Medical Assisting Diploma
Program Description (Major Code: MA22)
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).
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
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)
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.
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.
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 sites. For additional information, contact the program director.
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
Course Overview
*Please use current course overview*
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)
Course Outline
Curriculum
General Education Courses (9 Credits)
Occupational Courses (45 Credits)
Total Credit Hours: 54
Minimum Program Length in Semester Terms: 5 Credits
Estimated Program Cost: $7,810