Medical Assisting AAS
Program Description
The Medical Assisting curriculum prepares students to become multi-skilled health care professionals qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures. While the majority of medical assistants work in physicians’ practices, their duties vary from office to office. In keeping with the needs of Craven County’s medical community, Craven’s program emphasizes clinical abilities and offers a 5-semester hour credit (SHC) practicum.
Coursework in the 43 SHC Diploma program and the 71 SHC Associate degree program includes instruction in scheduling appointments, coding and processing insurance accounts, billing, collections, electronic health records, and computer operations. Students also learn to assist with examinations and treatments within the clinical setting, perform routine laboratory procedures, phlebotomy, and electrocardiography, and administer medication under supervision. Focus on ethical and legal issues associated with patient care is also emphasized.
The diploma curriculum includes study in anatomy and physiology, three SHC in English and courses in PC Literacy and CPR/First Aid.
The associate degree curriculum includes study in anatomy and physiology, six SHC in English, and courses in psychology and humanities/fine arts.
Craven Community College’s Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
Admission Criteria
Selective admission into the D45400 (Diploma in Medical Assisting) and A45400 (Associate Degree in Medical Assisting), requires adherence to the program of study by successfully completing all courses as outlined for progression throughout the curriculum. Please refer to the Medical Assisting Handbook for admission, progression and graduation requirements.
Admission to Craven Community College must be completed before applying for the Medical Assisting program.
Admission to the Medical Assisting program requires that students be high school graduates or have recognized equivalencies. Students must have
a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Math high school GPA must be 2.8 or higher within 10 years of enrollment at Craven CC or complete all developmental requisites to be eligible for MAT 110 & BIO 168.
- English high school GPA must be 2.8 or higher within 10 years of enrollment at Craven CC or complete all developmental requisites to be eligible for ENG 111.
Additional requirements for the practicum apply, and students must see the Medical Assisting advisor for further details.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Perform administrative procedures in keeping with the ever-growing needs of the local medical community.
- Perform clinical and laboratory procedures in keeping with the ever-growing needs of the local community.
- Demonstrate competency in exam room procedures.
- Manage the economics of the medical office, incorporating supervisory experience.
- Take the CMA, RMA, or CCMA certification exams
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities are available in
- physicians’ offices
- health maintenance organizations
- health departments
- research facilities
Contact Information
Medical Assisting Program Coordinator
252-638-1031
Health Programs Admissions Office
252-639-2025
Degree Requirements
Courses in this program
First Semester
Take ACA-111 or ACA-122
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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| ACA-111 | 1 | ||
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This course introduces the college's physical, academic, and social environment and promotes the personal development essential for success. Topics include campus facilities and resources; policies, procedures, and programs; study skills; and life management issues such as health, self-esteem, motivation, goal-setting, diversity, and communication. Upon completion, students should be able to function effectively within the college environment to meet their educational objectives.
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| ACA-122 | 1 | ||
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This course provides information and strategies necessary to develop clear academic and professional goals beyond the community college experience. Topics include the CAA, college policies and culture, career exploration, gathering information on senior institutions, strategic planning, critical thinking, and communications skills for a successful academic transition. Upon completion, students should be able to develop an academic plan to transition successfully to senior institutions.
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| BIO-163 | 5 | ||
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This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.
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| MAT-110 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems, and to analyze and communicate results.
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| MED-110 | 1 | ||
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This course covers the history of medicine and the role of the medical assistant in the health care setting. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, communication, attitude, behaviors, and duties in the medical environment. Upon completion, students should be able to project a positive attitude and promote the profession of medical assisting.
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| MED-121 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces prefixes, suffixes, and word roots used in the language of medicine. Topics include medical vocabulary and the terms that relate to the anatomy, physiology, pathological conditions, and treatment of selected systems. Upon completion, students should be able to pronounce, spell, and define medical terms as related to selected body systems and their pathological disorders.
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| MED-140 | 5 | ||
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This course provides instruction in clinical examining room procedures. Topics include asepsis, infection control, assisting with exams and treatment, patient education, preparation and administration of medications, EKG, vital signs, and medical emergencies. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in exam room procedures.
