Medical Assistant

Overview

careers

  • Medical Assistant

  • Certified Medical
    Assistant

0 %
Job Placement Rate ⓘ
$ 0
Average Salary ⓘ

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, completion of 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.

Mitchell Technical College’s Medical Assistant program recently was named #6 Best Medical Assistant Program by bestvalueschools.org based on graduation rate, retention rate, cost of tuition, community culture, student services, and more.

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Curriculum

Award: AAS Degree

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Semesters
First Semester
HS101Medical Terminology3 credits
HS103Anatomy/Physiology4 credits
HS162Medical Law & Ethics2 credits
MA106Medical Laboratory Fundamentals4 credits
MATH103Mathematical Reasoning3 credits
SSS100Student Success1 credit
Total Semester Hours17 credits
Second Semester
MA111Medical Office Procedures3 credits
MA112Laboratory Procedures I4 credits
MA123Pathophysiology3 credits
MOP160CPT ICD-10-CM Coding3 credits
SPCM140Health Communication
Behavioral Science Elective3 credits
Total Semester Hours16 credits
Third Semester
MA113Laboratory Procedures II4 credits
MA210Pharmacology & Admin. of Medicines3 credits
MA220Examination Room Techniques I4 credits
MOP210Medical Insurance and Billing3 credits
Social Science Elective3 credits
Written Communications Elective 3 credits
Total Semester Hours20 credits
Fourth Semester
HS100Basic Life Support for Health Care0.5 credits
MA211Advanced Medical Office Procedures3 credits
MA221Examination Room Techniques II3 credits
MA240Cardiac Monitoring and DX Procedure2 credits
MA250Clinical Externship6 credits
Total Semester Hours14.5 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 also contact Director of Admissions Heather Kulm (605.995.7342) 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 practic
  • Follow health and safety policies and procedures in medical practice
Annual Program Review

Check out the 2023-24 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Faculty

Lisa Johnson

Program Director / Instructor

Contact
Donna Appletoft

Instructor

Contact

Cost

$ 4000
Program Tuition & Fees ⓘ

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $1,995

Scholarships

$500

3 AVAIL.

Tessier Family Foundation – Current Students

Tessier Family Foundation

The Tessier Family Foundation began providing funds for scholarships in 2014 for students enrolled in the Accounting/Business Management, Heating and Cooling Technology, LPN and Medical Assistant programs. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient's accounts the following Fall semester.
First Year Student
Accounting
Heating and Cooling Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing
Medical Assistant
Applicant must be currently enrolled as a first year full-time student in Accounting/Business Management, Heating and Cooling Technology, LPN or Medical Assistant programs to be eligible for these scholarships. Applicant must complete the MTC current student online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for these scholarships.

$1000

4 AVAIL.

Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships

Martin and Maude Osterhaus established this endowed scholarship in 1995 to provide financial support for at least four deserving Mitchell Tech students each year. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient's account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must have good leadership skills

$1000

1 AVAIL.

Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the former faculty and staff of Mitchell Tech.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be enrolled full time at MTC. Applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Applicant must complete the MTC Online application during the open application period to be eligible to receive this scholarship.

$1000

2 AVAIL.

Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship

Charlene Bainbridge

The LaVerne and Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship is eligible for any program at Mitchell Technical College. Also the recipient must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher and be a current student.
Accounting
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power - Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be accepted or currently enrolled as a full-time student in any program at Mitchell Technical College. Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship

$500

2 AVAIL.

John And Diane Weber “Career Change” Endowed Scholarship

John and Diane Weber Family and Friends

This scholarship was established in 2015 by the daughters of Diane Weber, wife of former Culinary Academy of South Dakota instructor and Mitchell Tech alum, John Weber. Diane's early adult years were spent in the Peace Corp, working at Bell Telephone and teaching German and English after college. The scholarship honors Diane's desire in 1974 to change her career and her enrollment at Mitchell Tech to become a Clinical Lab Technician. While attending Mitchell Tech she met John, completed her education, and then spent several years working as a Clinical Lab Technician. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient's account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Full time enrollment in a program at Mitchell Technical College to prepare for a career change GPA of 3.0 or higher Program instructor recommendation Documented employment of 10 hours or more per week Completion of current online scholarship application during the open application period time frame

$500

1 AVAIL.

Daniel Roy Todd Memorial Scholarship

Daniel Todd Family

Daniel Roy Todd, son of native Letcher, SD parents, returned to his family roots in 1998 to care for his father and in August, 2001 he accepted the position of Executive Director of the recently-established Mitchell Technical College Foundation. Dan's varied experiences in research, planning, consulting, and community development allowed him to focus on strategic planning for the Mitchell Technical College Foundation. In a very short time he had established the Mitchell Technical College Alumni Association and provided an excellent base upon which the Foundation was built. Dan passed away in 2005 after a brief illness but the Mitchell Technical College Foundation still credits him with the early success of the organization. The Daniel Roy Todd Fund began providing scholarships in 2016.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship First priority of scholarship recipient is a graduate of Sanborn Central or Artesian/Letcher High School. In the event there is not an application from Sanborn County the award will be given to a Davison County resident The award will be announced in January each year and applied to the recipient's account the following Fall semester

Accreditation

The Mitchell Tech Medical Assistant program, offered for the AAS degree, is accredited 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

Certification exam rate for Medical Assistant program graduates
CMA (AAMA) and RMA (AMT)
  Candidates Passing* Percentage Passing
2020 Graduates 4 3 75%
Program retention rate for Medical Assistant
  Students in
Admission Cohort
Number Retained Retention Rate
2020 Cohort 18 9 50%
Placement rate for Medical Assistant program graduates
  Number of Graduates Number with
Positive Placement**
Placement Rate
2020 Graduates 5 4 80%

*The CAAHEP has defined the credentialing examination pass rate as the number of graduates who pass a national credentialing examination compared with the number of graduates who take the examination.
**The CAAHEP has defined “positive placement” as a graduate who is employed full or part-time in a related field; and/or continuing his/her education; and/or serving in the military.

Contact Admissions

For information about any of our programs, application, or any of our other student services please contact us:

Admissions Office
Mitchell Technical College
1800 E. Spruce St.
Mitchell, SD 57301

800.684.1969
605.995.3025
fax: 605.995.3067
[email protected]

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