Medical Assistant Certificate

CONTACT

Wendi Tatro, 413.552.2236, wtatro@hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program prepares students to become medical assistants and be ready for employment in hospitals, health centers, health clinics, HMO’s, and physicians’ offices. Upon successful completion of the medical assisting registry exam, as administered by the American Medical Technologists, the student will become a registered medical assistant (RMA).

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

maintain electronic health records for patient data, reimbursement, claims submission, and payment
perform basic phlebotomy techniques
perform many front desk functions in a provider’s office
describe the major organ systems and pathological conditions that affect the human body
perform electrocardiography procedures
describe the major drug classifications regarding indications and mechanisms of action, and potential for drug-drug or drug-food interactions
obtain patient history and vital signs
prepare the patient for examination

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 29 CREDITS

HMC 103 - Introduction to Healthcare Management Careers Credit(s): 2
HMC 104 - Health Insurance Reimbursement and Computerized Billing Credit(s): 4
HMC 107 - Human Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease Processes Credit(s): 4 ¹
HTH 114 - Medical Terminology Credit(s): 3
HTH 220 - Medical Law and Ethics Credit(s): 3
MEA 108 - Clinical Skills II-Phlebotomy Credit(s): 1 ²
MEA 110 - Introduction to Medical Assisting Credit(s): 2
MEA 125 - Clinical Skills I - Electrocardiography Credit(s): 1 ²
MEA 150 - Introduction to Drug Therapy Credit(s): 2
MEA 210 - Clinical Skills III - Clinical Techniques Credit(s): 3 ²
MEA 225 - Career Development Credit(s): 4 ³

TOTAL: 29 CREDITS

NOTES

¹Students who have completed BIO 111 or BIO 217 -BIO 218 with a C or better within the last seven years do not need to take HMC 107 .

²Uniforms will be required for the following courses: MEA 108 , MEA 125 , MEA 210 ,

³MEA 225 is the last course to be taken for the program.

Drug Screening Policy

Several health care facilities affiliated with the College’s Health Sciences Division are now requiring that students have a negative drug screen prior to beginning clinical/externship experiences in their facility. In addition, a clinical/externship facility may require the student to submit and pass random drug screening analysis in order to remain at that facility. Therefore, passing a drug screen will now be considered an essential function for all students participating in the Health Division programs. If a student fails drug screening, retesting occurs within 24 hours of notification of results. Failure to pass a drug screen or refusal to submit to screening will make the student ineligible for clinical placement. Failure and/or refusal of drug screenings are grounds for immediate removal from the Health Division program. Students will be provided with the drug screen procedure during the orientation process. The Work Connection at Holyoke Medical Center has been selected as the Division of Health’s exclusive laboratory for student drug testing.

Acceptance to the Medical Assistant Certificate Program will be on a selective basis.

Fall acceptance only
Eligibility for ENG 101
Prospective students must file an application with the Admissions office.

Once accepted to the program, students are required to attend the Medical Assistant Orientation in late August (date TBD).

This program is offered evenings and online only, with the exception of the MEA 225 course.
Clinical Externships (MEA 225) range from 25-40 hours per week (160 total) in facilities with primarily daytime hours. Students need to be available during summer session to complete this externship experience.
Medical Assistant students must achieve a C or better in all required courses to graduate from the Medical Assistant program.
Students are required to have updated physical and immunizations prior to registering for fall classes.
Students must complete a CORI/SORI screening.
Additional course fees may apply

(M010)