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Second Semester
Take MED-118 or OST-149
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-118 | 2 | ||
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This course covers legal relationships of physicians and patients, contractual agreements, professional liability, malpractice, medical practice acts, informed consent, and bioethical issues. Emphasis is placed on legal terms, professional attitudes, and the principles and basic concepts of ethics and laws involved in providing medical services. Upon completion, students should be able to meet the legal and ethical responsibilities of a multi-skilled health professional.
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| OST-149 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the complex legal, moral, and ethical issues involved in providing health-care services. Emphasis is placed on the legal requirements of medical practices; the relationship of physician, patient, and office personnel; professional liabilities; and medical practice liability. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of current medical law and accepted ethical behavior.
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| MED-122 | 3 | ||
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This course is the second in a series of medical terminology courses. Topics include medical vocabulary and the terms that relate to the anatomy, physiology, pathological conditions, and treatment of selected systems. Upon completion, students should be able to pronounce, spell, and define medical terms as related to selected body systems and their pathological disorders.
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| MED-130 | 2 | ||
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This course introduces medical office administrative procedures. Topics include appointment processing, written and oral communications, medical records, patient orientation, and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic administrative skills within the medical environment.
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| MED-150 | 5 | ||
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This course provides instruction in basic lab techniques used by the medical assistant. Topics include lab safety, quality control, collecting and processing specimens, performing selective tests, phlebotomy, screening and follow-up of test results, and OSHA/CLIA regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic lab tests/skills based on course topics.
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| MED-272 | 3 | ||
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This course focuses on major drug groups including their side effects, interactions, methods of administration, and proper documentation. Emphasis is placed on the theory of drug administration. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, spell, recognize side effects of, and document the most commonly used medications in a physician's office.
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Third Semester
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-111 | 3 | ||
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This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
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| MED-260 | 5 | ||
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This course provides the opportunity to apply clinical, laboratory, and administrative skills in a medical facility. Emphasis is placed on enhancing competence in clinical and administrative skills necessary for comprehensive patient care and strengthening professional communications and interactions. Upon completion, students should be able to function as an entry-level health care professional.
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| MED-262 | 1 | ||
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This course is designed to explore personal and occupational responsibilities of the practicing medical assistant. Emphasis is placed on problems encountered during externships and development of problem-solving skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate courteous and diplomatic behavior when solving problems in the medical facility.
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Fourth Semester
Take MED-274 or BIO-155
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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| ENG-112 | 3 | ||
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This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation, styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines.
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| PSY-150 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology.
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| CIS-110 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces computer concepts including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
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| MED-274 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the basic principles of nutrition as they relate to health and disease. Topics include basic nutrients, physiology, dietary deficiencies, weight management, and therapeutic nutrition in wellness and disease. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret clinical and dietary data and provide patient counseling and education.
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| BIO-155 | 3 | ||
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This course covers the biochemistry of foods and nutrients with consideration of the physiological effects of specialized diets for specific biological needs. Topics include cultural, religious, and economic factors that influence a person's acceptance of food, as well as nutrient requirements of the various life stages. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the functions and sources of nutrients, the mechanisms of digestion, and the nutritional requirements of all age groups.
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| ELE-007 | |||
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ELE-007 is a category of electives and not a specific course. Students must select from the approved Humanities/Fine Arts Electives for the specific health program as indicated under degree requirements. The list of approved courses are shown in the Social Science Electives table. Lecture, Lab, Clinical, and Credit Hours are determined by the course selected.
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Fifth Semester
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| OST-280 | 3 | ||
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This course focuses on the use of electronic health records in medical documentation and patient management. Emphasis is placed on creating and maintaining patient medical information, scheduling patient appointments, documenting patient encounters, and billing/insurance claim processing. Upon completion, students should be able to perform the required software tasks following a patient visit from start to finish.
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| MED-134 | 3 | ||
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This course provides the basic knowledge, understanding, and skills required to complete medical reports and transcribe medical dictation. Emphasis is placed on correct punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in medical transcription.
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| MED-232 | 2 | ||
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This course is designed to develop coding skills. Emphasis is placed on advanced diagnostic and procedural coding in the outpatient facility. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in coding for reimbursement.
