Courses and Requirements
The Medical Assistant certificate program prepares students with the knowledge, technical skills and work ethic required for an entry-level position in the medical field. The program includes classroom theory and clinical practice to prepare graduates to participate in patient care management, administrative and supervisory functions. Clinical performance includes physical assessment, diagnostic procedures, surgical technique and office assisting, EKG, pharmaceutical principles, and administration of medication. Graduates from this program will demonstrate effective communication skills, adhere to ethical and legal standards of medical practice, recognize and respond to emergencies, and demonstrate professional characteristics. Students must complete Basic Life Support C for Health Care Providers prior to beginning practicum in the Spring semester. A minimum of 32 credit hours are required for the certificate. Students must receive a C or better in all required courses for graduation.
Accreditation:
The Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 35 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, 312-553-9355 upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants – Endowment (CCRB-AAMAE).
Medical Assisting program at Northern Essex Community College has an average retention rate of 93% for the past five years. Support services are made available to all students so that they can successfully complete the program.
Graduates of the Medical Assisting program at Northern Essex Community College are satisfied with the education that they receive at NECC, as there is an average graduate satisfaction rate of 100% over the past five years.
Additional Admissions Criteria:
Admission Criteria can be found on Health Required Forms.
CORI/CHRI/SORI:
Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for their careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
CPR:
Students are required to be CPR Certified at the Health Care Provider/ Professional Rescuer level prior to the start of clinical courses.
Drug Screening:
Students enrolled in this academic program are required to pass a drug screening analysis.
Health:
Students are required to complete a health evaluation, including the Hepatitis B immunization series, prior to final acceptance to the Program.
Student Professional Liability Insurance:
Students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.
Courses
Requirements:
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HES104 | Medical Office Administration | 3 |
| HES115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MAS100 | Introduction to Medical Assisting | 3 |
| MAS101 | Medical Assisting I | 3 |
| MAS110 | Medical Assisting II | 3 |
| MAS120 | Clinical Laboratory Procedures | 3 |
| MAS190 | Medical Assisting Practicum | 4 |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Select FOUR CREDITS from the following:
Courses with Prerequisites: HES104, MAS101, MAS110, MAS120, MAS190, BIO101, BIO102, BIO122
Program Notes
Students considering a challenging career as a medical assistant should be aware of the skills required (clinical skills, administrative skills, and patient care management skills) to begin at this entry-level position in the health care field. Success in this profession will require excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Helpful Hints
Some courses required by this program are only offered during one semester each year (Fall / OR Spring), so be sure to investigate your options, plan ahead and build your schedule accordingly.
Recommended Course Sequence Medical Assisting Certificate
Year 1
Fall
| BIO101 | Human Biology | 3 |
| and | |
| BIO102 | Human Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| OR | |
| BIO122 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| | |
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HES115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MAS100 | Introduction to Medical Assisting | 3 |
| MAS101 | Medical Assisting I | 3 |
| MAS120 | Clinical Laboratory Procedures | 3 |
Spring
| HES104 | Medical Office Administration | 3 |
| MAS110 | Medical Assisting II | 3 |
| MAS190 | Medical Assisting Practicum | 4 |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |