MyCerritos
HEALTH OCCUPATIONS DIVISION
MEDICAL ASSISTANT – 911
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Length and Kind of Program
Several options are available to those interested in working in the Ambulatory Care environment:
1. Medical Assistant Certificate of Achievement
This Medical Assistant program may be completed in two semesters when started with the Fall semester. The focus is on both front office (administrative) and back office (clinical) responsibilities. The medical assistant program culminates in a clinical lab experience completed through an internship or occupational work experience.
2. Medical Assistant Associate in Arts Degree
The student must complete the requirements for a Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting. In addition, the student must take A&P 120, electives, and general education requirements to achieve a minimum of 60 units. The length of time to complete this depends on the student’s curriculum load.
Full time students can complete this program in two semesters (8 months) when starting with the fall semester. Discussion with the department chair regarding questions on course selection is encouraged. Course selection for a full time Fall student is recommended as follows:
Fall: MA 60, MA 161, MA 62, MA 62B, MA 64, HO 53, HO 54, HO 55, HO 150 (elective).
Spring: MA 66, MA 67, MA 68 or MA 73 or MA 74, Either HO 151 or HO 152 OR
Full time students starting in the Spring semester are advised to consult with the program chairperson regarding course selection(s).
The program is designed to help meet the needs of the part-time student as well. Course selection in numeral order is advised. Again, consult with the program chair regarding specific course selection questions. Some classes are offered in specific semesters and efficient planning is necessary.
Program Requirements
Academic Requirement
The student may obtain a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate in Arts in Medical Assisting. The student must achieve a grade of “C” or better in required medical assisting and general education course work. (Twelve units of the Medical Assistant program must have been taken within the last five (5) years.) MA 67 and MA 68 have prerequisite courses, which must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Expenses
A. See the college catalog for enrollment fees
B. The student may expect to spend approximately $600 for books, equipment (including watch with a second hand), and uniforms. Health screening will be at the student’s expense. This may include but not limited to immunizations and CPR/First Aid certification completed at private agencies. Students are responsible for their own living accommodations, uniform laundry, and transportation to selected clinics.
Health
Employment in this field requires good vision, hearing, and the ability to communicate verbally, nonverbally and through written word. In addition, students must have the ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate patients’ charts in order to provide appropriate treatment. Students must be able to record in the patients’ charts and have the manual dexterity to use small instruments to provide patient care. The student must be able to work as a team player and demonstrate efficient customer service skills.
Internship and Occupational Work Experience
Health clearance requirements will vary depending on where clinical lab experiences will be completed (MA 68, MA 73, MA 74). To be placed in a health care facility where direct patient contact will occur (MA 68, MA 73, MA 74), the student must present evidence of compliance with facility health standards and current certification in CPR and First Aid training. The health standards will include, but are not limited to, T.B. testing and immunization. The Medical Assistant Program Record of Immunizations, Vaccination, and Test for (located in HS room 106) must be completed before the first class session and prior to placement in the health care facility. Health clearance, CPR and First Aid requirements must be valid for the duration of the clinical affiliation. Student placements are predominately during the day hours.
CPR certification is also required for HO 53. It may be obtained through American Heart Association Health Care Provider training (industry preferred). American Red Cross Professional Rescuer training or concurrent enrollment in HO 150 (Fall semester only). Standard First Aid training is available through the American Red Cross.
Criminal Background Check
Clearance of a criminal background check may be required prior to internship/work experience placement. Students who do not clear agency requirements are not eligible for clinical placement and will, consequently, be ineligible to continue in the course. If there is any concern regarding clearance of a criminal background check, please contact the Health Occupations Division for additional information.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT - 911
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
MEDICAL ASSISTING Course
Description
Units
MA 60 Introduction to Medican Assisting 2.0
MA 62A Insurance and Billing 1.5
MA 62B ICD-9 and CPT Coding 1.5
MA 64 Medical Office Assisting 3.0
MA66 Medications and Specialties 3.0
MA 67 Medical Office Administration 3.0
*MA 68 Medical Assisting Internship Experience 4.0
*MA 73 Medical Assisting Occupational Work Experience (3.0)
*MA 74 Medical Assisting Occupational Work Experience (4.0)
MA 161 Medical Terminology 3.0
HEALTH OCCUPATIONS HO53 Electrocardiography 1.0
HO 54 Medical Laboratory Skills 1.0
HO 55 Phlebotomy Procedures 1.0
PSYCHOLOGY ELECTIVES (Choose only one of the following) Total Certificate Requirement 30 (29)
*Students may select one of these options to complete the medical assisting internship requirement. Only one option can be selected and the course may not be repeated more than one time.
Students not currently employed in a medical office enroll in MA 68. Students, who are currently employed in a medical office up to 19 hours per week, enroll in MA 73. Students, who are currently employed in a medical office more than 20 hours per week, enroll in MA 67.
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS DEGREE REQUIREMENT:
For an Associate in Arts degree, a student must meet the requirements for a Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting. The student must also take A&P 120, electives and general education requirement to achieve a minimum of 60 units. See the
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Upon completion of the program, employment is available as a medical assistant, in a variety of settings: office clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions. Lob duties can entail front office (administrative) duties such as receptionist and insurance clerk to back office (clinical) duties such as assisting the provider of care or lab duties