Dec 07, 2024  
2020-2021 Course Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Assistant Diploma


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Total Credits: 51

Major Number: 5639
CIP Code: 51.0801

Program Description

The Medical Assistant program is designed for career opportunities as a professional, multi-skilled person dedicated to assisting in patient care management. The medical assistant performs clinical, laboratory, and administrative skills in clinics, doctor offices, and other health care agencies. The clinical externship is under the direct supervision of a physician, and is a 300 hour unpaid experience. Graduates of the Medical Assistant program are eligible to take the Certification Exam of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The Century College Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 113th Street N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775-7709, 727-210-2350, upon the recommendation of the Medical Assistant Education Review Board (MAERB).

Program Prerequisites

  1. An official high school transcript verifying graduation or an official GED certificate.
  2. Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.
  3. The following Century College courses or transfer equivalents must be completed by the application deadline:
  4. The following additional courses or transfer equivalents should be completed as soon as possible for the DAY session application and must be completed prior to application for the EVENING session, (and must be completed prior to MEDA 1780 - Medical Assistant Clinical Externship ):
  5. Developmental coursework indicated by placement results must be completed prior to application to the Medical Assistant program.
  6. Any Request for Exemption to Admission Requirements/Appeal Selection Decision petitions must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the application deadline. Please refer to the information and application booklet available in Admissions, Advising, Counseling & Career Center, and online for more information.

Special Instructions

Admission into this program requires special application and is highly competitive. The college may not be able to accept all applicants that meet the minimum admission standards.
Application Deadlines see the main Medical Assistant web page under application deadlines.
MEDA 1020  and MEDA 1030  are strongly recommened to be taken prior to starting the program. Prerequisites must be followed.

Clinical Externship MEDA 1780  will be completed in the final semester. This externship is a 300 hour unpaid clinical experience. All other courses must be completed prior to the Externship.

MN Human Services background study with no restrictions prior to MEDA 1011  is required.

Program Requirements


Career/Occupational Requirements


Total Credits: 38


Career/Occupational Elective Requirements


None

MnTC/General Education Requirements


Goal 1: Communication


Total Credits: 7

Goal 2: Critical Thinking


Fulfilled when all MnTC goals for this degree are complete.

Goal 3 and/or 4: Sciences/Math/Logical Reasoning


Total Credits: 3

Goal 5: History/Social/Behavioral Sciences


Select one

Total Credits: 3

Total Credits: 13


MnTC Elective Requirements


None

Additional Elective Requirements


None

Additional Requirements


None

Program Information


General Requirements for Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

See Century College Policy 3.17.0.1

Program Note

  1. A grade of C or higher must be obtained in all career/occupational courses to earn a diploma in Medical Assisting at Century College.
  2. MN Human Services background study with no restrictions prior to MEDA 1011 . Students will complete a MN Human Services background study application during the MEDA orientation. The Minnesota Department of Health requires any individual having contact with patients to complete a background study prior to starting the clinical experience and/or service learning projects. An individual may be disqualified from having patient contact and would not be permitted to participate in the clinical experience and/or service learning project if a clearance is not issued. Call the MN Department of Human Services with specific questions, 651.431.2000.
  3. CPR certification at the Health Care Provider or Professional Rescuer level (EMS 1010  or equivalent) is required prior to the completion of MEDA 1001 .
  4. Refer to the Medical Assistant “Information and Application” packet online for information regarding the immunizations required prior to MEDA 1012 .
  5. Students must be able to perform physical tasks to complete course requirements.
  6. Courses may have prerequisites or co-requisites. See college catalog or class schedule.
  7. See website for the Medical Assistant Program Information Packet.
  8. Both day and evening session programs are offered.

Transfer, Articulation Agreements, and Partnerships

See the Century College website for information regarding transfer. This program is intended primarily for employment preparation rather than transfer to a four-year institution. Some courses may not transfer to a number of four-year colleges. If you are considering the possibility of transfer, you may wish to talk with your advisor, counselor, or program instructor before registering to discuss your goals, look at programs designed for transfer, and develop a plan.

Program Learning Outcomes

The goal of the Century College Medical Assisting Program is to graduate students who:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of clinical procedures and medication administration in a medical practice utilizing critical thinking skills.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals, families, groups, and/or colleagues of diverse sociocultural backgrounds through the use of verbal and non-verbal skills, written abilities, active listening, and information technologies within ambulatory care settings.
  • Identify, interpret, and apply ethical, legal and social issues associated within the scope of practice in the medical assisting field.
  • Apply various administrative techniques in a medical practice to deliver cost effective and quality healthcare.
  • Apply knowledge of medical laboratory techniques to accurately collect specimens, perform testing, and interpret lab tests results.
  • Demonstrate professionalism as a healthcare provider, communicate effectively, and collaborate in teams.
  • Demonstrate computer literacy skills and the ability to maintain electronic health records.
  • Respect all people and cultures as they interact with a diverse patient population in the medical assistant profession.
  • Empower individuals, families, and the community to develop positive health behaviors through health promotion and teaching.

Program Contact Information

Michelle Blesi, Program Director/Instructor, 651.748.2610 Room 2296 East
Shari Lambrecht, Instructor, 651.773.1731 Room 3391 East
Lori Jaksa, Lab Assistant, 651.773.1731 Room 3391 East
Shawndell De Joode, Lab Assistant, 651.773.1731 Room 3391 East
Lauren Zappa, Instructor, 651.773.1731 Room 3391 East

Sample Plan


Please note that this is a sample course sequence. Individual schedules will vary depending upon student needs, goals, and availability. Students are recommended to meet with their advisor, counselor, or faculty program instructors to create an individualized plan that includes prerequisites and application requirements. For detailed program information see the Century College website. This information is subject to change.

Pre-Application Courses


Some courses are required prior to application to the Medical Assistant program (see program prerequisites above).

Total Credits: 18


Total Credits: 18


Total Credits: 14


Total Credits: 13


Total Credits: 6


Note


This information is subject to change. Changes and updates are posted on century.edu

Century College is a member of the Minnesota State system. We are an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator. This document can be available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 651.779.3354 or 1.800.228.1978 x 3354.

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