Medical Assisting - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

The medical assisting program provides requisite knowledge and skills for the medical assistant in physician clinic and similar settings. The student must complete program application. Program eligibility depends on completion of program prerequisites, ENGL 101 (Freshman Comp: Exposition) and MATH 531 (Pre-Algebra), with a "C" or better. Upon program completion, the student is eligible to take the certifying examination by the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants. The graduate and certified medical assistant can work as a medical assistant in physician clinics, urgent care, and similar settings. 

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Develop communication skills necessary to effectively communicate with other health care team members, patients, and physicians.

Demonstrate respect for the human dignity and the rights of all individuals with awareness of cultural differences.

Utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills when providing clinical and administrative service in health settings.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

14 units
MA 350
MA Fundamentals

The course introduces the student to the medical assisting profession including aspects of the work environment, laws that govern the profession, code of ethics, multicultural issues, communication techniques, and the profession characteristics that enable the medical assistant to be a successful member of a heath care team. Study skills, critical thinking, and basic pharmacological math are also included.

            MA 352
            MA Administrative Procedures
            The course explores administrative office tasks including secretarial and accounting procedures, written and oral communications, appointment scheduling, and records management. Topics include insurance, banking, professional fees, billing, and collection of fees. Administrative legal and ethical issues are addressed. Computer applications are employed for most functions in the medical field. The course is not open to students who are currently enrolled or have received credit for MB 352.
                      MA 305
                      Body Systems and Disease
                      A study of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic testing and treatment modalities. The course is not open to students who are currently enrolled or have received credit for MB 305.
                                MA 351
                                MA Clinical Procedures 1
                                The course is designed to prepare the student to assist the doctor in selected phases of clinical procedures. It emphasizes asepsis, physical examination, screening practices, including care and use of equipment.

                                          Spring Year 1

                                          12.5 units
                                          MA 355
                                          MA Pharmacology

                                          The course is designed to provide instruction in the scope of practice of the Medical Assistant in medication administration. Included are drug classifications, drug measurement systems, and calculation of dosages. Parenteral and non-parenteral drug administration techniques are practiced.

                                                    MA 356
                                                    MA Job Success Externship
                                                    The course provides an opportunity for students to be exposed to the actual work environment and practice job skills learned in the program. Students interface regularly with faculty during the experience.
                                                              MA 353
                                                              MA Clinical Procedures 2
                                                              The course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to develop skills required to perform medical office laboratory procedures and to provide patient education.