Associate Degree Program (352P) and Certificate Program (321P) - Harrisburg
About the Program - curriculum and costs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (pdf)
Admission Criteria and Essential Qualifications (pdf)
Program Accreditation
Who to Contact
Description of Occupation
Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly. This requires the ability to multitask. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on office location, size, and specialty. In small practices, medical assistants are usually "generalists," handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators. One of the top 10 projected fastest growing occupations (2000-2010) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Medical assistants perform many administrative duties. They answer telephones, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping.
Clinical duties vary according to state law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Medical assistants may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and potentially hazardous materials.
Medical assistants are people who have an interest in health care and like to work with people in an intimate way and possess a genuine desire to help those in need. Medical assistants have a strong desire to do things correctly, down to the small details. They are levelheaded and intelligent, able to remain calm in emergencies, and to function under pressure. They are interested in science and are able to apply theory to real life situations. They can do clinical procedures as well as organize and prioritize tasks with little supervision, with an interest in business methods.
Places of Employment and Outlook - The top projected fastest growing occupation (2002-2012)in Pennsylvania according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical assistants are employed in physicians' offices, hospitals, clinics, alternative health care settings, insurance companies, and medical supply companies. They may also work in professional organizations, education, medical sales and consulting.
Salary Ranges for Geographical Area - $26,000 median salary in Pennsylvania 2007.
Educational Advancement - Graduates can complete a bachelor's or master's degree in healthcare administration or other related field. Franklin University offers a BS in Healthcare Management and Shippensburg University offers a BS in Healthcare Administration. Immaculata University offers an accelerated BA in Health Care Management (classes in accelerated format and held at HACC's Lancaster Campus).
Related Websites For Additional Information About The Career
Career Infonet with salary and job outlook statistics, career video and licensing requirements
US Dept of Labor Occupational Handbook
American Association of Medical Assistants
