A.S. Degree: Medical Assistant - Administrative / Clinical

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Associate's Degree in two years. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). The plan includes four semesters, each with an average course load of 15 units, and follows the Plan 1 General Education pattern. You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The associate degree of science curriculum for medical assistant administrative/clinical is designed to prepare a student for employment in a medical office, hospital business office, ambulatory clinic, or allied health facility. Allied health careers for medical assistants function in the front and back office, as health insurance specialists, admission representatives, medical records specialists and receptionists in all medical facilities.

Course content includes medical terminology; medical data entry, computer skills; medical documents, electronic health records, reports and charts; medical insurance and coding, billing and collections, bookkeeping; effective human relations and communication as related to a medical office; clinical procedures such as medical and surgical asepsis, measuring vital signs, documenting health histories, medication administration, sterilizing instruments, assisting with minor surgery, instrument identification; laboratory procedures; and professional ethics, legal and scope of practice.

Graduates will be qualified to assist providers, doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and medical assistants in clinical situations and function under the direct supervision of a medical doctor or podiatrist. Graduates will also be qualified to perform all administrative duties normally required in the medical office, hospital business office, clinics, and allied health facilities.

Upon completion of an Associate Degree of Science, graduates will demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing when communicating with patients and healthcare team, critically think and adapt, and logically problem-solve administrative and clinical issues in healthcare settings, and exhibit workforce preparation as a Medical Assistant for an entry-level healthcare career. Communication Skills: Medical Assistant proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing communication for healthcare team, co-workers, and patients. Think and Reasoning: Medical Assistant logical problem-solving for administrative and clinical issues inthe health care environment, demonstrating professionalism, creativity, and equitableanalysis. Information Management: Medical Assistant positive adaptation to change and technology in healthcare systems and delivery of care. Diversity: Medical Assistant inter-relational model for themulticultural healthcare system with respect, compassion, and empathy in the provision ofservices for people of many cultures. Civic Responsibility: Medical Assistant engagement in activities that promote awareness, health, and safety, such as CPR and First Aid Training. Life Skills: Medical Assistant responsibility for personal health and well-being and ability to collaborate within the health / illness continuum effectively. Careers: Medical Assistant employability forentry-level Medical Assistant healthcare career upon completion of the certificate and/or degree option.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

First Semester

15-16 units

Second Semester

16 units

Third Semester

15 units

Fourth Semester

16 units