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Program Description:  Ventura College's Medical Assisting Program is a cohesive program designed to prepare students with the main competencies needed for employment in the medical field as either administrative medical assistants (a career also referred to as front office medical assistant or Medical Secretary) or clinical medical assistants (also referred to as back office medical assistant). This program is also an excellent training program for career enhancement for those seeking to expand their skills in the medical field and advance into new job positions.

Medical Assisting continues to be in the top fastest-growing careers, both in California and nationally. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, medical assistant jobs are estimated to grow by 29% from 2012-2022, which is much faster than average for all occupations. For more information, go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handout.

 

Program Purpose:  Students who complete the Medical Assisting program will be able to demonstrate performance of appropriate medical and communication skills necessary in a medical office or clinic environment.  Students will also be able to describe the legal and ethical principles that affect the role of a medical assistant and be able to apply procedures while complying with established risk management and safety practices. 

Jobs in this area include:

• Front Office Medical Assistant
• Medical Secretary
• Back Office Medical Assistant
• Entry Level Medical Biller
• Hospital Admitting Clerk
• Hospital Unit Coordinator
• Entry Level Medical Records Clerk
• Scribe

Medical Assistants work in:

• Physician, Chiropractor and other healthcare practitioner offices
• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Nursing Facilities
• Laboratories
• Radiology Imaging Centers
• Insurance Companies

Medical Assistants play a vital role in the daily operations of a medical practice. They perform administrative services that keep the office operating efficiently and perform services that support the work of the physicians.

What does a Medical Assistant do?

• Handle phones
• Schedule appointments
• Process patients in the practice computer management system
• Data management
• Billing and coding
• Take vital signs and prepare patients for examination and office procedures
• Assist the physician with exams and office surgical procedures
• Administer injections
• Perform basic diagnostic testing and EKGs
• Maintain medical records

For more information, go to http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/home and http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/print/medical-assistants.htm

CERTIFICATION FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANTS 

The State of California does not require that medical assistants be certified. However, most employers are requiring proof of certification, especially if they are using electronic health records systems. It is highly recommended that all medical assistants obtain certification. Certification is available through the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants or the National Center for Competency Testing. More information is available at www.ccbma.org or www.ncctinc.com.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate performance of appropriate medical administrative or clinical skills.
   
2. Determine appropriate communication strategies for stakeholders in the medical environment.
3. Describe legal and ethical principles that affect the role of a medical assistant.
4. Apply appropriate procedures for complying with established risk management and safety practices.

• Course Level Student Learning Outcomes

 DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES OFFERED

• Medical Assistant - Administrative, Associate in Science
• Medical Assistant - Administrative, Certificate of Achievement
• Medical Assistant - Multi-Skilled, Associate in Science
• Medical Assistant - Multi-Skilled, Certificate of Achievement