Medical Assisting - A.A.S.

For more information on this program, contact the Health Science division at 615-230-3330.

The Medical Assisting Program provides quality didactic and clinical education and instruction for multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to work in ambulatory settings performing administrative and clinical duties.  Duties of the medical assistant generally include, but are not limited to: recording case histories, vital signs, injections, EKG, lab testing, and assisting the doctor in the setup and performance of minor office surgeries. 

Enrollment Requirements

The Medical Assisting Program has limited enrollment due to size restraints.  Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for the program’s annual selection process and interview in December.  Selected participants begin the program in January.  Not including prerequisite courses, the program is 3 semesters of full-time study including an extensive clinical experience.

To be eligible for the selection process, students must successfully pass required 16.5 hours of prerequisite courses in the fall with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the courses.  (This can be adjusted only by the Program Director if the class is not filled).  Applications will also require a screening interview (scheduled in December) and attendance of an information session.  Applications are accepted September 1st through December 1st.  For more information refer to the Health Sciences Associate of Applied Science Degrees section in the catalog or visit the Medical Assisting Program web site.

All students graduating with a degree from VSCC are required to take the Educational Testing Service Proficiency Profile (ETSP) to meet graduation requirements. More information can be found at https://www.volstate.edu/testing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

1. Students will develop a realization of the importance of applied medical assisting science in promoting good patient care.

2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of structure and function of the human body and relate this knowledge to illness and wellness.

3. Students will understand the legal and ethical responsibilities and basic concepts to which medical assistants adhere.

4. Students will develop the qualities of leadership, dependability, and accuracy to the greatest degree possible.

5. Students will demonstrate an ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.

6. Students will develop a basic working knowledge of medical terminology.

7. Students will be able to provide clinical experience in physician’s offices and clinics under the guidance of qualified health care professionals.

8. Students will be able to perform administrative duties to include scheduling patients, insurance and payment processing.

9. Students will be able to perform basic business procedures related to office management.

10. Students will demonstrate knowledge of pharmacological principles and competency in the administration of medications.

11. Students will be able to prepare patients for, assist with, and follow-up with after examinations and treatments, as well as demonstrate an understanding for microbiology and asepsis.

12. Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic disease conditions and ability to perform simple diagnostic tests.

13. Students will recognize and respond to emergency situations and practice safety measures.