Medical Assistant Degree Information

Medical assistants serve with medical doctors in their offices or other medical settings, performing administrative and/or clinical duties. The medical assistant curriculum is a two-year associate of science degree program. This program offers the student a broad foundation in basic medical assisting skills, including a period of practical experience in a medical facility working under the supervision of clinic personnel and the Medical Assistant Program Director.  Basic medical assistant training and education consist of learning experiences in communication skills, examination room procedures, clinical laboratory skills, and general office practices.

Admission to the second year of the program is on a competitive basis and is limited to twelve students each year. Students must make at least a "C" in each of the professional courses. A student is eligible for admission to the second year of study upon completion of all prerequisites with an overall grade point average of at least a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale; presentation of evidence of good health; and satisfactory completion of a personal interview with the program director. If more than twelve students qualify for the second year of the program, they will be ranked by cumulative grade point average. Those not admitted in the first round of selection will be placed on a ranked waiting list.

Students enrolled in AHS 2034, AHS 2044, and AHS 2055 are required to carry malpractice liability insurance. A group insurance policy is arranged by the program director, but the premiums are paid by the student and are not included in the tuition and fees paid to the University. 

The Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org), upon recommendation of the Curriculum Review board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Students who successfully complete the associate degree program for medical assistant will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination.