Start a career in Medical Assisting
The Medical Assisting program prepares students for work in a medical office and offers courses toward certification. To be eligible for a certificate, you must submit an application during the open application period.
Click Here for the Medical Assisting Application The application period is March 15 - May 31 annually Prerequisite is English 101 with a grade of "C" or better
Are you detail-oriented and enjoy supporting a team of people who are serving the needs of patients? If you are interested in working in the medical field, the medical assisting program can give you the tools you need to succeed!
The medical assisting program will prepare students with both the front and back-office skills required for employment as a medical assistant in a doctor's office or medical facility. Students will be trained in maintaining medical records and interpreting medical terms used in medical records. Students will be able to prepare income statements, work with financial accounting processes and systems, and use standard medical office computer software. Students will also develop proficiency in maintaining and using aseptic techniques, administering specified medications under the direction of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or podiatrist performing various laboratory tests, and assisting the physician with minor surgery.
This program will help you to:
- 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
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
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.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to MA program
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.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to MA program
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.
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.
Total Units:
14
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to MA program
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.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to MA program and successful completion of first semester MA courses.
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.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to MA program and Successful completion of the first semester MA courses.
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.
Total Units:
12.5
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 26.5 units is required for the certificate.
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MA 305 | Body Systems and Disease | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| or | ||
| MB 305 | Body Systems and Diseases | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| MA 350 | MA Fundamentals | 2.000 - 0.000 |
| MA 351 | MA Clinical Procedures 1 | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| MA 352 | MA Administrative Procedures | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| or | ||
| MB 352 | MB Administrative Procedures | 4.000 - 0.000 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MA 353 | MA Clinical Procedures 2 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| MA 355 | MA Pharmacology | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| MA 356 | MA Job Success Externship | 3.500 - 0.000 |
Third-party Certification information
Graduates of Allan Hancock College's Medical Assisting program are eligible for certification by American Medical Technologists (with which we have a formal affiliation). Graduates of our program may also apply to take the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants exam.
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Contact Information
Dean: Thomas Lamica
Department Chair: Megan McComas
Program Specialist: Tawnya Karstrom
Administrative Assistant: Elena Gaytan
LOCATION
Santa Maria Campus, W building, Room 11
Telephone extension: 3384
Fax number: 922-1403
