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Term Effective:
Fall 2006
The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.
Description:
The Medical Assisting: Clinical Certificate of Achievement prepares students for work in physicians' offices, medical clinics, hospital outpatient clinics, health agencies, and educational institutions. Students completing the program will be eligible to take the California Examination for Certified Medical Assistants. This program provides training in clinical (back office) skills.
The duties of a medical assistant vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the physician's specialty. In small practices, medical assistants are usually generalists, handling both clerical and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager or physician. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators.
Clinical Medical Assistants duties vary according to state law and according to the size and specialty of the medical practice. These duties include preparing clients for examinations, taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, explaining treatment procedures to clients, and assisting during examinations. Clinical Medical Assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens and perform basic laboratory tests. They instruct clients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, remove sutures and change dressings. They may also arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean. Some Clinical Medical Assistants may specialize; for example, there are podiatric and opthalmic medical assistants, among others.
The employment outlook is very good. Job titles include clinical medical assistant in medical offices, clinics or hospital outpatient departments, or work as a hospital unit secretary.
Students interested in the order for taking classes in this program, can view the recommended course sequence. Click here for supplemental information about the program, and contact the Health Sciences Department for more information.
This program of study is also available as an Associate degree major option.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate ability to perform clinical tasks such as taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, explaining treatment procedures to clients, preparing clients for examinations, and assisting during examinations;
- collect and prepare laboratory specimens and perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments;
- present in an instructional manner information about medication and special diets;
- demonstrate ability to perform other clinical tasks such as preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician, authorizing drug refills as directed, telephoning prescriptions to a pharmacy, drawing blood, preparing clients for x-rays, taking EKG's, removing sutures and changing dressings; and
- arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.
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