Medical Assisting
The Medical Assisting curriculum prepares multi-skilled healthcare professionals qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures.
Coursework includes instruction in scheduling appointments, coding, and processing insurance accounts, billing, collections, and computer operations; assisting with examinations/treatments; performing routine laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, supervised medication administration; and ethical/legal issues associated with patient care.
What can you earn?
Associate in Applied Science Degree:
Medical Assisting
Salary
- Entry-level range: $22,500-$28,000 per year
- With five years’ experience: $29,000-$33,000 per year
(contingent on the economy and geographic location)
Career opportunities
• Lead medical assistant
• Clinical supervisor
• Lab supervisor
• Coding and billing specialists
Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 35 percent from 2006-2016.
– U.S. Dept. of Labor
Accreditation
The Alamance Community College Medical Assisting Program is accredited by
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) recommendation.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355-113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, Florida 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)
2020 N. California Ave., #7709
Suite 7 Chicago, IL 60647
In addition to the course work, the Medical Assisting program requires 208 hours of clinical externship in a medical office. An instructor and an on-site resource person supervise externships. Students are not permitted to receive any monetary compensation for their externship, but they will be able to work directly with patients to gain real-world experience in the field.
Program Outcomes (2022 Annual Accreditation Report)
| Retention (2020) | Job Placement (2020) | Exam Passage (2020) |
| 72% | 58.33% | 73.81% |
*These results are due to the pandemic – They are not consistent with our past or present program outcomes*
Admission
The following requirements must be completed for admission:
- Official High School Transcript or equivalent mailed or hand-delivered in the original, sealed envelope from the awarding institution.
- Updated ACC application with a declaration of Medical Assisting as the major area of interest.
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary education mailed or hand-delivered in the original, sealed envelope from the awarding institution.
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 on all previous college work
- Placement testing for Math and English or approved waiver
- Complete all DRE courses.
- Complete DMA 010, 020, 030.
- Completion of MED 116 Introduction of Anatomy and Physiology with a minimum grade of 70.
- Appointment with admissions coordinator or Medical Assisting Department Head and/or faculty member.
Students admitted to the medical assisting program should be full-time and follow the semester-by-semester curriculum plan.
Contact the department head or Student Development for more specifics on admissions criteria.
Progression/Readmission
Specific progressions and readmission criteria are in the Medical Assisting Program handbook that will be given to students upon entry into the program. For questions, contact the department head or admissions coordinator. To remain in the program, students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” and satisfactory completion of all skills.
Clinical sites may require a criminal records check, drug testing, or other requirements before students can participate at their facility.
Technical Standards
Students entering the program must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in the admissions office and the program handbook.
Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards must contact the Coordinator for Special Needs and Counseling at 336-506-4130 for more specific information.
Medical Assisting Applicants
Students are admitted under the Associate in General Education Degree until they have met admissions requirements for the Medical Assisting Program. Medical assisting faculty members advise students as to the courses in the medical assisting curriculum they should take before formal admission. All developmental requirements must be completed before admission.
Contact Us
For more information, call the Medical Assisting department
at 336-506-4213.
print Medical Assisting (Day Option) • Semester by Semester
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACA-111 | College Student Success | 1 | 1 |
ACA-111 College Student Success PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis 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. Register for this class |
|||
| CIS-111 | Basic PC Literacy | 3 | 2 |
CIS-111 Basic PC Literacy PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides an overview of computer concepts. Emphasis is placed on the use of personal computers and software applications for personal and fundamental workplace use. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic personal computer skills. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-110 | Orientation to Medical Assisting | 1 | 1 |
MED-110 Orientation to Medical Assisting PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-116 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology | 5 | 4 |
MED-116 Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098This course introduces basic anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between body structure and function and the procedures common to health care. Upon completion, students should be able to identify body system components and functions relating this knowledge to the delivery of health care. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-121 | Medical Terminology I | 3 | 3 |
MED-121 Medical Terminology I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 13 | 11 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2 | 2 |
MED-118 Medical Law and Ethics PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-122 | Medical Terminology II | 3 | 3 |
MED-122 Medical Terminology II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-121This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-130 | Administrative Office Procedures I | 3 | 2 |
MED-130 Administrative Office Procedures I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-140 | Examining Room Procedures I | 7 | 5 |
MED-140 Examining Room Procedures I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA 010, 020, 030 MED 116 MED 121 MED 110 Take 1 group; # Take MAT-070 MED-116 MED-121 MED-110; # Take DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 MED-116 MED-121 MED-110;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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 15 | 12 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-131 | Administrative Office Procedures II | 3 | 2 |
MED-131 Administrative Office Procedures II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-130This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-150 | Laboratory Procedures I | 7 | 5 |
MED-150 Laboratory Procedures I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MAT-110(S20801) MED-140;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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 10 | 7 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-115 | Oral Communication | 3 | 3 |
ENG-115 Oral Communication PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-096This course introduces the basic principles of oral communication in both small group and public settings. Emphasis is placed on the components of the communication process, group decision-making, and public address. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the principles of effective oral communication in small group and public settings. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-230 | Administrative Office Procedures III | 3 | 2 |
MED-230 Administrative Office Procedures III PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides advanced medical office administrative procedures. Emphasis is placed on management skills including personnel supervision, practice management, public relations, and insurance coding. Upon completion, students should be able to exhibit advanced managerial medical assisting skills. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-240 | Examining Room Procedures II | 7 | 5 |
