Medical Assistant Training

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Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants are trained allied health care workers who perform routine tasks and procedures to support the work of physicians and other health care professionals.

Learn how you can become a Medical Assistant and start working alongside physicians, registered nurses and other health care professionals in a clinic, physicians’ office or other health care facilities. Our school and extensive Medical Assistant training programs can help you gain the skills you need to succeed as a Medical Assistant.

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant Overview

Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians, registered nurses and other health care professionals in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and other health care facilities.

Medical Assistants routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:

Scheduling patient appointments.
Measuring patients’ vital signs.
Administering medications and injections.
Maintaining and recording patient medical information.
Preparing and handling medical instruments and supplies.
Collecting and preparing specimens for laboratory testing.
Other important health care tasks.

The Medical Assistant program at North-West College provides students with the health care knowledge, training and certification required to begin working in a health care or medical office, including medical clinics, doctors’ offices, HMOs, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and other health care facilities.

This program is offered at our California (CA) campuses in Anaheim, Bakersfield, Glendale, Long Beach, Pomona, Riverside, San Diego, Van Nuys, and West Covina. New classes are enrolling now!

* North-West College cannot guarantee employment.

Proudly accredited, licensed to operate and/or recognized by the following institutions: Accredited by ABHES at San Diego

Attend Classes at a California (CA) Campus Near You!

The Medical Assistant program is available at the following campuses:

Meet a Graduate

Questions?

Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at 1-888-408-4211. Classes are starting soon!

Medical Assistant Careers & Work Environment

The Medical Assistant program at North-West College provides the education and training needed to begin a career working in a variety of medical and health care facilities.

Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:

Clinics
Physicians’ offices
Research facilities
Hospitals
HMOs
Public health organizations
And other health care related facilities.

Quick Facts about Medical Assistants*

Employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 23 percent nationally from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Medical Assistants work mostly in primary care, a steadily growing sector of the health care industry.
Physicians are expected to hire more Medical Assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients as their practices expand.
Most Medical Assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other health care facilities. In 2014, more than half of all Medical Assistants worked in physicians’ offices.
Most Medical Assistants work full time. Some work evenings, weekends, or holidays to cover shifts in medical facilities that are always open.

*Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm More information, including median wages and the job outlook for Medical Assistants in California can be found in the California Occupational Guide published by the State of California Employment Development Department. For the latest national information, please visit U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Medical Assistant Course Material

The Medical Assistant program is divided into eight class course modules plus a 144-hour clinical externship where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in an actual health care practice setting. After successful completion of the Medical Assistant program, the graduate will be qualified to work in doctor’s offices, general medical clinics or urgent care clinics. The student will be able to perform the duties required for examinations, use diagnostic equipment, perform laboratory duties, and function in all phases of the business office, including having a working knowledge of data input on the computer. Graduates will be qualified to accept entry-level or middle-level positions.

Seminar for Success

Orientation and success building course for Career Students. Review of basic math, language, vocabulary, and writing skills. Introduction to core career classes, availability of community resources, outlining, summarizing, managing credit, and other life skills.

Medical Insurance and Coding (Secretarial II)

Medical Terminology, Transcribing, Trade and Generic Medications, The Endocrine System, Making Appointments, Medical Ethics & Law, Insurance Terminology, CPT Coding, ICD-9 CM Coding, Insurance Billing (CMA-1500) for: Private Insurance, Medicare, Medi-Cal, SDI, & Worker’s Compensation

Communications/Computers

Résumé, Cover Letters, Telephone Techniques, Rapport with Patients & Fellow Team Members, Introduction to Computers, Word, Excel, Medi-Soft, Processing Electronic Insurance Claims, & Creating Professional Quality Résumés

Office Procedures I

Medical Terminology, Medications (Administration and Dosage), Pharmacology, Use of the PDR, Metric System, Medication Conversions, Vital Signs, Injections, Physical Therapy Modalities, The Muscular, Respiratory, & Integumentary Systems

Office Procedures II

Medical Terminology, Instruments, Instrument Tray Set-ups Positioning Patients for Exams, First Aid/Bandaging, Aseptic Techniques, Autoclaving/Sterilization, Nutrition, Child Development, The Reproductive and Digestive Systems

Lab and EKG

Medical Terminology, Venipuncture, Hematocrits, Differential Slides: Staining & Viewing, Urinalysis, Basic Prep for X-Ray Exams, Taking and Mounting EKG’s, Communicable Diseases, Classification of Bacteria, The Excretory, Skeletal, Lymphatic, & Cardiovascular Systems

Career Seminar

Internship Workshop, Career Readiness Workshops, New Student Orientation, and CPR Certification

Career Seminar

Internship Workshop, Career Readiness Workshops, New Student Orientation, and CPR Certification.

