Medical Assisting

Medical Assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to work in ambulatory settings performing administrative and clinical duties. The practice of medical assisting directly influences the public's health and well-being, and requires mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession.

The Medical Assisting program is a selective program (varies by campus). When you apply to the college, you will be accepted into the undeclared program while you complete the prerequisite requirements. The Medical Assisting program accepts a limited number of students each year and there is a separate application process. Contact your campus of interest below for more details.

The Medical Assisting Associate of Applied Science and/or Medical Assisting Generalist Technical Certificate for Ivy Tech Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
727- 210-2350

Only graduates of the AAS and Generalist-TC are eligible to take the national exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).The American Association of Medical Assistants Certifying Board (AAMA CB) awards the CMA credential after successful completion of the exam. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits medical assisting programs.

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SAMPLE CAREERS IN THIS FIELD
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Medical Assistant, Insurance Specialist, Medical Transcriptionist

DEGREES AVAILABLE
Associate of Applied Science, Technical Certificate. NOTE: The number of credits required for a degree or certification is based on students who are program-ready and does not include non-academic skills courses. Availability of degrees varies by campus. Contact your campus of interest below for more information.

MEDICAL ASSISTING TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE

The Technical Certificate in Medical Assisting can be earned on the way to acquiring the Associate of Applied Science degree. Many available jobs require advanced education beyond the high school diploma. Technical Certificate programs provide education in conceptual and technical skills for specific occupations. The program content is designed to develop competency in the comprehension of general and technical skills. Certificate programs require mastery of basic reading, writing, mathematical and quantitative skills.

Technical Certificate Area of Emphasis:

Generalist
(Minimum of 45 credit hours)
Program and Employment Information

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN MEDICAL ASSISTING
(Minimum of 60 credit hours)

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs are two-year programs that prepare students for careers, career changes and career advancement. Students who need to take longer to complete the degree because of job or family obligations can take the program over a longer period of time. AAS programs may also prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. These programs offer education in recognized technical areas and specialties with emphasis on analysis, synthesis and evaluation. The program content, which is approximately 30% general education and 70% professional/technical, provides depth and breadth in conceptual and professional/technical skills. The general education courses equip students with the problem solving, communications, scientific and mathematical skills to compete successfully in the job market. Professional/technical courses equip students with the skills to obtain employment and to advance in the workforce.