Medical Assisting (A.A.S.)

About the Degree
Career Information
General Education Requirements
Program Requirements  

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Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical duties in a healthcare practice and report directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. The medical assistant is a vital liaison between the doctor and patient, playing an important role in diagnosis and treatment. Upon completion of the Medical Assisting program, you will be eligible to complete the American Medical Technologists Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) examination and will be prepared for immediate employment in the field of healthcare in hospitals, community health centers, outpatient facilities, and ambulatory healthcare services.

 

For more program information, consult the Medical Assisting Handbook 18-19 .

You will be required to pass a criminal background check before enrolling in the Administrative Medical Assisting  or Clinical Medical Assisting  course, both of which are required to complete this degree. To start the process, go to: www.CastleBranch.com. Click on “Place Order” and enter package code: CQ01. You will then be directed to set up your CastleBranch account. The cost to you is $57.00 and is payable directly to CastleBranch online. These records are confidential.

Important Immunization Information

Allied health program students are required by the State of Vermont to provide documentation of immunizations.
Immunization Letter  

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Medical Assisting program will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of basic anatomy, physiology, and disease processes of the human body as it relates to patient medical history;
• prepare examination room and patient for physical examination using proper procedures for taking vital signs and preventing infection by using aseptic techniques;
• employ a basic knowledge of law and ethics as they pertain to the medical office;
• perform basic medical office functions including patient scheduling, insurance and reimbursement procedures, basic coding, accounting, and bookkeeping;
• complete the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) examination with a passing score;
• demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates, including competency in writing, information literacy, oral communication, quantitative reasoning; and
• explore pathways for educational and career development in the student’s field of study.

The Medical Assisting program is great for you if: 

• you are interested in a healthcare career;
• you enjoy working directly with patients and families;
• you enjoy being part of an integrated team of healthcare professionals;
• you are detail oriented and organized;
• you have good computer, math, science, reading, writing, and communication skills;
• you benefit from hands-on and applied learning activities; and
• you enjoy being part of a fast-paced work environment with diverse administrative and clinical responsibilities.

Key information and advice for students in the Medical Assisting program:

• The Medical Assisting curriculum helps students develop key skills for performing both clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare settings.
• The two required Medical Assisting internships give students hands-on workplace experience and an opportunity to make connections with local healthcare facilities and employers.
• Students must complete a criminal background check in order to enroll in the Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting courses. Students who have a misdemeanor charge involving theft, abuse, or drugs or any felony conviction may be prevented from participating in some of the required courses for the Medical Assisting program.
• A felony conviction may prevent employment in a medical assisting job. Some healthcare providers will accept a misdemeanor conviction not involving theft, abuse, or drugs. Students should check with the agency with which they want to work for its policy on prior convictions.
• Required courses for the Medical Assisting degree are offered at select CCV academic centers throughout the state and in online and hybrid formats. Students may choose to complete a majority of their courses online.

The Medical Assisting program prepares you for careers such as:

• Medical Assistant in Physicians’ Offices
• Medical Assistant in Ambulatory Care Centers
• Medical Assistant in Community Health Centers
• Medical Assistant in Long Term Care Facilities
• Medical Assistant in Hospitals

Job outlook in Medical Assisting in the state of Vermont:

Title	Median Salary	Projected Growth (10 Yrs)
Medical Assistant	$31,000	23%
Healthcare Support Worker	$28,410	11%
Healthcare Practitioner	$40,430	8%

Source: Vermont Department of Labor, http://www.vtlmi.info/oic.cfm

Transfer Options

The Vermont State Colleges System’s (VSCS) Direct Admissions program gives CCV students guaranteed transfer admission to Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, or Vermont Tech. Direct Admissions students follow course maps that ensure classes taken apply to both their bachelor and CCV associate degree, saving them time and money.

CCV also has transfer agreements with 4-year colleges and universities throughout Vermont. Visit our transfer page for additional information and to view all of our transfer maps on one Excel spreadsheet.