Medical Assistant
Technical Diploma - 35 credits
31-509-1
CONTACT
Academic Advisor: Connie Gensler
Health Occupations Advisor
University Transfer Center - Room 212
Phone: 715-365-4493
Email: cgensler@nicoletcollege.edu
Medical assistants work primarily in medical clinics or physicians' offices. The medical assistant is trained in all aspects of the medical office. Responsibilities might include preparing the patient for physical examination, obtaining a health history, assisting the physician with the exam as well as minor surgery, performing routine tests independently, and disinfecting and sterilizing instruments. Some medical assistants manage the office, arrange and confirm appointments, register patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, file insurance forms, handle the mail, and keep inventory records.
About the Program
The Medical Assistant program requires two semesters of full-time study. Students are admitted in the fall semester. A part-time track is also available. Students learn basic body structure and functions, medical terminology, and communication/ interpersonal skills. Students learn the principles of medical asepsis, safety, ethics, law, and pharmacology. This knowledge serves as a basis for acquiring competence in entry level medical assistant skills. Through classroom and laboratory practice students demonstrate competence in basic front office, clinical, examining room, and diagnostic procedures. In the final semester students are provided experiences in office, laboratory, and clinical work settings where they apply theory, principles, and skills learned throughout the program.
The Nicolet Area Technical College Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on recommendation by the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs, 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970, Chicago, IL 60601-2208
Program Admission Requirements
- To be considered for admission to the medical assistant program the applicant must meet the following criteria: Complete a Nicolet College application form
- Submit official high school transcripts or equivalent to the Admissions office
- Achieve minimum assessment test scores in reading, writing, and math
- Demonstrate proof of basic computer skills
- Demonstrate keyboarding skills at a minimum of 25 wpm
- Acceptable Caregiver Background Check
- Current CPR certification
- Evidence of professional liability insurance (optional)
- Physical examination and specified health requirements prior to starting clinical (annually)
Possible Careers
- Medical/Surgical Office Assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Laboratory Assistant
- Optometric Assistant
- Podiatric Assistant
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Chiropractor Assistant
- Medical Office Assistant
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate caring and respectful communication as a medical assistant
- Demonstrate competence in administrative duties as a medical assistant
- Demonstrate competence in clinical duties as a medical assistant
- Practice medical assisting collaboratively
- Incorporate critical thinking in practice as a medical assistant
- Practice medical assisting according to AAMA Code of Ethics
- Demonstrate standard safety practices and procedures as a medical assistant
