What is Medical Assisting?
A medical assistant is an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in the administrative office, the examining room and the physician’s laboratory.
The Medical Assisting Program at Somerset Community College prepares graduates for work in the physician’s office, outpatient clinics, and other ambulatory health care facilities. Graduates will be prepared to take the certification examination of the Registered Medical Assistant through American Medical Technologists.
What are my career options?
Doctors offices, outpatient clinics, and other ambulatory health care facilities. As health care expands, the demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Advising Plans
Diploma
Time to completion is dependent on the following courses completed with grade C or higher when applying. Students who have completed all pre-requisites by end of spring or summer may be eligible to complete the MAI course work within 2 semesters.
Support Classes/Pre-requisite requirements
- ENG 101 - Writing I (3 credit hours)
- CIT 105 - Digital Literacy (3 credit hours)
- AHS 115 - Medical Terminology or MIT 103 - Medical Terminology (3 credit hours)
- BIO 135 with lab (or) completed BIO 137 w/lab and completing BIO 139 with lab
- *CPR 100
Total credit hours: 13-18
Fall semester (pre-requisites have been met)
- MAI 105 - Introduction to Medical Assisting (3 credit hours)
- MAI 125 - Medical Office Procedures I (3 credit hours)
- MAI 140 - Clinical Lab Procedures I (4 credit hours)
- MAI 155 - Medical Assisting Administrative Procedures ( 4 credit hours)
- MAI 170 - Dosage and Calculations (2 credit hours)
- MAI 200 - Pathophysiology (3 credit hours)
Total credit hours: 18
Spring Semester
- MAI 220 - Medical Assisting Laboratory Techniques II (3 credit hours)
- MAI 240 - Medical Assisting Clinical Procedures II (4 credit hours)
- MAI 270 - Pharmacology for the Medical Assistant (3 credit hours)
- MAI 289 - Medical Assist Assessment Prep (2 credit hours)
- MAI 281 - Medical Assisting Practicum (1 credit hours)
- MAI 284 - Medical Assisting Externship (3 credit hours)
Total credit hours: 15-16
Total credits for program: 46-53
*If the student has had CPR from American Heart Association for Health Providers and it will be current at the time of their Externship & Practicum, the student then does not have to take CPR 100. However the student must provide a copy of their CPR card through the American Heart Association for Health Providers to both the Clinical Coordinator and the Registrar’s office, when applying to the program.
| Credential | Title | Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Electrocardiograph Technician |
AHS 115 or (MIT 103 or CLA 131), CPR 100, MAI 140, MAI 240, MAI 281 (2 semesters to complete) |
17 |
| Certificate | Medical Office Administrative Assistant |
AHS 115 or (MIT 103 or CLA 131), BIO 135 w/lab, (or BIO 137 w/lab and BIO 139 w/lab), MAI 155, MAI 281 |
15 |
| Certificate | Medical Office Insurance Billing and Coding |
AHS 115 or (MIT 103 or CLA 131), BIO 135 w/lab, (or BIO 137 w/lab and BIO 139 w/lab), MAI 155, MAI 281 |
12 |
Additional Certificate Requirements:
- 25% of total certificate credit hours must be earned at SCC
- Grade C or higher earned in each course
Along with the Diploma, 3 embedded certificates are offered. Students must apply to the program and meet requirements.
Pre-Admission Conference
You must attend an in-person or virtual live pre-admission conference or review all sections of the online pre-admission conference before applying for the Medical Assisting program.
In-Person/Virtual Pre-Admission Conference Dates Online Pre-Admission Conference and Application
What about certification?
Graduates will prepare to take the Registered Medical Assistant exam through the American Medical Technologists.
Students who complete the RMA exam with a passing score and earn a “C” or higher in all program classes will become certified as a Registered Medical Assistant and earn the title of RMA (AMT).
What will I study?
Anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, laboratory procedures, and administrative procedures.
Location
The Medical Assistant program is held at the Laurel Campus in London, KY.
Additional Information
- Three semester program
- Hybrid program courses
- Monday/Tuesday in class
- Level 3 Clinical: Community Agencies provide clinical externship
- Apply selective admission spring
- Submit application on line/attend pre-admission conference
Required:
- GPA 2.0 or higher
- Transcripts and placement test scores on file at admissions
- Attend pre-admission conference
- New student? See Care Center Advisor when applying
Additional Criteria
Upon admittance the student must submit:
- Evidence of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine series or a vaccine declination form
Prior to beginning clinical experience the student must submit the following materials to the Clinical Coordinator:
- TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Current immunizations records and immunizations required
- Professional liability insurance purchased through KCTCS
- Completion of background check and drug screening at the college designated site
- Recent Physical exam
Length of Program
- Medical Assisting diploma is a 3-4 semester program
- Length of program depends on full-time status or part-time
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
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