Dec 02, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog Archived Catalog

Medical Assistant, CAS


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Medical Assistants are the only allied health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings such as physicians’ offices, clinics, and group practices. These multiskilled personnel can perform administrative and clinical procedures. Physicians value this unique versatility and view medical assistants as vital partners in the medical office. Upon completion of this program, students will have the knowledge and skills to perform:

  • Computer applications such as scheduling appointments, updating patient demographics, correspondence, coding, billing and insurance;
  • Patient reception, arranging for hospital admissions, laboratory services, and referrals;
  • Professional communication when working with patients and staff in a medical office;
  • Accurate patient medical histories and vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, assist with surgical treatments, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, perform basic laboratory tests, and electrocardiograms;
  • Preparation, administration and documentation of medications and vaccines using safe practices as authorized by a licensed physician;
  • Triage in the office by messaging or telephone calls;
  • Safe blood drawing and specimen collection using correct techniques;
  • Removal of sutures and changing dressings;
  • Medical and surgical aseptic techniques; and
  • Patient education and health coaching.

Required Courses


Total Credits: 38


*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed.  Check course description.

Program Information


  • The Medical Assistant program demands high academic and personal standards. Students considering this certificate should familiarize themselves with the requirements.
  • All requirements for the Medical Assistant program are stated in the Medical Assistant Handbook located on the FVCC Medical Assistant Program website.
  • All AHMA courses in the program must have program director’s signature for admission and must be taken consecutively starting fall semester.
  • Students are required to earn a “C” (2.0) or above in all non-medical assisting courses.
  • Students are required to earn a “B-” (2.7) or above in all medical assisting courses.
  • Students are responsible for at least $300 of additional costs to cover uniforms, personal medical supplies, immunizations and criminal background check. Required current immunization costs will depend on each individual vaccine history.
  • AHMA 298 Medical Assisting Externship  class involves 180 hours of unpaid work experience in various medical offices in the community. It is highly recommended that students have their own health insurance before starting the externship.
  • All students are required to have a criminal background/registered sexual offender check done at the time of application to the program. Any discrepancies may result in denial of acceptance into the program. Any changes in a conviction record and/or pending criminal charges, which occur between the initial completion of the Background Information/Screen and program completion, must be provided in writing to the program director within five working days from the date of notification. Failure to provide such information within the aforementioned timeframe can result in immediate dismissal from the program.
  • Any student who exhibits unsuitable performance and/or behavior may be denied the right to complete the program.
  • American Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: Students with recognized disabilities or other physical limitations that may affect their performance as a medical assistant are responsible for identifying themselves as soon as possible to Disability Services and to the program director. Course standards will not be lowered, but various accommodations are available. A minimum of six weeks will be required to develop and provide appropriate accommodations, so students who qualify should contact Disability Services as soon as possible. It is the college’s goal to assist students in their individual educational plans.

Admission Guildelines


  • Contact the program director for advising.
  • Applications for formal acceptance into the Medical Assistant CAS program are accepted once a year.
  • Applications are available after March 1 and must be completed and returned by the last day of spring semester.
  • The Medical Assistant program has a maximum of 12 students in each graduating class.
  • Students wishing to enter the Medical Assistant program must be proficient in keyboarding and typing.
  • In order to be considered for acceptance into the Medical Assistant program, the student must have:
  1. Applied to and been admitted by Flathead Valley Community College;
  2. A high school diploma or equivalency (GED or HiSET) and be 18 years of age by the first day of classes;
  3. Met minimum placement requirements for math (score: 1) and writing (score: 2), or successful completion of developmental courses; and
  4. Completed a comprehensive background check and proof of immunizations listed in the applications packet.

Program Accreditation


The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) accredits Flathead Valley Community College upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763, (727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org

Certifications


  • Medical Assistant graduates are eligible and prepared to take the CMA (AAMA) National Certification Examination administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Opportunities after Graduation


  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations because of the increasing demand for medical assistants.
  • Certified Medical Assistants are in high demand due to the surge of technological advances in outpatient medical facilities and the growing number of aging Americans.
  • Certified Medical Assistants are able to obtain additional certifications including Electrocardiography Technician or Specialty Certified Medical Assisting.

Advising Information:


For more information about this program, contact the FVCC Student Support Center or the Faculty Advisor. 

Student Support Center Advisor Faculty Advisor
Karrie Bolivar Chris Degenhardt, CMA (AAMA)
LRC 129 BC 123B
(406) 756-3880 (406) 756-4582
kbolivar@fvcc.edu cdegenha@fvcc.edu

 

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