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MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Certificate of Proficiency: 34.5-37.5 units
Associate in Science Degree: 60 units

The Medical Assistant profession is the fastest growing occupation through 2014! (US Department of Labor)
The Cabrillo College Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE).

The classification of medical assistant is defined under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act (Business
and Professions Code sections 2069-2071):

"Medical assistant" means a person who may be unlicensed, who performs basic administrative, clerical,
and technical supportive services for a licensed physician, surgeon, podiatrist, physician assistant,
a nurse practitioner, or a nurse-midwife.”

Medical Assistants may work in a private practice office, clinic, hospital, outpatient department, health
services, or assisted living environments.

TYPICAL DUTIES
Clinical:
Rooms patients
Takes patient vitals, medical history and intakes
Prepares lab specimens for diagnostics
Administers injections
Draws blood
Administers EKG tests or operates other diagnostic/therapeutic equipment
Provides chair-side assistance to physician; assists with minor surgery
Administers medication
Processes prescriptions
Provides basic patient care
Maintains patient chart

Administrative:
Same duties as Medical Receptionist
Computer skills
Records management
Public Relations
Office management

SKILLS and TALENTS
Energetic, active
People skills
Calm, patient, compassionate
Works independently while being part of a team
Multi-tasker
Flexible

ENTRY LEVEL SALARY RANGE:
$12-$17 per hour depending on geographical location and medical specialty
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Medical Assistant represents an extension of the medical profession itself; thus, the job demands the
same high caliber of ethics, attitude, confidentiality and performance that the public has come to expect of
the medical profession.  A Medical Assistant must be dependable, cheerful, efficient, and knowledgeable.  Lifelong learning through continued education improves a Medical Assistant’s skills. 

1. Students APPLY to the Medical Assistant Program AFTER completing MA courses: 165, 70, 172, 176 and 176L with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better.

The application is in the MA Handbook which is given to the student by the instructor.

2. Students must complete an EXTERNSHIP-MA 199C (3 units/180 hours) of supervised, unpaid
   work in a healthcare setting chosen by the College. .

3. Students must successfully complete 34.5-37.5 units as outlined in the Cabrillo College Catalog with a GPA of 2.0 or better to obtain a Certificate of Proficiency or 60 units to obtain an A.S. Degree.

4. Register for the AAMA CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
   

STUDENT COSTS

The approximate cost for the Medical Assistant Program for California residents is $3,000.00.  Program costs vary depending on the number of semesters necessary for program completion. Financial Aid is available to qualified students.

Tuition:
Refer to the Schedule of Classes for tuition and fees.  Near the front of each schedule is a Fee Chart.

Textbooks:
The first day of class your instructor will give you a syllabus or a handout listing the textbook(s)
that are required. Some of the materials are optional and you may wait to see if you need them.  Required textbooks should be purchased as soon as possible. If your funds are limited, check with the instructor to see if the textbook is on reserve in the library . Approximate textbook costs are: used $1,130.00 – new $1,500.00

Health Screenings:
Vaccinations, physical exams and drug screening are required for all students doing MA externships. Approximate fees for all screenings if performed at Student Health Services (TB tests & Physicals are free): $440.00

Background Check:
Participation at some clinical sites requires obtaining a background check: $70.00.

Student Liability Insurance:
It is STRONGLY recommended, although not required, that students purchase personal liability insurance
prior to beginning the MA externship: $41.00

Uniforms:    
Uniforms are required for some classes. Depending on your externship site, you may be required to wear scrubs, lab coat or appropriate uniform. Approximate price range: $25.00.

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