MED-240 Examining Room Procedures II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-140 MED-150 AND MAT-110This course is designed to expand and build upon skills presented in MED 140. Emphasis is placed on advanced exam room procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate enhanced competence in selected exam room procedures. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-270 | Symptomatology | 4 | 3 |
MED-270 Symptomatology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-116 AND MED-122 AND MED-140This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| PSY-150 | General Psychology | 3 | 3 |
PSY-150 General Psychology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • ENG 080 and RED 080 or DRE-097This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 20 | 16 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-260 | MED Clinical Practicum | 15 | 5 |
MED-260 MED Clinical Practicum PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take MED-110 MED-116 MED-118 MED-121 MED-122 MED-130 MED-131 MED-140 MED-150 MED-183 MED-240;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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-262 | Clinical Perspectives | 1 | 1 |
MED-262 Clinical Perspectives PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-122 MED-131(S16431) MED-240This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-272 | Drug Therapy | 3 | 3 |
MED-272 Drug Therapy PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-240This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-274 | Diet Therapy/Nutrition | 3 | 3 |
MED-274 Diet Therapy/Nutrition PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-240This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 22 | 12 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 58 | |||
print Medical Assisting (Evening Option) • Semester by Semester
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACA-111 | College Student Success | 1 | 1 |
ACA-111 College Student Success PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-110 | Orientation to Medical Assisting | 1 | 1 |
MED-110 Orientation to Medical Assisting PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2 | 2 |
MED-118 Medical Law and Ethics PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 4 | 4 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-121 | Medical Terminology I | 3 | 3 |
MED-121 Medical Terminology I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 3 | 3 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-150 | General Psychology | 3 | 3 |
PSY-150 General Psychology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • ENG 080 and RED 080 or DRE-097This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 3 | 3 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS-111 | Basic PC Literacy | 3 | 2 |
CIS-111 Basic PC Literacy PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides an overview of computer concepts. Emphasis is placed on the use of personal computers and software applications for personal and fundamental workplace use. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic personal computer skills. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-122 | Medical Terminology II | 3 | 3 |
MED-122 Medical Terminology II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-121This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 6 | 5 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-116 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology | 5 | 4 |
MED-116 Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098This course introduces basic anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between body structure and function and the procedures common to health care. Upon completion, students should be able to identify body system components and functions relating this knowledge to the delivery of health care. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 5 | 4 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-115 | Oral Communication | 3 | 3 |
ENG-115 Oral Communication PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-096This course introduces the basic principles of oral communication in both small group and public settings. Emphasis is placed on the components of the communication process, group decision-making, and public address. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the principles of effective oral communication in small group and public settings. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 3 | 3 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-130 | Administrative Office Procedures I | 3 | 2 |
MED-130 Administrative Office Procedures I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-140 | Examining Room Procedures I | 7 | 5 |
MED-140 Examining Room Procedures I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA 010, 020, 030 MED 116 MED 121 MED 110 Take 1 group; # Take MAT-070 MED-116 MED-121 MED-110; # Take DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 MED-116 MED-121 MED-110;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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 10 | 7 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-131 | Administrative Office Procedures II | 3 | 2 |
MED-131 Administrative Office Procedures II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-130This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-150 | Laboratory Procedures I | 7 | 5 |
MED-150 Laboratory Procedures I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MAT-110(S20801) MED-140;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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 10 | 7 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-230 | Administrative Office Procedures III | 3 | 2 |
MED-230 Administrative Office Procedures III PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides advanced medical office administrative procedures. Emphasis is placed on management skills including personnel supervision, practice management, public relations, and insurance coding. Upon completion, students should be able to exhibit advanced managerial medical assisting skills. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-270 | Symptomatology | 4 | 3 |
MED-270 Symptomatology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-116 AND MED-122 AND MED-140This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 7 | 5 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-240 | Examining Room Procedures II | 7 | 5 |
MED-240 Examining Room Procedures II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-140 MED-150 AND MAT-110This course is designed to expand and build upon skills presented in MED 140. Emphasis is placed on advanced exam room procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate enhanced competence in selected exam room procedures. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-274 | Diet Therapy/Nutrition | 3 | 3 |
MED-274 Diet Therapy/Nutrition PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-240This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 10 | 8 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MED-260 | MED Clinical Practicum | 15 | 5 |
MED-260 MED Clinical Practicum PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take MED-110 MED-116 MED-118 MED-121 MED-122 MED-130 MED-131 MED-140 MED-150 MED-183 MED-240;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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-262 | Clinical Perspectives | 1 | 1 |
MED-262 Clinical Perspectives PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-122 MED-131(S16431) MED-240This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| MED-272 | Drug Therapy | 3 | 3 |
MED-272 Drug Therapy PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MED-240This 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. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 19 | 9 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 58 | |||
Upon graduation students are eligible to work in physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, health departments, hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and other related areas.