Barton Community College What Drives You?

What is a Medical Assistant? 

The medical assistant is a professional, multi-skilled individual trained to assist physicians, work in a medical clinic and some areas of the hospital or laboratory. Students learn to measure and record vital signs, take medical histories, administer medications, sterilize instruments, assist with minor office surgeries, and handle emergencies. Students also learn to obtain blood samples, perform routine office laboratory procedures and electrocardiograms, and instruct patients in preparation for x-ray and laboratory procedures. In the administrative area, students learn to schedule and receive patients, handle telephone calls, type correspondence, reports, manuscripts, perform medical transcription, process insurance forms, handle office accounts, fees, and collections.

Occupational Outlook

BLS career projection is 29% growth through 2026. To see more data, view the NHA informational flier. 

Course Offerings 

Medical Assistant Curriculum Guides

The Medical Assistant is a professional, multi-skilled individual trained to assist physicians, work in a medical clinic and some areas of the hospital or laboratory. Students learn to measure and record vital signs, take medical histories, administer medications, sterilize instruments, assist with minor office surgeries, and handle emergencies. Students also learn to obtain blood samples, perform routine office laboratory procedures and electrocardiograms, and instruct patients in preparation for x-ray and laboratory procedures. In the administrative area, students learn to schedule and receive patients, handle telephone calls, type correspondence, reports, manuscripts, perform medical transcription, process insurance forms, handle office accounts, fees, and collections.

The Medical Assistant program at Barton offers a 64 credit-hour Associate in Applied Science degree program or 43 credit-hour certificate program. The courses are comprised of general education, administrative, and clinical courses. During the final semester, students will also complete an internship in an ambulatory health care setting. Students in both the AAS program and certificate program are eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, from the NHA National Health Careers Association, given during or after their last Patient Care Class. 

Curriculum Guides

Curriculum Guides
Certificates
Medical Assistant (43 credit hours - certificate guide)

Associate in Applied Science
Medical Assistant (64 credit hours - degree guide)
Medical Assistant (64 credit hours - semester guide)