The Medical Assistant certificate program prepares students with the knowledge, technical skills and work ethic required for an entry-level position in the medical field. The program includes classroom theory and clinical practice to prepare graduates to participate in patient care management, administrative and supervisory functions. Clinical performance includes physical assessment, diagnostic procedures, surgical technique and office assisting, EKG, pharmaceutical principles, and administration of medication. Graduates from this program will demonstrate effective communication skills, adhere to ethical and legal standards of medical practice, recognize and respond to emergencies, and demonstrate professional characteristics. Students must complete Basic Life Support C for Health Care Providers prior to beginning practicum in the Spring semester. Upon completion of the program, you will be qualified to take the national certification exam for medical assistants administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
A minimum of 32 credits is required for graduation.
Students must receive a C or better in all required courses for graduation.
The Medical Assistant Certificate is available in a day or in the evening option. The Medical Assistant Certificate day option is the traditional face-to-face classroom. The evening option in is a hybrid-online modality for the classroom part of the program. Students who attend the Medical Assistant Evening Program will complete most of their course work in online courses and come to our Lawrence campus one to two evenings per week for in-class meetings and laboratory sessions.
Program science courses must be completed within five (5) years prior to the anticipated start date of the program to count towards completing the certificate. Students must complete Basic Life Support C for Health Care Providers prior to beginning practicum in the Spring semester.
Accreditation
The Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 35 East Wacker Drive, Chicago IL, 60601, 312-553-9355 upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants – Endowment (CCRB-AAMAE).
Additional Admission Criteria and Information
Please find additional information here: Required Forms.
CORI/CHRI/SORI
Students interested in participating in this program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) check, and a Sex Offender Record Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
Drug screening
Students enrolled in this academic program may be required to pass a drug screening analysis.
CPR
Students are required to be CPR Certified at the Health Care Provider/ Professional Rescuer level prior to the start of clinical courses.
Health
Students are required to complete a health evaluation, including the Hepatitis B immunization series, prior to final acceptance to the Program.
Student Professional Liability Insurance
Students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.
Requirements
| BIO101 | Human Biology | 3 |
| AND | |
| BIO102 | Human Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| OR | |
| BIO122 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HES104 | Medical Office Administration | 3 |
| HES115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MAS100 | Introduction to Medical Assisting | 3 |
| MAS101 | Medical Assisting I | 3 |
| MAS110 | Medical Assisting II | 3 |
| MAS120 | Clinical Laboratory Procedures | 3 |
| MAS190 | Medical Assisting Practicum | 4 |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Schedule Tips: MAS190 offered FALL ONLY; MAS100, MAS101 offered SPRING ONLY; MAS110, MAS120 offered SUMMER ONLY
Courses with Prerequisites: BIO102, BIO122, MAS101, MAS110, MAS120, MAS190
Course with Corequisite: BIO102
Milestone Courses: MAS100, MAS101, MAS110, MAS120
Recommended Course Sequence/Pathway Medical Assistant Certificate
Year 1 Fall
| BIO101 | Human Biology | 3 |
| AND | |
| BIO102 | Human Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| OR | |
| BIO122 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| | |
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HES115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Year 1 Spring
| MAS100 | Introduction to Medical Assisting | 3 |
| MAS101 | Medical Assisting I | 3 |
Year 1 Summer
| MAS110 | Medical Assisting II | 3 |
| MAS120 | Clinical Laboratory Procedures | 3 |
Year 2 Fall
| HES104 | Medical Office Administration | 3 |
| MAS190 | Medical Assisting Practicum | 4 |