Medical Assistant

The medical assistant is a professional, multi-skilled individual trained to assist physicians, work in a medical clinic and some areas of the hospital or laboratory. Ready to get started? Request a Program Brochure!

What is a Medical Assistant?

The medical assistant is a professional, multi-skilled individual trained to assist physicians, work in a medical clinic and some areas of the hospital or laboratory. Students learn to measure and record vital signs, take medical histories, administer medications, sterilize instruments, assist with minor office surgeries, and handle emergencies. Students also learn to obtain blood samples, perform routine office laboratory procedures and electrocardiograms, and instruct patients in preparation for x-ray and laboratory procedures. In the administrative area, students learn to schedule and receive patients, handle telephone calls, type correspondence, reports, manuscripts, perform medical transcription, process insurance forms, handle office accounts, fees, and collections. Medical Assistants rely on technical skills so they understand how to use equipment to take patient vital signs. They should also be detail-oriented, as they must enter all patient data accurately in their records so doctors and insurance companies can refer to them. Medical Assistants should also have interpersonal skills so they can work with patients who may be in pain.

Who does a Medical Assistant report to?

A Medical Assistant typically reports to the Physician within a healthcare facility to perform administrative tasks on their behalf and assist them in medical examinations or procedures. In the absence of a Physician, a Medical Assistant may report to a Nurse Practitioner or a Registered Nurse for instruction.

About the Program

The Medical Assistant program at Barton offers a 64 credit -hour Associate in Applied Science degree program or 44 credit-hour certificate program. The courses are comprised of general education, administrative, and clinical courses. During the final semester, students will also complete an internship in an ambulatory health care setting. Students in both the AAS program and certificate program are eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, from the NHA National Health Careers Association, given during or after their last Patient Care Class. 

Course Offerings 

The Barton Medical Assistant program offers a 64 credit-hour Associate in Applied Science or a 44 hour Certificate. The courses in the program are comprised of general education, administrative and clinical courses. Barton offers flexibility with your schedule, offering some classes in-person or 100% online (including core Medical Assisting classes). During the final semester, students will also complete an internship in an ambulatory health care setting.