Physiology: Medical assistants need to understand the human body to assist in patient care effectively. This course covers major body systems and functions, providing a strong foundation for clinical tasks and supporting communication with healthcare teams.
- Medical Terminology: Understanding medical language is crucial for medical assistants. This class teaches you the terminology used to describe body systems, diseases, and procedures, preparing you to interpret patient records and engage with medical staff confidently.
Each course is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a medical assistant in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Professional Certification Options
Medical assistants can enhance their credentials through certification from several nationally recognized organizations. The most recognized certifying bodies include:
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. This certification requires graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant program and remains valid for 60 months (5 years).
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) provides the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification. This certification validates clinical competency and requires either completion of an approved training program or relevant work experience.
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) grants the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification, which can be obtained through multiple eligibility routes, including program completion or three years of work experience.
Clinical Courses for Medical Assistant Students
ACC’s Medical Assistant program curriculum includes hands-on courses to help you build the practical skills needed to support patients directly:
- Clinical Procedures: In this course, you’ll learn essential skills like taking vital signs, performing injections, and preparing patients for exams. These clinical procedures are a core part of what medical assistants do daily.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) Procedures: Many medical assistant programs include EKG training, especially useful if you’re considering a specialty area like cardiology. This course covers the basics of operating EKG equipment and interpreting results.
- Pharmacology Basics: Pharmacology is a key course in understanding medications and dosages. You’ll learn the essentials of drug classifications and safe administration practices, helping you to support patient care effectively.
Administrative Courses: Running the Medical Office
Medical assistants also play a significant role in managing office duties. Courses in this area prepare you for the administrative tasks essential to smooth healthcare operations.
- Medical Billing and Coding: Medical assistants often handle billing and insurance claims. In this course, you’ll learn about coding systems, billing practices, and insurance verification, essential for maintaining accurate patient records and processing payments.
- Medical Office Procedures: This class teaches you the fundamentals of office operations, including scheduling, patient check-ins, and managing medical records. A well-run office ensures a positive patient experience, and these skills are crucial for any medical assistant.
Real-World Training Through Externships
American Career College’s Medical Assistant program includes a 200-hour clinical externship component, where you’ll put classroom learning into practice in an actual healthcare setting. This experience allows you to develop confidence and gain hands-on skills that are essential for a successful career.
Why Choose a Medical Assistant Program?
Completing a structured medical assistant program curriculum ensures you’re ready for both the clinical and administrative demands of the role. From anatomy and pharmacology to patient communication and office management, you’ll acquire a diverse skill set that prepares you to make an immediate impact in healthcare.
If you’re ready to get started, check out the Medical Assistant program at American Career College, where you’ll receive training designed to meet the needs of today’s healthcare environment.