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| MED-270 | 3 | ||
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This course covers the study of disease symptoms and the appropriate actions taken by medical assistants in a medical facility in relation to these symptoms. Emphasis is placed on interviewing skills and appropriate triage, preparing patients for procedures, and screening test results. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize how certain symptoms relate to specific diseases, recognize emergency situations, and take appropriate actions.
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| MED-276 | 2 | ||
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This course is designed to provide communication skills, basic education principles, and knowledge of available community resources and to apply this knowledge to the clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate community resources, developing patient education materials, and perfecting written and oral communication skills. Upon completion, students should be able to instruct, communicate effectively, and act as a liaison between the patient and community agencies.
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HFA Electives
Students must select one course from the following options.
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ART-111 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the origins and historical development of art. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of design principles to various art forms including but not limited to sculpture, painting, and architecture. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and analyze a variety of artistic styles, periods, and media.
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| ART-114 | 3 | ||
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This course covers the development of art forms from ancient times to the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed on content, terminology, design, and style. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an historical understanding of art as a product reflective of human social development.
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| ART-115 | 3 | ||
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This course covers the development of art forms from the Renaissance to the present. Emphasis is placed on content, terminology, design, and style. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an historical understanding of art as a product reflective of human social development.
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| ENG-231 | 3 | ||
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This course covers selected works in American literature from its beginnings to 1865. Emphasis is placed on historical background, cultural, context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and interpret literary works in their historical and cultural contexts.
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| ENG-232 | 3 | ||
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This course covers selected works in American literature from 1865 to the present. Emphasis is placed on historical background, cultural, context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and interpret literary works in their historical and cultural contexts.
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| ENG-243 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an intensive study of the works of several major British authors. Emphasis is placed on British history, culture, and the literary merits. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret, analyze, and evaluate the works studied.
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| HUM-110 | 3 | ||
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This course considers technological change from historical, artistic, and philosophical perspectives and its effect on human needs and concerns. Emphasis is placed on the causes and consequences of technological change. Upon completion, students should be able to critically evaluate the implications of technology.
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| HUM-115 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the use of critical, thinking skills in the context of human conflict., Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem solving, approaching cross-cultural, perspectives, and resolving controversies and, dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be, able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use, of critical thinking skills in the analysis of, appropriate texts.
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| HUM-211 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the humanities as record in literature, music, art, history, religion, and philosophy of humankind's answers to the fundamental questions of existence. Emphasis is placed on the interconnectedness of various aspects of cultures from ancient through early modern times. Upon completion, students should be able to identify significant fiures and cultural contributions of the periods studied.
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| HUM-212 | 3 | ||
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This course intruduces the humanities as record in literature, music, art, history, religion, and philosophy of humankind's answers to the fundamental questions of existence. Empahsis is placed on the interconnectedness of various aspects of cultures from early modern times to the present. Upon completion, students should be able to identify significant figures and cultural contributions of the periods studied.
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| MUS-110 | 3 | ||
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This course is a basic survey of the music of the Western world. Emphasis is placed on the elements of music, terminology, composers, form, and style within a historical perspective. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills in basic listening and understanding of the art of music.
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| MUS-112 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the origins and musical components of jazz and the contributions of its major artists. Emphasis is placed on the development of discriminating listening habits, as well as the investigation of the styles and structural forms of the jazz idiom. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills in listening and understanding this form of American music.
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| MUS-113 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces various musical styles, influences, and composers of the United States from pre-Colonial times to the present. Emphasis is placed on the broad variety of music particular to American culture. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills in basic listening and understanding of American music.
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| PHI-215 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces fundamental issues in philosophy considering the views of classical and contemporary philosophers. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and belief, appearance and reality, determinism and free will, faith and reason, and justice and inequality. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, analyze, and critically evaluate the philosophical components of an issue.
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| PHI-240 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces theories about the nature and foundations of moral judgments and applications to contemporary moral issues. Emphasis is placed on moral theories such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply various ethical theories to moral issues such as abortion, capital punishment, poverty, war, terrorism, the treatment of animals, and issues arising from new technologies.
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| REL-110 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the world's major religious traditions. Topics include Primal religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the origins, history, beliefs, and practices of the religions studied.
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