Medical Assisting

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$13,036*

Perform coordinated care

Collaborate with healthcare practitioners while delivering high-quality administrative and clinical care for patients in the outpatient healthcare setting. As a medical assistant, you will work in physician offices or other outpatient medical office settings assisting the provider with patient exams, obtaining vital signs, recording patient histories, obtaining samples for diagnostic testing, performing electrocardiograms, giving vaccinations and many other exciting job functions.

Your degree in medical assisting will prepare you for work in the fast-growing health care field providing the administrative and clinical skills required to succeed in your new career. With a projected industry growth of 18%, you can be confident your future is bright.

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Medical Assisting?

A degree in Medical Assisting prepares students for the entry-level psychomotor, cognitive and affective competencies required to obtain certification as a medical assistant by allowing them to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and to begin work in the field as a medical assistant. Medical Assistants typically work in the outpatient medical setting in areas such as physician offices, outpatient care centers and immediate care centers.

Clinical duties include:

  • performing first aid and CPR
  • collecting and processing specimens
  • taking patient histories and vital signs
  • assisting physicians with examinations and treatments
  • performing select diagnostic tests
  • giving medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law

Administrative duties include:

  • scheduling and receiving patients
  • preparing and maintaining patient records
  • submitting insurance claims
  • handling telephone calls and written correspondence
  • performing medical transcription
  • maintaining practice finances

See what students love about the medical assisting program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

Highlights

Other Criteria - MOA Externship

Oct 3, 2023, 12:27 PM
Title : Other Criteria - MOA Externship
Heading : 160-Hour Externship
Complete the program at a CLC-affiliated medical practice for work experience.

Career Outlook

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  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    BIO 111

    BIO 111 Human Form and Function

    Class Description

    This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
         		4
    HIT 111

    HIT 111 Medical Terminology

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.
         		3
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 111
      Course Title

      BIO 111 Human Form and Function

      Class Description

      This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 111
      Course Title

      HIT 111 Medical Terminology

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose BIO 244 or BIO 245 instead of BIO 111. Student can also choose ENG 120 instead of ENG 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    MOA 111

    MOA 111 Clinical Medical Assisting I

    Class Description

    This course introduces the students to the role of the Medical Assistant in the clinical area of the medical clinic, hospital or laboratory. Topics include brief review of medical terminology and anatomy, therapeutic communication, infection control, physical examination, patient coaching, nutrition, vital signs, ECG medical emergencies and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
         		4
    MOA 112

    MOA 112 Basic Medical Office Administrative Skills

    Class Description

    This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge and skills in the front office of a medical or dental office. It introduces students to the basic administrative skills in an outpatient healthcare setting. Some topics include: scheduling appointments, telephone techniques, legal and regulatory topics, managing the patient's health record, safety and emergency operations in the healthcare setting, among other healthcare related administrative skills. Students should be basic keyboard proficient and comfortable using a computer.
         		4
    HIT 119

    HIT 119 Pharmacology

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to pharmacology. Content includes terminology, drug classifications, therapeutic use, side effects, contraindications and interactions. Common dosage ranges and routes of administration will also be discussed.
         		1
    MOA 119

    MOA 119 Pharmacology Math and Medication Administration for Medical Assistants

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction to pharmacology including terminology, drug category, use, side effects, contraindications, and interactions. Common dosage ranges, pharmacology math and routes of administration including oral and parenteral will also be examined.
         		2
    AMT 112

    AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications

    Class Description

    This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.
         		3
    • Course Code MOA 111
      Course Title

      MOA 111 Clinical Medical Assisting I

      Class Description

      This course introduces the students to the role of the Medical Assistant in the clinical area of the medical clinic, hospital or laboratory. Topics include brief review of medical terminology and anatomy, therapeutic communication, infection control, physical examination, patient coaching, nutrition, vital signs, ECG medical emergencies and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MOA 112
      Course Title

      MOA 112 Basic Medical Office Administrative Skills

      Class Description

      This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge and skills in the front office of a medical or dental office. It introduces students to the basic administrative skills in an outpatient healthcare setting. Some topics include: scheduling appointments, telephone techniques, legal and regulatory topics, managing the patient's health record, safety and emergency operations in the healthcare setting, among other healthcare related administrative skills. Students should be basic keyboard proficient and comfortable using a computer.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 119
      Course Title

      HIT 119 Pharmacology

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to pharmacology. Content includes terminology, drug classifications, therapeutic use, side effects, contraindications and interactions. Common dosage ranges and routes of administration will also be discussed.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MOA 119
      Course Title

      MOA 119 Pharmacology Math and Medication Administration for Medical Assistants

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to pharmacology including terminology, drug category, use, side effects, contraindications, and interactions. Common dosage ranges, pharmacology math and routes of administration including oral and parenteral will also be examined.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code AMT 112
      Course Title

      AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications

      Class Description

      This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose CIT 120 instead of AMT 112.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    MOA 115

