Medical Assisting/Medical Laboratory Assistant

Program Description:

MEDICAL ASSISTANT – Application submission deadline is June 13, 2019 for Fall 2019

2019 Fall Medical Assisting Phase II Application – You must have your SPCC login information to access the application

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health care professionals who are qualified to perform administrative, clinical and laboratory procedures. Graduates of SPCC’s CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting program may be eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ certification examination to become certified medical assistants.

The Medical Assisting program at SPCC is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to pass the Medical Assistants’ certification examination.

Medical Assisting Diploma – (D45400) – Gainful Employment Disclosure

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics.

In Demand  |  Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, attributing job growth to the following:

• Predicted surge in the number of physicians’ offices and outpatient care facilities
• Technological advancements
• Growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment

Job Responsibilities  |  Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties.

Here is a quick overview (duties vary from office to office depending on location, size, specialty, and state law):

Administrative Duties (may include, but not limited to):

• Using computer applications
• Answering telephones
• Greeting patients
• Updating and filing patient medical records
• Coding and filling out insurance forms
• Scheduling appointments
• Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

Clinical Duties (may include, but not limited to):

• Taking medical histories
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Preparing patients for examination
• Assisting the physician during exams
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Instructing patients about medication and special diets
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
• Transmitting prescription refills as directed
• Drawing blood
• Taking electrocardiograms
• Removing sutures and changing dressings

Patient Liaison  |  Medical assistants are instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the physician’s office and often explain the physician’s instructions.

PCMH Team Member  |  Medical assistants are essential members of the Patient-Centered Medical Home team. According to a survey by the Healthcare Intelligence Network, medical assistants ranked as one of the top five professionals necessary to the PCMH team.

CMA (AAMA) Certification  |  Many employers of allied health personnel prefer, or even insist, that their medical assistants are CMA (AAMA) certified.

DAY & SATURDAY CLASSES OFFERED!

For a complete listing of pre-requisites, admission requirements, class listing, and estimated program cost click Medical Assisting Admissions Booklet (includes day and evening options) or Medical Laboratory Assistant Admissions Booklet (one semester program).

NOTE: Criteria is reviewed periodically and is subject to change.

South Piedmont offers AAMA Approved CEUs online!

Medical Assisting Faculty & Staff:

Lori Laney Program Director, Medical Assisting

Maile Nelson Faculty, Medical Assisting/Medical Laboratory

Tara Carriker Faculty, Medical Assisting