Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are regarded as generalists in the healthcare delivery system. As such, they need to have a broad range of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Medical assisting programs prepare graduates for employment in the allied health profession. Medical assistants are commonly considered healthcare delivery generalists because they perform a range of services in various settings, such as outpatient and ambulatory healthcare settings. Duties vary with the size, specialty, and location of the medical practice. Medical assistants work under the direction and supervision of a physician, office manager, or other healthcare professional.

Medical assistant duties include administrative and clinical functions. Front-office activities include setting appointments, greeting and directing patients, answering phones, updating patient files and records, preparing written correspondence, and completing insurance forms. They may also include scheduling referrals, hospital admissions, and diagnostic tests.

Clinical (back-office) duties include obtaining vital signs and patient histories; assisting with examinations, treatments, and procedures, such as electrocardiograms, injections, and wound care; collecting specimens, such as by phlebotomy; performing simple (waived) laboratory tests; and sterilizing medical instruments. Depending on state laws, a medical assistant may prepare and administer some injections under a physician’s direction.

Medical assistants typically work a 40-hour week. However, part-time, evening, and weekend hours are possible. They primarily work in clean, well-lit environments that require some physical activity. Medical assistants interact with patients, colleagues, and medical professionals, often handling multiple tasks and responsibilities at the same time.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical assistant graduate may be prepared to meet the requirements for various occupational titles, including:

• Medical assistant (MA)
• Certified medical assistant (CMA)
• Registered medical assistant (RMA)
• Certified medical administrative specialist (CMAS)
• Certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA)
• Certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA)
• Clinical medical assistant certification (CMAC)
• Administrative medical assistant
• Clinical medical assistant
• Chiropractor assistant or technician
• Podiatric medical assistant
• Medical records technician
• Medical insurance coding specialist or coder
• Medical secretary or executive assistant
• Medical reception or receptionist
• Medical office assistant
• Electrocardiography technician
• Phlebotomist

TOP 12 MOST FREQUENTLY PERFORMED RESPONSIBILITIES

• Abide by principles and laws related to confidentiality
• Adapt communications to an individual’s understanding
• Demonstrate respect for individual diversity
• Employ professional techniques during verbal, nonverbal, and text-based interactions
• Comply with risk management and safety procedures
• Interact with staff and patients to optimize workflow efficiency
• Maintain patient records
• Provide care within legal and ethical boundaries
• Practice standard precautions
• Document patient communication, observations, and clinical treatments
• Identify potential consequences of failing to operate within the scope of practice of a medical assistant
• Transmit information electronically

Depending on the type of healthcare employer, the medical assistant may also perform these additional clinical functions:

• Prepare treatment rooms and patients for examinations, procedures, and treatments
• Maintain administrative and clinical equipment and supply inventory
• Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height
• Prepare and administer oral and injectable medications as directed by a physician
• Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing
• Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians’ instructions to patients
• Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies
• Perform simple (waived) laboratory tests

In 2016 Median Pay for a Medical Assistant was $31,540 per year, and $15.17 per hour. The medical assisting profession continues to outpace the growth of other professions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies medical assisting as a bright outlook occupation. This class includes positions that are projected to grow rapidly over the next several years, have a large number of openings, or are in new or emerging occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the medical assisting occupation will continue to grow rapidly and have a large number of job openings.

• Clinical Medical Assistant
• Medical Office Assistant
• EKG Technician
• Phlebotomist
• Medical Interpreter

Currently, we do not offer financial aid through FASFA. However, you can contact your local Florida Works, and if you qualify, they may assist you with paying for some of our courses.

We do accept payment plans. If you are interested in a payment plan, please contact us for more information.

Please see student handbook or call us for more information regarding tuition and fee.

We require a deposit to secure your spot plus the application & registration fees. At the time of registration, you will be required to fill out a registration packet as well as place your deposit. The remaining balance is due on or before the first day of class. You can register online or in person.

The dress code:

1. Solid color blue scrub uniform (top and bottom), face mask, & sneaker
2. Only religious head dressing is allowed during class.

• Certificate of completion requiring 9 months to complete.
• Classes during the day, evenings, and weekends.
• 3 National Healthcare Association (NHA) exams & certifications

Medical Assistants perform many clerical duties. Students will learn how to take phone calls, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping.

As part of the clinical training, students will learn to:

• As part of the clinical training, Students will learn to:
• Take medical histories and record vital signs
• Explain treatment procedures to patients
• Prepare patients for examination
• Assist the physician during the examination
• Collect and prepare laboratory specimens
• Dispose of contaminated supplies and sterilize medical instruments
• Instruct patients about medication and special diets
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician
• Authorize drug refills as directed and telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy
• Draw blood
• Prepare patients for x-rays and take electrocardiograms
• Remove sutures and change dressings
• Arrange examining room instruments and equipment
• Purchase and maintain supplies and equipment
• Keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean

To be admitted in the Phlebotomy Technician program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
• Have signed permission from a parent or guardian if less than 18 years old.
• Submit a signed enrollment agreement.
• Have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Complete a Personal Interview with the program Director.

• DAY CLASSES – 36 weeks
  • Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 2 pm
• EVENING CLASSES – 6 months:
  • Monday – Thursday: 5 pm – 9 pm
• WEEKEND CLASSES – 12 months:
  • Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
• ONLINE CLASSES
  • Please call for more information.