Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting
Medical assisting is an allied health profession where practitioners function as members of the health-care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. Administrative duties may include scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, performing administrative procedures and medical transcription, handling telephone calls and writing correspondence, serving as a liaison between the physician (including telephone screening) and other individuals, and managing practice finances. Clinical duties may include asepsis and infection control, taking patient histories and vital signs, performing first aid and CPR, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests, and preparing and administering medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law.
The Associate in Applied Science Degree Program in Medical Assisting offered at Forrest College in Anderson SC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board.
Upon successful completion of the program graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination for Certified Medical Assistants.
Click here for certification options.
Upon graduation the student is awarded the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting.
|
Area I – Business Component |
Quarter Hours |
|
| BUS125 | Basic Letter and Memo Writing, or Approved Elective | 3.0 |
| CIS100 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| CIS125 | Internet Basics | 1.5 |
| KEY105 | Keyboarding Speed & Skill Development | 3.0 |
| OFF100 | Bookkeeping | 1.5 |
| OFF135M | Machine Dictation Transcription, or approved Elective | 3.0 |
|
Component Total |
15.0 |
|
|
Area II – Major Component |
||
| *HEA110 | Medical Terminology | 3.0 |
| *HEA135 | First Aid and Safety | 3.0 |
| *HEA150 | Introduction to Medical Assisting | 3.0 |
| *HEA160 | Medical Office Management | 3.0 |
| *HEA165 | Medical Office Procedures, or approved elective | 3.0 |
| *HEA170 | Clinical Procedures I | 3.0 |
| *HEA175 | Clinical Procedures II | 3.0 |
| *HEA180 | Medical Laboratory Techniques I | 3.0 |
| *HEA185 | Medical Laboratory Techniques II | 3.0 |
| *HEA190 | Medical Coding & Insurance Processing | 3.0 |
| *HEA201 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 3.0 |
| *HEA285C | Supervised Field Experience-Clinical | 3.0 |
| *HEA285A | Supervised Field Experience-Administrative | 3.0 |
| *SCI220 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4.5 |
| *SCI225 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4.5 |
| *SOC110 | Ethics | 4.5 |
|
Component Total |
52.5 | |
|
Area III – General Education Component |
||
| *ENG120 | English Composition I | 4.5 |
| *ENG125 | Professional Communications | 4.5 |
| *ENG200 | English Composition II | 4.5 |
| SCI120 | Principles of College Mathematics | 4.5 |
| SOC125 | Principles of Psychology | 4.5 |
|
Component Total |
22.5 | |
| Area IV – Elective Component | ||
| (Courses are selected with the consultation of an advisor) | ||
|
Component Total |
4.5 | |
|
Minimum Total Quarter Hours Required For Graduation |
94.5 | |
*This course is a major program area course. A grade of “C” of better is required in order to satisfy graduation.
Applicants must have completed a physical examination indicating good physical health prior to beginning HEA285A or C. The test must include TB screening, Hepatitis B Panel, and RPR. Hepatitis B Inoculation is strongly encouraged if results from the Hepatitis B panel are negative.
Notice regarding prior felony conviction(s): The state and various other agencies may require criminal background checks before a student can be placed in an externship or take professional licensing, certification, or registration exams. Those convicted of felonies may not be eligible for employment in medical assisting occupations. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire about employment eligibility requirements before enrolling in the program. Forrest College is not responsible in this regard.