Medical assistants are integral to the healthcare system, functioning as multi-skilled professionals adept in both administrative and clinical duties within ambulatory care settings. Their work significantly impacts public health, demanding a comprehensive understanding of medical knowledge and specialized skills acquired through formal education and hands-on experience. These qualifications are essential for entering and succeeding in this profession.
Medical Assisting Student Handbook
Advanced Medical Assisting: An Associate’s Degree Pathway
An Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Medical Assisting Advanced is designed to equip students for crucial roles within a physician’s healthcare team. This program offers practical training in a simulated medical office environment, ensuring students gain proficiency in both administrative and clinical aspects of medical practice. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings including physician’s offices, outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic and medical laboratories, and kidney dialysis centers.
Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to pursue national certifications such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) via American Medical Technologists (AMT), or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Furthermore, they can also sit for the Phlebotomy Technician certification exam (CPT) offered by NHA, enhancing their skill set and employability in various healthcare contexts.
Credits earned in this program can be transferred towards Palm Beach State’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, offering a pathway for career advancement and further education. Additionally, these credits may be transferable to other institutions, facilitating students’ pursuit of four-year degrees in related fields.
Important Immunization Note: While Palm Beach State College currently does not mandate COVID-19 vaccination, it’s crucial to understand that Health Sciences programs must adhere to clinical site requirements set by the state of Florida and national accreditation bodies. These clinical facilities dictate compliance rules, including immunizations, drug screenings, background checks, and fitness assessments. Non-compliance with these requirements might restrict placement in clinical settings, which are essential for program completion. For inquiries, contact Dr. Delsa R. Bush, Risk Management Director, at [email protected].
Program Cost: Approximately $9,600 (in-state), encompassing books, uniform, tuition, and associated fees.
Specialized Medical Assisting: College Credit Certificate
The College Credit Certificate in Medical Assisting Specialist is another pathway to becoming a vital member of a healthcare team. This certificate program, similar to the Associate’s degree, provides training in a realistic medical office setting. Students develop essential skills for both administrative and clinical tasks, preparing them for roles in physician’s offices, outpatient centers, surgical centers, and diagnostic labs.
Graduates of this certificate program are also eligible for national medical assisting certifications – CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), and CCMA (NHA) – and the CPT (NHA) phlebotomy certification. The credits earned can be directly applied towards the Medical Assisting Advanced Associate in Science degree, offering a stackable credential approach to career development.
Controlled Access and Program Requirements
Palm Beach State College’s Medical Assisting programs are classified as controlled access programs, necessitating a separate program application after general college admission.
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Important Compliance Notice: Admission to the program involves meeting academic criteria and clearing additional health and compliance requirements, including drug screening, background checks, and fingerprinting, in accordance with federal and state health science program regulations. Clinical placement is a mandatory component for program completion, and specific clinical facility requirements must be fulfilled by all applicants.
Program Accreditation and Goals
The Medical Assisting Certificate Program at Palm Beach State College holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), based on the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)
The program’s primary goal is to cultivate medical assistants who are competent across cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional practice.
Palm Beach State College’s Medical Assisting program at Lake Worth, FL, boasts a strong five-year average exam passage rate of 76.47% (2019-2023), with an exceptional 100% pass rate in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to student success and program excellence.
Pathway Map: Medical Assisting Advanced
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Medical Assisting Student Handbook
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