Medical Assisting, Clinical Medical Assistant, A.A.S.

Major Code: 161

Students entering the Clinical Medical Assistant Program will be trained in clinical procedures for entry-level employment in medical ambulatory care settings. Graduates are prepared for employment as “competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and effective (behavior) learning domains”. Campus lab preparatory experiences and a 160-hour supervised and unpaid practicum afford students the opportunity for observation and hands-on training in outpatient medical procedures within the scope of practice of the Medical Assistant.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate entry-level competence as a medical assistant in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains consistent with the American Medical Technologists (AMT).  
• Perform administrative and clinical duties as multi-skilled medical assistants including professionalism in interactions with patients, the college community, and during practicum experiences.  
• Complete required competencies and national certifications to become Registered Medical Assistants.  
• Apply effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to provide care and support in the medical assisting profession.

Occupations available for students completing program requirements include Registered Medical Assistant positions primarily in ambulatory care settings. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2014-2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Medical Assisting is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations due to the increasing numbers of group practices, clinics, and other health care facilities, especially for multi-skilled medical assistants trained in both administrative and clinical duties.

The WVNCC Medical Assisting: Clinical Medical Assistant, A.A.S Program is accredited by the American Medical Technologist (AMT). American Medical Technologist, 10700 West Higgins Rd, Suite 150, Rosemont, IL 60018, Phone 847-823-5169, www.americanmedtech.org. Graduates of this program can test for the Registered Medical Assistant credential from the American Medical Technologist RMA/AMT.

Important information: If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for any reason, State or National credentialing boards, licensing board and agencies which require criminal background checks on potential employees and students may deny you employment or placement in certain settings, even if you have completed all academic requirements. If you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, please contact the appropriate Health Science Program Director.

Job Titles: Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Registered Medical Assistant 

Wage and Employment Trends:

• Annual Range Regionally $22,000 to $26,000 (Onet, 2017)
• Projected job growth nationally 262,100 (Onet, 2017)
• Certification Options: Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologist or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

CIP Code: 510801