Clinical Internship

Internship to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in an actual practice setting

Medical Assistant Course Activities

Graduates of the Medical Assistant program routinely find entry-level positions working in health care offices and facilities, including private medical offices, clinics, hospitals, public health organizations, and other health care related organizations.

Medical Assistants typically perform the following tasks:

Scheduling patient appointments
Preparing patients for exams
Recording patient history and personal information
Measuring vital signs, such as blood pressure
Assisting physicians with patient examinations
Prepping instruments for doctors
Giving patients injections or medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law
Preparing patient samples for laboratory tests
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Medical Assistant Overview

Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians, registered nurses and other health care professionals in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and other health care facilities.

Medical Assistants routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:

Scheduling patient appointments.
Measuring patients’ vital signs.
Administering medications and injections.
Maintaining and recording patient medical information.
Preparing and handling medical instruments and supplies.
Collecting and preparing specimens for laboratory testing.
Other important health care tasks.

The Medical Assistant program at North-West College provides students with the health care knowledge, training and certification required to begin working in a health care or medical office, including medical clinics, doctors’ offices, HMOs, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and other health care facilities.

This program is offered at our California (CA) campuses in Anaheim, Bakersfield, Glendale, Long Beach, Pomona, Riverside, San Diego, Van Nuys, and West Covina. New classes are enrolling now!

* North-West College cannot guarantee employment.

Proudly accredited, licensed to operate and/or recognized by the following institutions: Accredited by ABHES at San Diego

Attend Classes at a California (CA) Campus Near You!

The Medical Assistant program is available at the following campuses:

Meet a Graduate

Questions?

Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at 1-888-408-4211. Classes are starting soon!

Medical Assistant Careers & Work Environment

The Medical Assistant program at North-West College provides the education and training needed to begin a career working in a variety of medical and health care facilities.

Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:

Clinics
Physicians’ offices
Research facilities
Hospitals
HMOs
Public health organizations
And other health care related facilities.

Quick Facts about Medical Assistants*

Employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 23 percent nationally from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Medical Assistants work mostly in primary care, a steadily growing sector of the health care industry.
Physicians are expected to hire more Medical Assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients as their practices expand.
Most Medical Assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other health care facilities. In 2014, more than half of all Medical Assistants worked in physicians’ offices.
Most Medical Assistants work full time. Some work evenings, weekends, or holidays to cover shifts in medical facilities that are always open.

*Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm More information, including median wages and the job outlook for Medical Assistants in California can be found in the California Occupational Guide published by the State of California Employment Development Department. For the latest national information, please visit U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Medical Assistant Course Material

The Medical Assistant program is divided into eight class course modules plus a 144-hour clinical externship where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in an actual health care practice setting. After successful completion of the Medical Assistant program, the graduate will be qualified to work in doctor’s offices, general medical clinics or urgent care clinics. The student will be able to perform the duties required for examinations, use diagnostic equipment, perform laboratory duties, and function in all phases of the business office, including having a working knowledge of data input on the computer. Graduates will be qualified to accept entry-level or middle-level positions.

Seminar for Success

Orientation and success building course for Career Students. Review of basic math, language, vocabulary, and writing skills. Introduction to core career classes, availability of community resources, outlining, summarizing, managing credit, and other life skills.

Medical Insurance and Coding (Secretarial II)

Medical Terminology, Transcribing, Trade and Generic Medications, The Endocrine System, Making Appointments, Medical Ethics & Law, Insurance Terminology, CPT Coding, ICD-9 CM Coding, Insurance Billing (CMA-1500) for: Private Insurance, Medicare, Medi-Cal, SDI, & Worker’s Compensation

Communications/Computers

Résumé, Cover Letters, Telephone Techniques, Rapport with Patients & Fellow Team Members, Introduction to Computers, Word, Excel, Medi-Soft, Processing Electronic Insurance Claims, & Creating Professional Quality Résumés

Office Procedures I

Medical Terminology, Medications (Administration and Dosage), Pharmacology, Use of the PDR, Metric System, Medication Conversions, Vital Signs, Injections, Physical Therapy Modalities, The Muscular, Respiratory, & Integumentary Systems

