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Medical Assistant

Overview
Curriculum
Outcomes
Faculty
Cost
Scholarships
Requirements
Accreditation

Overview

careers

Medical Assistant
Certified Medical
Assistant

The Medical Assistant is a professional, multi-skilled person who assists in all aspects of medical practice. Medical assistants help physicians examine and treat patients and perform routine tasks to keep offices running smoothly.

Medical assistants perform clerical duties such as answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, completing insurance forms, handling correspondence, and arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services. Clinical duties include taking and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures, preparing patients for examination, collecting laboratory specimens, administering medication (excluding intravenous), authorizing prescription telephone orders, and preparing patients for X-rays. Opportunities exist in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and insurance companies.

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Curriculum

Award: Diploma

Semesters

First Semester

HS101 > Medical TerminologyVocabulary and terms used in the medical professions. Meanings of root words, prefixes and suffixes are studied. Proficiency is gained in analyzing medical words and in understanding how the word elements relate and apply to medicine. (A grade of “C” or higher required to continue in medical programs.)3 credits

HS103 > Anatomy Physiology4 credits

HS162 > Medical Law & Ethics2 credits

MA107 > Laboratory Fundamentals ProceduresStudents are introduced to the medical laboratory’s role in the healthcare system. The theory and operation principles of laboratory safety are covered. Students are introduced to medical laboratory procedures as related to Medical Assistant duties including the importance of techniques associated with proper specimen collection and handling– to include collection and processing of blood, urine, and microbiology samples. Students develop a working knowledge of statistical concepts in quality assurance. This course is designed to provide students with basic theory, principles, and techniques in physical and chemical urinalysis. Hematological test theory, principles and techniques are covered including CLIA-waived hematology testing and sedimentation rates. Clinical correlation and quality control are stressed. Students will also be introduced to CLIA–waived immunology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, and microbiology methods and procedures. Laboratory safety and quality assurance is emphasized. 3 credits

MA218 > Clinical Procedures IPreparing for Clinical Procedures required of Medical Assistants. Coursework includes Infection Control and Medical Asepsis, Measurement Systems, Basic Mathematics and Dosage Calculations, Administering Oral and non-injectable Medications, Administering Injections and Immunizations, Vital signs and body measurements, preparing for and assisting with Examinations, The Medical history and Patient screening, Electronic Medical Record, Emergencies in the Medical office and in the Community, First Aid for injuries, and Rehabilitation.3 credits

MATH103 > Mathematical Reasoning3 credits

SSS100 > Student SuccessProvides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success.1 credit

Total Semester Hours19 credits

Second Semester

MA111 > Medical Office ProceduresThis course is designed to introduce students to the medical field and the duties and responsibilities of the medical assistant. The student will gain an understanding of the history of medicine, privacy laws, medical ethics, and patient care and procedures. Additionally, the privacy law (HIPAA) will be studied with regards to how it impacts the role of a medical assistant, particularly what can and cannot be shared outside of this legislation. Material, situations and work in a medical front office. The perspective of the medical assistant is emphasized. Communication skills, recording patient histories, office accounting, secretarial, reception and other clerical skills are stressed.3 credits

MA120 > Insurance, Billing and CPT ICD 10Provides the knowledge and skills needed to successfully perform insurance and billing related duties. Following the medical billing process, instruction moves from a comprehensive introductory chapter through processing RA/EOBs and handling patient collections. It has extensive illustrations, forms, and exercises to develop required competencies. This text also provides a fundamental understanding of diagnostic and procedural coding needed to submit claims in compliance with payers’ requirements. Coding: A formal system for converting descriptions of diseases, injuries, and health care procedures into numeric and alphanumeric designations. Students will learn to place code numbers and correlate to procedures performed to test or correct diagnoses. Prerequisite: HS 101, HS 1033 credits

MA123 > Pathophysiology3 credits

MA210 > Pharmacology & Admin. of MedicinesIdentification of the classification and uses of medicines, vaccines, etc. Included are the correct procedures for administration of these materials. To build knowledge of medications and how the drugs are used to treat most diseases. Introduction of Nutrition and supplements, herbs, and vitamins. Prerequisites: HS 101, HS 103.3 credits

MA219 > Clinical Procedures IIA continuation of clinical procedures performed in a medical office setting. Coursework includes Mental illness, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, physical exams, instrument recognition, and naming. Eye and ear procedures, dressing application, preparing minor office surgery trays, and assisting the physician during minor office surgeries and procedures.Apply patient education principles when providing instructions for preparing for cardiac, diagnostic and radiology procedures and operation of equipment for cardiac care. Instruct and prepare a patient for specialty examinations and procedures. HS 101, HS 103, MA 2183 credits

