Medical Assisting (CA)

Nature of Work

Classified as allied health practitioners, medical assistants can be found primarily in doctors’ offices and clinics. Increasingly, physicians are realizing the importance of medical assistants and view them as partners, essential to success in the ever-competitive medical environment. Medical assistants are multi-skilled, and are competent in both administrative and clinical procedures. Among the roles that medical assistants often assume are:

• Clinical Assistant
• Administrative Assistant
• Receptionist
• Billing Clerk
• Lab Assistant
• Office Manager

Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as the health services industry expands. Most full-time medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. Some work evenings and weekends.

For detailed information regarding this career field, visit the official site for the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Program Description

As a medical assistant, you will be a multi-skilled professional dedicated to assisting in patient care management. You will be trained to perform administrative and clinical/laboratory duties and may manage emergency situations, facilities, and/or personnel. The clinical duties of medical assistants include preparing patients for examinations and treatments; taking vital signs and medical histories, sterilizing instruments; performing diagnostic tests and basic laboratory procedures including venipuncture; and assisting the physician with examinations and minor office surgery. Administrative duties include scheduling and receiving patients; obtaining patient data; establishing and maintaining confidential medical records; handling telephone calls, preparing correspondence and reports; purchasing supplies and maintaining equipment; and assuming responsibility for the daily office business. The minimum expectations of the program are to prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

In order to improve flexibility of the required program courses, MA prefix courses are delivered following a hybrid model with most lectures being taught online or web-remote and labs delivered in-person on the West Charleston and Henderson campuses.

Accreditation

The College of Southern Nevada Medical Office Assisting Certificate of Achievement Program 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

Program Outcomes:

• 5-Year Average Program Retention Rate of 67.21% for years 2020-2024.
• Certification exam pass rates: 2024 pass rate 100%
• Employer satisfaction: 100% satisfied in 2024 

Medical Assisting (CA) Requirements

• Medical Assisting Advising Sheet
• Medical Assisting Career Guide

This program is NOT a Limited Entry program; however, an application process is required. To apply, students must possess a High School Diploma, High School Transcript, GED equivalent, or unofficial college transcript showing degree conferred; and have completed ENG 100 or above with a minimum C grade.

Additionally, prior to beginning MA 130B, students are required to show proof of CPR (Basic Life Support/Health Care Provider), health insurance, and immunization against Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Tetanus, and Diphtheria. In addition, proof of a negative two-step TB skin test, negative urine drug screen, and criminal background check will be required prior to the start of the Clinical Externship. A physical examination must also be completed. COVID vaccination may be required at extern sites.

Note: Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these Essential Functions of Medical Assisting Students. Students with documented need for accommodation are to meet with the Disability Resources Center.

Once all eligibility requirements have been met (see the Medical Assisting Advising Sheet), complete the Medical Assisting Technician Application. Be sure to upload all required documents as outlined and submit your application by the deadline. Email MAP@csn.edu if you have any questions.

• Fall Program: Applications are accepted June 1st through July 1st

Student's First Checklist

New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Open Entry Program Checklist. This checklist provides information on the registration process for new students seeking an Open-Entry Health Science Certificate of Achievement or Completion.

Find out how to Transfer Credits to CSN from other colleges.