Medical Assistant

•  Human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
• Medical terminology
• Electronic health records
• Insurance processing
• Laboratory techniques
• Medical coding and billing
• Clinical and diagnostic procedures
• Pharmacology
• Medication administration
• Medical law and ethics
  
  

• Administrative Duties:
  • Answer telephones
  • Greet patients
  • Establish and maintain patient medical records
  • Code and fill out insurance forms 
  • Schedule appointments
  • Arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Clinical Duties:
  • Prepare and administer medications as directed by the physician
  • Take medical histories
  • Explain treatment procedures to patients
  • Prepare patients for examination
  • Assist the physician during exams, diagnostic procedures, and treatments
  • Collect and prepare laboratory specimens and perform basic laboratory tests
  • Instruct patients about medication and special diets
  • Draw blood
  • Perform electrocardiograms
  • Remove sutures and change dressings

The Medical Assistant program at Allegany College of Maryland will prepare you for a career as the most versatile profession in allied health.  Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum combined with hands-on training and will prepare you to become a successful certified medical assistant.  You will have the opportunity to practice clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, and administrative responsibilities in a realistic setting.  

Administrative responsibilities of the Medical Assistant include, but are not limited to, answering the telephone; creating, updating, and maintaining patients’ records; handling the insurance cycle including coding, billing, and processing of claims forms; and supervising the day-today front office activities. Clinical duties vary according to individual state laws. Clinical responsibilities include taking a medical history, vital signs, patient education, and preparing and assisting with patient examinations and minor surgeries. Medical Assistants routinely perform collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, disposing of contaminated supplies, and sterilizing medical instruments. Under the supervision of a physician, a medical assistant prepares and dispenses medications, authorizes drug refills, and submits prescriptions to pharmacies.

To enhance your career based experience, you will also complete two clinical practicum experiences for a total of 220 hours that enables you to apply your classroom learning into a real-world setting.  Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing occupations. Due to the flexibility and multi-disciplined skills possessed by the Medical Assistant, employment opportunities will increase as the number of outpatient settings grows.

The Medical Assistant program at ACM is designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).