HS100 > Basic Life Support for Health CareThis course meets CDC, OSHA and NFPA guidelines for basic life support. It focuses on immediate life-threatening situations, demonstrates quick, effective responses and presents perspectives on how frequently these situations occur. It is ideal for professionals such as firefighters, police, paramedics, lifeguards, athletic trainers, medical assistants and other medical professionals. Topics covered include the professional rescuer’s role in emergencies; victim’s condition assessment; basic life support; rescue breathing; cardiac emergencies; airway obstructions; AED use; and resuscitation in special situations. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.0.5 credits

ENGL110 > Workplace CommunicationsThis course emphasizes written and oral skills needed for success in the workplace. Students will practice professional communications through activities and collaborative projects. Instruction will provide students with strategies for addressing essential writing, speaking, and listening skills. Prerequisite: ENGL 098 or qualifying placement score.3 credits

Total Semester Hours18.5 credits

Third Semester

MA250 > Clinical Externship6 credits

Total Semester Hours6 credits

Requirements

Admission Requirements

All students applying to the Medical Assistant program must submit to a criminal background check at the student’s expense. Mitchell Technical College has partnered with CastleBranch to complete your background check. You will need to create a username and password. Details are available from the Admissions office. Please click here to begin the process.

Applicants will also be required to verify that they have no physical limitations which would prohibit them from performing the tasks of a typical medical assistant. Click here for more information on the physical requirements.

Occupational Risks

Medical assisting is a profession with many rewards, as practitioners can perform both administrative and clinical services, filling several roles in a variety of healthcare environments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics clearly outlines that it is a growth field, with an anticipated 18% growth from 2020 to 2030.

Medical assistants work directly with providers and patients, with the goal of providing healthcare and ensuring patient safety. It is a position with a great deal of responsibility.

As with any healthcare position, there are certain occupational risks that come into play with being a medical assistant, and those hazards include the following:

Exposure to infectious diseases
Sharps injuries
Bloodborne pathogens and biological hazard
Chemical and drug exposure
Ergonomic hazards from lifting, sitting, and repetitive tasks (i.e., back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle sprains/strains)
Latex allergies
Stress

Immunization Requirements

Some immunization requirements may have to be met before entrance to certain clinical sites. See the Instructor for details.

Computer Requirements

This program allows you to bring your own laptop as long as it meets these minimum specifications:

Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at Mitchell Tech
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS

Program Graduation Requirements

It is the goal of this program to prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. To achieve that goal, students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in all technical courses as a prerequisite to MA 250 Clinical Externship. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in their clinical externship in order to graduate.

Licensure Disclosure

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam with the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam with the American Medical Technologists (AMT). South Dakota, along with most states, does not require licensure to practice as a medical assistant. For information regarding practicing as a medical assistant in other states, please visit the AAMA website: https://www.aama-ntl.org/employers/state-scope-of-practice-laws.

Mitchell Technical College has determined that our program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in the following states: North Dakota, Washington.

Licensure is not required in the following states, although MA certification is often recommended: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Mitchell Technical College has made no determination that our program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure (if required) in the following states: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands.

You may contact the Vice President for Enrollment Services, Clayton Deuter, at 605.995.7132 for questions regarding licensure.

Outcomes

The Mitchell Technical College Medical Assistant program’s goal is to prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Provide competent patient care
Perform laboratory duties
Perform administrative duties
Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with supervisors, patients and their families, and colleagues
Follow legal and ethical guidelines in medical practice
Follow health and safety policies and procedures in medical practice

Annual Program Review

Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Accreditation

The Mitchell Tech Medical Assistant program offered for the diploma is accredited through Spring 2034 by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St. N #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org

The Medical Assistant program at Mitchell Technical College has a five-year average of 88.10% for job placement from 2020-2024.
The five-year average for the exam passage rate for 2020-2024 is 82.50%.

Faculty

Lisa Johnson

Program Coordinator / Instructor

Cost

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $598

Scholarships

Mitchell Tech offers a variety of scholarships to qualified applicants. The application period runs from October 1 through November 1 for current students and January 1 through March 31 for incoming students.

Other Related Programs

If you’re interested in Medical Assistant, you might also be interested in these other health sciences programs at Mitchell Tech.

Medical Assistant

Overview

careers