Olympic College offers an expanded curriculum that prepares students for employment in ambulatory healthcare settings to assist the physician and/ or other health care professionals. This degree program is designed to qualify medical assistants for supervisory and/or management roles that require an associate degree, and to allow an opportunity for those who wish to continue their education and earn an advanced degree. To earn this degree, students must also successfully complete the Medical Assisting (CS)
The 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. Completion of MEDA151, trigger course, with a 2.5 or higher indicates acceptance into the Medical Assisting program. To obtain a 2.5 or higher, all clinical documentation must be completed prior to the end of the course unless otherwise arranged with the Program Director.
The student must complete all required courses with a minimum grade of 2.5 in each MEDA 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 except for MEDA123, MEDA136, MEDA137, MEDA168, MEDA208, and MEDA209 which all must be taken in the academic year leading up to practicum externship placement.
If any psychomotor or affective competencies are assessed prior to MEDA151, the student must enroll in an independent study to have those psychomotor and affective competencies re-evaluated to meet accreditation standards.
Students entering the MEDA program are required to take a placement test for reading, writing, and mathematics readiness. Before enrolling in MEDA151, trigger course, students must place into English 101, or alternatively, complete ENGL 099 with a 2.0 or higher or ENGL091 with a 3.3 or higher. Students are also required to place into Math 099, or alternatively complete MATH 094 with a grade of 2.0 or higher. Prior to registration for the clinical lab classes, students will need to submit clinical documentation required.
Clinical Documentation Requirements include:
- Proof of typing proficiency of 30 wpm with 90% accuracy test at the Olympic College Career Center.
- Proof of up-to-date immunization status including, Varicella, Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis, Measles, Mumps & Rubell, Hepatitis B, COVID and Influenza.
- Medical Assisting Student Handbook forms
- Criminal History Information Background Check. **A student who cannot participate in patient care delivery in clinical settings during practicum externship based on a positive background inquiry check will not be able to successfully complete the program.**
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
- Vaccinations and or titers (blood draws) as needed to meet clinical documenation requirements.
- Criminal History Information Background Check
- Cost of malpractice and liability insurance coverage
- Cost of healthcare insurance coverage for the duration of the Program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate clinical skills appropriate for an ambulatory healthcare setting.
- Demonstrate administrative skills appropriate for an ambulatory healthcare setting.
- Apply oral and written communication skills as they relate to a medical office environment.
- Utilize computer software to research, enter, or organize data for medical information systems.
- Examine medical office situations from multiple perspectives to find appropriate solutions.
- Recognize the impact of cultural differences in the care of patients and the interaction with the healthcare team.
- Prepare for entry into the allied health workforce as an entry-level Medical Assistant.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to qualify for a supervisory role in the healthcare setting.
