Program Description
The Medical Assisting Program will assist individuals with developing the necessary skills needed to perform clinical and administrative duties in clinics, urgent care facilities, and other clinical settings. The program is designed to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. As a student, you will participate in completing 270 hours, of unpaid clinical externship under the direct supervision of a physician, clinical evaluator or preceptor. Upon graduation, you are eligible to take any of the certification exams with the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Medical Technologist (AMT) and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
We are pleased to announce that based on the 2019 annual Report submitted to MAERB and CAAHEP, the data recorded from 2017 for the Medical Assisting program at Atlanta Technical College is as follows: 84.6% passage rate on the NCMA and CMA exam. This information exceeds MAERB’s established threshold of 30%.
Medical Assistants have an impact on the public’s well-being which requires the knowledge, skills and both education and training for this profession.
- Medical assistants typically complete the following tasks:
- Complete patient history and measure vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature)
- Assist the physician with patient exams and/or minor office surgeries
- Give patient injections as directed
- Draw blood and prepare laboratory tests
- Schedule patient appointments
- Complete insurance forms
- Graduates of the program receive a Medical Assisting diploma
The Atlanta Technical College Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763 727-210-2350 www.caahep.org
Licensure/Certification
Upon completion of the program, students may register to take the (RMA) Registered Medical Assistant (American Medical Technologist, AMT) and the (NCMA) National Certified Medical Assistant (National Center for Competency Testing, NCCT)
Note: A felony conviction may disqualify a student from sitting for the exam.
Externship
As a student, you will participate in a completing 270 clinical/extern/practicum hours, unpaid clinical externship under the direct supervision of a physician, clinical evaluator or preceptor. Students cannot receive pay for the hours worked during this time. Students must be able to adhere to the externship site schedule; students will be evaluated by the site preceptor. The student will also maintain weekly timesheets. Students are responsible for transportation to and from the site.
Special Requirements for Program/Extern Sites
- CPR certification
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Drug Screening
- Criminal Background Check
- Physical Exam
- TB testing
- Immunizations
Note: These expenses are not included with tuition.
Career Information
Occupation
Medical Assistants
Career Projections
The number of jobs in this field is expected to increase by 27.7% nationally and 38.5% in the State of Georgia over the next several years. Estimated salaries in this field start at $40,000 a year.
Labor market data was compiled using Economic Modeling Specialists, international and is updated annually.
Career Coach
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Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Medical Assisting program are prepared for employment in physicians' offices, urgent care centers, and other health care facilities.
NOTE: A felony conviction may limit employment opportunities.
Salary Potential
Median Pay: $13.76 per hour (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Admission Requirements
General College Admissions Requirements
Program Entrance Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Completion of high school diploma or GED
- Submission of official transcripts.
- Achievement of minimum program admission scores in Reading, English, and Math.
- Transfer of previous post-secondary credits will be determined by the Office of Enrollment Services.
Program Admission Requirements
Note: Availability is limited; students must have completed two semesters of coursework (GPA 2.5) at ATC. Transfer students will be considered upon availability
Graduation Requirements
- G.P.A. 2.0 or better must be maintained.
- Completion of all required courses with a “C” or better.
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA); National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Blood and Airborne Pathogens
Students enrolled in Category I and II programs at Atlanta Technical College will be performing tasks in which there is a normal occurrence for exposure to blood, other potentially infectious body materials, and airborne pathogens.
These tasks will be performed in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities for each occupational training program/course. Students will be required to present documentation of Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis immunizations as a result of potential occupational exposure. Students should contact their program directors for more information. Policies and procedures regarding blood and airborne pathogens may be reviewed at https://tcsg.edu/tcsgpolicy/tcsg_policy_manual.pdf.
Program Contact Information
Judith F. Jones
Medical Assistant/Phlebotomy Coordinator
jjones2@atlantatech.edu
404-225-4574
H218G
Crystal Miller
Medical Assistant Instructor
cmiller@atlantatech.edu
404-225-4668
H218F
Program Length and Cost
Minimum Program Length in Semester Terms:5 terms
Credit Hours: 54
Estimated Program Cost: $7,810
Program Additional Fees (These costs are estimated and are subject to change.)
- AMS Program Uniforms: $20.00 set
- Books & Supplies: $1000.00
- CPR card: $7.00
- Liability Insurance: $10.50
- Certification Exam: $90.00; National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA); National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Other additional fees that the student will be responsible for are: Physical exam, dental screening, TB testing, immunizations, criminal background check, drug screening, uniforms, and others that are deemed necessary.
Course Outline
General Education Courses (9 Credits)
Occupational Courses (45 Credits)
Total Credit Hours: 54
Program Outcomes
1. The graduate will be able to attain administrative medical office knowledge and skills.
2. The graduate will be able to attain clinical medical office knowledge and skills.
3. The graduate will be able to become a competent member of the medical office healthcare team.