Overview
Narrative
Health care continues to be a growth area of our economy. Varied and satisfying employment opportunities exist, even for individuals with a minimum of science education.
Northampton developed its Medical Assistant specialized diploma program in response to requests from physicians who were looking for workers who were trained in both office and clinical skills. The coursework includes both classroom and lab instruction. Students develop their skills in the academic setting prior to experiencing hands-on clinical instruction in physician practices.
The program progresses sequentially. You will master basic skills and competencies first before moving on to more challenging procedures. Students finish the program with a capstone clinical externship in their third semester. During the externship, you will have the chance to work in the medical office setting under the supervision of a clinical preceptor.
The specialized diploma is part of a career ladder that allows successful students to gain employment at the earliest point in their academic program. Students can also choose to continue their studies full or part-time in a specialized field through direct articulation with other Medical Office Administration programs.
Features
Students will learn clerical skills such as keyboarding and the fundamentals of health care reimbursement. Clinical skills include: history taking, vital sign measurement, documenting on the patient record, medication administration, phlebotomy and EKGs.
Students can elect to attend the program on a part-time or full-time basis, but the Medical Assistant Technique courses must be taken in sequence. This program is offered at the Fowler Southside Center and Monroe Campus.
After completing the program, students can sit for the Registered Medical Assistant American Medical Technologist (RMA-AMT) Certification Exam. The program faculty will distribute information about the exam to students at the conclusion of the program.
Career Potential: Medical Assistant in office of: physician, dentist, podiatrist, medical clinic, chiropractor, ambulatory surgical unit, and hospital departments.
Admission Requirements
This is a selective admission program. Applicants shall have completed work equal to a standard high school course as evidenced by a diploma or GED. The minimum admission requirement to the program include: 1) one year of HS biology or NCC equivalent (BIOS105, BIOS107, BIOS115) with a grade of C or better, * and 2) one year of HS algebra with a grade of C or better or NCC equivalent (MATH022).*
Prior to acceptance, the student is required to take the English Placement Test (EPT) and be able to enroll in English 101 or be able to transfer English 101 or its equivalent.
*High school courses must be college preparatory level. Equivalents from other colleges may satisfy requirements.
After acceptance into the program, students are required to
- Carry and maintain health insurance
- Have physical examination
- Submit results of required lab tests, immunizations and drug screen
- Submit certificate in Basic Life Support for Health Care providers throughout the program
- Submit results of Criminal History Record Information (CHRI), Child and Elder Abuse History Clearance and FBI Clearance.
Deadline
Medical Assistant is a fall-start program. Students may apply to the clinical program starting October 1. Applications must be completed by April 15. Students will not be able to apply to the clinical program after April 15.
After April 15, students who wish to take general education courses toward the Medical Assistant specialized diploma may apply to the Healthcare Office Coordinator AAS Degree program of study.
Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.