Medical Assisting (CS)

This Certificate of Specialization program prepares students for employment in ambulatory medical settings, assisting physicians and /or other healthcare professionals in the examination and treatment of patients in accordance with state laws. Graduates are also taught to perform administrative duties commonly required in healthcare facilities. Students planning to enroll in MEDA 210  and MEDA 211  must receive instructor permission and submit an Application for Work Experience the quarter preceding enrollment. The student must have completed all required courses with a minimum grade of 2.5 in each MEDA course (2.0 in CIS course) to qualify for practicum placement. Further, all required courses must be taken within the previous three years to register for MEDA 210  and MEDA 211 .

Program Prerequisites

Students entering the MEDA program are required to take a placement test for reading, writing, and mathematics readiness. Before submitting the application packet and starting the clinical program classes, students must place into English 101, or alternatively, complete ENGL 099 /101 with a 2.0 or higher (099 credits are acceptable). Students are also required to place into Math 099, or alternatively complete MATH 094  with a grade of 2.0 or higher. Students are also required to show proof of typing proficiency of 30 wpm with 90% accuracy to enter the MEDA program. Prior to registration for the clinical classes students will need to submit a completed application packet.

Requirements include:

• Proof of up-to-date immunization status with at least the initial injection of the Hepatitis B series and TB testing within one year.
• The completed application for the MEDA program.
• Signed Statement of Responsibility.
• Signed Confidentiality Statement.
• Copies of placement test scores and/or transcripts to verify appropriate placement for Math and English.
• Any applicable course transcripts needed for consideration for transfer students.
• All students will be required to request a Criminal History Information Background Check. A student who cannot participate in patient care delivery in clinical settings during practicum based on a positive background inquiry check will not be able to successfully complete the program.
• Additional requirements including yearly influenza vaccines may be compelled by certain practicum sites.

Students will not be allowed to participate in the clinical classes in the program (MEDA 136 , MEDA 168 , MEDA 137 , and MEDA 113 ) without submission of a complete application packet. The deadline for application is December 1st, or whenever the clinical MEDA classes are filled with qualified students. Students will be provided with application materials when enrolled in the MEDA 151  course.

Additional cost: Students will incur the same fees as other Olympic College students, plus:

• Computer lab and clinical lab fees
• Purchase of scrubs and appropriate shoes
• Purchase of wristwatch with sweep second hand
• Purchase of a stethoscope
• Vaccinations as needed to meet program requirements
• Cost of Criminal History Information Background Check
• National exam practice testing fee
• Cost of malpractice and liability insurance coverage
• Cost of healthcare insurance coverage prior to practicum placement

Program Learning Outcomes. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Perform clinical skills appropriate for an ambulatory healthcare setting.
2. Effectively use oral and written communication skills as they relate to a medical office environment.
3. Use computer software to research, enter, or organize data for medical information systems.
4. Critically evaluate medical office situations from multiple perspectives to find appropriate solutions.
5. Recognize and be able to respond to medical office emergencies within scope of training.
6. Perform administrative skills appropriate for an ambulatory healthcare setting.
7. Competently perform entry-level skills in the in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains as presented in the Medical Assisting curriculum.
8. Recognize the impact of cultural differences in the care of patients and the interaction with co-workers.
9. Demonstrate the ability to perform front office tasks such as appointment scheduling, telephone work, and documentation of charges and payments.