Medical Assisting

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to work in ambulatory settings performing administrative and clinical duties. The practice of medical assisting directly influences the public’s health and well-being, and requires mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession. The increased demand on physicians and hospitals for more detailed and better health care has increased the need for qualified medical assistants.

The medical assistant student will acquire the skills of a secretary including: typing, office management, accounting, and a knowledge of computers. Along with these skills, a technical medical background in anatomy and physiology will be needed. Because of the nature of the work in dealing with the health of others, confidentiality, accuracy, dependability, and good human relations skills are necessary and will be presented through courses in psychology, sociology, and communications.

Medical Assisting graduates of Belmont College have a Certification Exam pass rate from the 2016 Cohort of 88.89%, with an overall 5-yr. pass rate of 97.09%

Career Possibilities

Required coursework includes 160-hours of supervised practical experience in various local health facilities. Trained medical assistants will be able to choose from a variety of opportunities such as physician offices, medical clinics, health departments, nursing homes, dentist offices, medical insurance companies, and hospitals.

Graduates of the Medical Assisting program can pursue a position in:

• Physicians’ offices
• Medical clinics
• Health departments
• Nursing homes
• Dentist offices
• Medical insurance companies
• Hospitals

This  program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.  Graduates are eligible to take the certification examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant.

Program Outcomes

1. Apply general knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, psychology, and sociology in the care of patients.
2. Implement good human relations skills including effective communication, confidentiality, accuracy, and dependability.
3. Demonstrate competence in clinical procedures including patient histories, vital signs, preparing patients for exams, administering medications, performing point of care testing, and assisting doctors with physicals and minor surgery.
4. Apply quality control measures in following health and safety policies and procedures to prevent illness and injury.
5. Analyze, test, troubleshoot and repair-components of basic computers and diagnostic equipment for point of care testing.
6. Demonstrate basic knowledge of medical business practices including medical coding and billing procedures.