Medical Assistant Program

The American Career College Medical Assistant program is designed to help you prepare for a rewarding career in an exciting environment like a medical office, clinic, HMO or other health care setting. Today's medical assistants play important roles assisting physicians, such as:

• Scheduling patient appointments;
• Maintaining patient medical records, and billing and coding information for insurance purposes;
• Taking and recording vital signs and medical histories;
• Preparing patients for examinations;
• and many other important responsibilities.

American Career College's dynamic curriculum is designed to help you quickly develop knowledge and skills in both administrative and clinical procedures relevant to the expectations of today's employers.

The focus is on your success!

The goal of our school's program is to help you graduate with the confidence and qualifications to launch your career* as a medical assistant.

*ACC cannot guarantee employment.

Medical assistants may work in physicians' offices and other healthcare facilities, and there is a growing demand for professionals who have been trained to do administrative and clinical duties which help physicians focus on patient care.

Upon successful completion of the American Career College Medical Assistant program, you may qualify for entry-level positions in:

• Doctors' Offices
• Hospitals
• Clinics and Other Health Organizations
• Research Facilities
• HMOs
• Medical Call Centers

A few interesting statistics* about Medical Assistant careers:

• Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 27.7 percent in California from 2014 to 2024*, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• As their practices expand, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties.
• An increasing number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities need support workers, particularly medical assistants.
• Medical assistants work mostly in primary care, a steadily growing sector of the health care industry.

*California Employment Development Department, http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/OccGuides/Detail.aspx?Soccode=319092&geography=0601000000

This class curriculum is divided into learning units called modules. Students are required to complete the Introduction to Healthcare class module before beginning the standalone core class modules. The final component of the course curriculum is a 160-hour school externship that will be arranged for you at an appropriate area healthcare facility. Modules for the American Career College Medical Assistant program include:

• Introduction to Healthcare Professions – The course provides an overview of healthcare professions, including the history of medicine, ethical standards, medical terminology and behaviors that are expected of professionals in the field.
• Medical Assistant Roles and Responsibilities – Topics covered in these courses include the legal responsibilities of physicians and healthcare team members; the importance of asepsis and sterile techniques; medical emergencies and first aid procedures; and how to interact and communicate effectively in a professional environment.
• Office Procedures and Clinical Practices – In these courses, you will be challenged to learn and identify the basic structural components and functions of the skeletal, muscular, digestive and integumentary systems. Emphasis is placed on patient care, including the complete physical exam and positioning and draping for a variety of procedures.
• Medical Terminology/Transcription/Patient Records – Coursework in this module covers use of the medical dictionary, medical terms, and medical abbreviations. You will also learn how to obtain information from patient charts and ledgers to complete insurance forms accurately.
• Electrocardiogram and Laboratory Procedures – In these courses, you will receive training in the circulatory and respiratory systems, including the structure and function of the heart and lungs. You will learn about the electrical pathways of the heart muscle in preparation for connecting EKG leads and recording an electrocardiogram.
• Medical Office Business Procedures – These courses focuses on preparing you with an understanding of billing, collecting, and banking procedures. You will learn how to schedule appointments and effectively communicate on the telephone using proper etiquette.
• Clinical and Surgical Procedures – In these courses, you will learn to identify the basic structural components and functions of the neurosensory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. You will also be introduced to assisting in minor surgical procedures and to the importance of patient education.
• Medical Assistant School Externship – Under the direct supervision of qualified personnel, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the program.

For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.

Once you have completed your American Career College training and earned your college diploma, you'll be ready to pursue exciting career opportunities as an entry-level Medical Assistant.

As a Medical Assistant, you will often be the first person in an office or clinic to interact with a patient, and you will most likely be responsible for keeping the office organized and running smoothly. Your employer will be counting on you to fill an important position in their hospital, clinic, or doctor's office.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Preparing patients for exams
• Taking medical histories
• Assisting doctors with patient exams
• Recording vital signs
• Prepping instruments for doctors
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Scheduling patient appointments

You'll be on your way!

A commitment to your career can result in the ongoing development of your skills and increased opportunities for advancement. Even after you start your career, American Career College’s Career Services team will remain committed to providing you with the school resources, support and personalized assistance you need to keep your career on track.