Medical assisting is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 period according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor. There is a projected growth increase of 30% in the next 10 years. Modified Date: February 1, 2012
Medical assistants are multiskilled health professionals specifically educated to work in ambulatory settings performing administrative and clinical duties. The practice of medical assisting directly influences the public's health and well-being, and requires a master of complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession.
Clinical skills include assisting with the physical exam, taking vital signs, and height, weight, visual acuity and hearing levels. Medical assistants give injections, draw blood, and are certified in CPR/AED and First Aid. They instruct patients in diet and at-home treatments and follow-up care. Medical assistants perform laboratory screening tests and EKGs. Medical assistants can assist with minor office surgery and therapeutic treatments ordered by the physician.
Medical assistants must have administrative skills to keep an office running smoothly. Among these skills are: word processing, insurance coding, claims processing and follow-up. They are trained to use electronic health records, computer office management systems for accounts receivables, and bookkeeping functions such as accounts payable and payroll. Their skills also enable them to screen phone calls, schedule patients for in-office and outside office appointments. People skills and excellent communication are a vital part of medical assisting.
The medical assisting program offers a five-semester “day track” program and a 5 semester “night track” program to accommodate students who work during the day. Students are encouraged to complete arts and sciences non-technical courses while waiting to become eligible for admission to the program.
Second-year students are offered a technical elective in Advanced Phlebotomy that will assist them in becoming eligible to sit for the national certification exam and become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician PBT (ASCP). Immediately upon graduation, a medical assistant is eligible to take the national certification exam given by the AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) to become a certified medical assistant , CMA (AAMA)
The Stark State Medical Assisting Program is accredited for 10 years (2012-2022) by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater FL 33756
727.210.2350
Stark State College's Medical Assisting Program is located at the Stark Regional Campus. 6200 Frank Avenue NW.North Canton OH 44720.330.966.5458. www.starkstate.edu.
According to various sections of the Ohio Law and Regulations for Certification and Licensure Boards, persons convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor may not be accepted into a health program at Stark State College; may not be able to take the licensure or certification examinations; may be refused acceptance of placement by the clinical/practicum sites; or may have restrictions placed on their ability to practice. For more information, contact the dean of student services and the applicable licensure/certification board.
IMPORTANT:
Beginning with the January 2001 Certification Examination, felons are not eligible to sit for the examination unless the Certifying Board (CB) grants a waiver based on one or more of the mitigating circumstances listed in the Disciplinary Standards.
PLEASE NOTE:
Acceptance to Stark State College does not ensure acceptance into a particular health program. Students must apply to their program of choice. See the Health Sciences Application Requirements for more information.
Program Coordinator/Associate Professor of Medical Assisting Program
Geraldine Todaro
330-494-6170 ext. 4233
Room #: J334