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Yakima Valley Community College
Medical Assisting Program
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Program Overview |
| Combining convenient
on-line instruction, laboratory simulations, and supervised
clinical practice, the YVCC Medical Assisting Program prepares
students for a career as a Medical Assistant. Instruction
includes core courses essential to health care professionals as
well as specialty courses in medical assisting. Simulations of
patient examination rooms, a laboratory, and a front office
reception/business area in the Allied Health Laboratory allow for
hands-on practice of essential psycho-motor skills. Clinical
practice in local physician’s offices and clinics provide actual
experiences to prepare students for entry level positions as a
Medical Assistant. The YVCC Medical
Assisting Certificate Program is 62 credits in length. Students
may complete the course of study in four quarters of full time
attendance. Part-time study is also available. A program
application is required, with thirty students accepted annually,
using a competitive point system. Upon successful completion of
the program, the graduate will receive a Certificate in Medical
Assisting. The optional Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in
Medical Assisting degree requires the student to complete 32
additional credits, for a total of 94. Both options have been
granted full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of
Allied Health Education Programs. |
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| Career Overview |
| Medical Assistants
are versatile health care professionals that have specific
training to work in a physician’s office or clinic. Medical
Assistants may perform administrative skills and basic clerical
functions, including writing business letters and memos, filing
patient records, scheduling, preparing requisitions, telephone
services, transcription, monitoring third party reimbursement,
and medical coding. Additionally, Medical Assistants are
proficient in many clinical skills, a few of which are obtaining
vital signs, sterile technique, assisting with physical
examinations and minor surgery, administering injections,
laboratory procedures, phlebotomy, and sterilization of equipment
by autoclaving. |
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| Working
Environment |
| Medical Assistants
work in well-lighted, clean environments. There is constant
interaction with people, either in person or by telephone.
Medical Assistants most often work a regular 40-hour week,
although part-time, evening, or weekend work may be available. |
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Personal Characteristics |
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The profession of Medical Assisting requires the
ability to multi-task and use critical thinking skills.
Prospective students should possess personal integrity, have the
ability to pay close attention to detail, be conscientious, and
orderly. Physical requirements include the ability to either sit
or stand for long periods of time and the strength to lift
supplies, lift and move patients, and maneuver heavy equipment.
The nature of the career requires adequate vision, hearing and
manual dexterity. Additionally, students must be willing to
continue their education throughout their career to keep abreast
of new developments in the field. |
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Employment Opportunities |
| According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of medical assistants is
expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations
through the year 2010 as the health services industry expands
because of technological advances in medicine, and a growing and
aging population. It is one of the fastest growing occupations.”
Medical Assistants may be eligible for employment in physician’s
offices, clinics, and hospitals. |
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| For more
information about the Phlebotomy Program at Yakima Valley
Community College, please contact: |
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Michael Melton
Allied Health Program Assistant
(509) 574-4913
E-Mail: Michael Melton
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