Office Procedures II

Medical Terminology, Instruments, Instrument Tray Set-ups Positioning Patients for Exams, First Aid/Bandaging, Aseptic Techniques, Autoclaving/Sterilization, Nutrition, Child Development, The Reproductive and Digestive Systems

Lab and EKG

Medical Terminology, Venipuncture, Hematocrits, Differential Slides: Staining & Viewing, Urinalysis, Basic Prep for X-Ray Exams, Taking and Mounting EKG’s, Communicable Diseases, Classification of Bacteria, The Excretory, Skeletal, Lymphatic, & Cardiovascular Systems

Career Seminar

Internship Workshop, Career Readiness Workshops, New Student Orientation, and CPR Certification

Career Seminar

Internship Workshop, Career Readiness Workshops, New Student Orientation, and CPR Certification.

Clinical Internship

Internship to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in an actual practice setting

Medical Assistant Course Activities

Graduates of the Medical Assistant program routinely find entry-level positions working in health care offices and facilities, including private medical offices, clinics, hospitals, public health organizations, and other health care related organizations.

Medical Assistants typically perform the following tasks:

Scheduling patient appointments
Preparing patients for exams
Recording patient history and personal information
Measuring vital signs, such as blood pressure
Assisting physicians with patient examinations
Prepping instruments for doctors
Giving patients injections or medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law
Preparing patient samples for laboratory tests

Medical Assistant Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you’ll find a list of commonly asked questions about the Medical Assistant Program at North-West College:

Medical Assistants (MAs) take on a wide variety of tasks depending on the office or clinic in which they work. Often, MAs are responsible for completing initial patient assessments. This might involve checking a patient’s blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, and temperature. Medical Assistants may also perform a physical exam and note the patient’s height and weight. In addition, doctors and nurses rely on Medical Assistants to gather a patient’s medical history, asking questions about their current and past conditions. Medical Assistants often draw blood when a doctor orders lab work. Other common job duties include maintaining patients’ files, scheduling appointments, assisting with forms, cleaning medical equipment, stocking exam rooms, and a host of other responsibilities.

Medical Assistants often work for physicians in a variety of settings, from medical offices and clinics to hospitals and other health care facilities.

While it is possible to get a job as a Medical Assistant with a high school diploma, more and more employers are looking for individuals with quality training from an accredited institution. Completing the Medical Assistant Program at North-West College would give you the skills and knowledge you need to hit the ground running in the World of Work in less than a year.

While Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in health care, the most desirable positions can be competitive. For this reason, many individuals are choosing to become certified as a Medical Assistant. This certification is the highest training a Medical Assistant can achieve and shows potential employers that the individual has the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as a Medical Assistant.

After completing a Medical Assistant Program at an accredited institution, such as North-West College, an individual can sign up to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is offered in January, June, and October of each year. Once the individual passes the exam, he or she is considered a Certified Medical Assistant.

No. The requirements for licensure are different for a Medical Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs must undergo additional specialized training to receive their certification. CNAs act as a liaison between patients and Registered Nurses. Medical Assistants, on the other hand, often report to a doctor or office manager and handle a variety of administrative tasks, along with some direct patient care.

Vocational Nurses have to complete at least one year of education, which is designed to prepare them to deliver bedside care. As part of their additional training, Vocational Nurses are tasked with a larger scope of patient care, including starting IV lines and inserting catheters. Upon graduating, Vocational Nurses must take the NCLEX licensing exam in the state in which they hope to work. Once licensed, they must renew their license every two years. Medical Assistants, on the other hand, do not have to be certified to work in a physician’s office, although it is highly recommended and preferred by many employers. Once certified, MAs must re-certify every five years by taking the CMA exam.

North-West College has locations throughout Southern California, so there is likely one close to you! The Medical Assistant Program is available at the following NWC campuses: West Covina, Pomona, Glendale, Riverside, Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Van Nuys.

The Medical Assistant Program is 40 weeks long, or approximately 9 months.

Yes, at North-West College, we understand that it can be challenging to juggle going to College with family, work, and other responsibilities. That’s why we offer convenient day and evening classes for most of our health care training programs, so you can choose the one that’s right for you. To learn more, please contact a representative at the campus nearest you.

Classes begin throughout the year. Please contact your local North-West College campus to learn when the next program is scheduled to start.

Questions?

Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at

1-888-408-4211

Classes are starting soon!