Medical Assisting Diploma
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
Diploma 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 |
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| 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-131 | 2 | ||
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This course provides medical office procedures in both economic and management skills. Topics include physical plant maintenance, equipment and supplies, liability coverage, medical economics, and introductory insurance procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to manage the economics of the medical office and supervise personnel.
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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 |
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| 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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