    MOA 115 Insurance and Billing for Medical Assistants

    Class Description

    This course introduces the theory, structure, and organization of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (Current edition) Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) coding systems. Emphasis will be on the application of coding principles to accurately assign CPT and ICD-10-CM codes to patient encounters in the medical record and on billing forms. Health Insurance, billing, reimbursement and financial management topics will also be covered. This course is for students pursuing a certificate or degree in Medical Assisting and not designed for those who want to become medical coders or billers in hospitals.
         		3
    MOA 211

    MOA 211 Clinical Medical Assisting II

    Class Description

    This course provides the medical assisting student with skills beyond the basic introductory course. This will be an overview of advanced skills. Emphasis includes: assisting with medical specialties, electrocardiography, assisting with diagnostic imaging. Additional focus will be on surgical instrumentation and assisting with surgical procedures.
         		4
    MOA 210

    MOA 210 Clinical Laboratory Procedures for Medical Assisting

    Class Description

    This course will provide Medical Assisting students with an Introduction to clinical laboratory procedures in an outpatient medical/physician office setting. Topics will include basic introduction to clinical laboratory safety, specimen collection protocols, infection control procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This course will also introduce students to point of service (POS) CLIA waived testing performed in physician office laboratory setting including urinalysis, basic blood collection and analysis and some microbiology and immunology procedures through both physical and simulation-based learning methods. This course is indented for students in the Medical Assisting program and not those seeking careers in outside the physician?s office laboratory settings.
         		4
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Course Code MOA 115
      Course Title

      MOA 115 Insurance and Billing for Medical Assistants

      Class Description

      This course introduces the theory, structure, and organization of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (Current edition) Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) coding systems. Emphasis will be on the application of coding principles to accurately assign CPT and ICD-10-CM codes to patient encounters in the medical record and on billing forms. Health Insurance, billing, reimbursement and financial management topics will also be covered. This course is for students pursuing a certificate or degree in Medical Assisting and not designed for those who want to become medical coders or billers in hospitals.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MOA 211
      Course Title

      MOA 211 Clinical Medical Assisting II

      Class Description

      This course provides the medical assisting student with skills beyond the basic introductory course. This will be an overview of advanced skills. Emphasis includes: assisting with medical specialties, electrocardiography, assisting with diagnostic imaging. Additional focus will be on surgical instrumentation and assisting with surgical procedures.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MOA 210
      Course Title

      MOA 210 Clinical Laboratory Procedures for Medical Assisting

      Class Description

      This course will provide Medical Assisting students with an Introduction to clinical laboratory procedures in an outpatient medical/physician office setting. Topics will include basic introduction to clinical laboratory safety, specimen collection protocols, infection control procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This course will also introduce students to point of service (POS) CLIA waived testing performed in physician office laboratory setting including urinalysis, basic blood collection and analysis and some microbiology and immunology procedures through both physical and simulation-based learning methods. This course is indented for students in the Medical Assisting program and not those seeking careers in outside the physician?s office laboratory settings.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose PBT 111 or PBT 115 instead of MOA 210.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    MOA 212

    MOA 212 Medical Assisting Externship

    Class Description

    This requires the medical assistant student to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from all previous medical assistant courses in actual patient care settings. Students will perform medical assistant administrative, clinical, and laboratory duties under the supervision of a mentor to effectively transition to the role of a medical assistant. The Medical Assistant Externship takes place during the final semester of the program.
         		3
    MOA 213

    MOA 213 Seminar in Medical Assisting

    Class Description

    Prepares students with study skills and tips necessary to successfully pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. Course will cover the guidelines for submitting the CMA exam application and review content on the CMA exam. Resume writing and interviewing skills will also be introduced.
         		1
    CIT 111

    CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets

    Class Description

    Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.
         		3
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Course Code MOA 212
      Course Title

      MOA 212 Medical Assisting Externship

      Class Description

      This requires the medical assistant student to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from all previous medical assistant courses in actual patient care settings. Students will perform medical assistant administrative, clinical, and laboratory duties under the supervision of a mentor to effectively transition to the role of a medical assistant. The Medical Assistant Externship takes place during the final semester of the program.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MOA 213
      Course Title

      MOA 213 Seminar in Medical Assisting

      Class Description

      Prepares students with study skills and tips necessary to successfully pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. Course will cover the guidelines for submitting the CMA exam application and review content on the CMA exam. Resume writing and interviewing skills will also be introduced.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CIT 111
      Course Title

      CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets

      Class Description

      Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose CIT 112 or CIT 119 instead of CIT 111. Student can also choose other Communication courses instead of CMM 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HWP 240

    HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues

    Class Description

    This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.
         		3
    PSY 220

    PSY 220 Lifespan Development

    Class Description

    This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.
         		3
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    ANT 221

    ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
         		3
    • Course Code HWP 240
      Course Title

      HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues

      Class Description

      This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 220
      Course Title

      PSY 220 Lifespan Development

      Class Description

      This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ANT 221
      Course Title

      ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other 21MD-MOA courses instead of HWP 240. Students can also choose other General Education courses instead of SOC 121 or ANT 221.

Total Credit Hours

65

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



Female student taking notes in class

Medical Assisting at CLC

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