Medical assistants are multiskilled health professionals specifically educated to work in various healthcare settings performing clinical and administrative duties. The practice of medical assisting necessitates mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession. The medical assisting curriculum is a two-year associate of applied science degree program. This program offers the student a broad foundation in medical assisting skills, including a period of practical experience in a medical facility working under the supervision of clinic personnel and the Medical Assisting Program Director.
Training and education consists of learning experiences in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, infection control, nutrition, effective communication skills, medical business practices including coding and insurance, medical law and ethics, as well as safety and emergency practices. In essence, a trained medical assistant can be employed in all aspects of an ambulatory health facility.
Students who successfully complete the associate degree program for medical assisting will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination, CMA (AAMA).
Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiac Sonography, Cosmetology, Medical Assisting, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until admitted into their selected program.
Students are advised that the Medical Assisting Program (MA) is strenuous in nature. Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the MA Program. The MA program is very intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork. This does not include prep or study time. The hours ascribed to each semester while in the MA Program are considered by the program to be full time.
The classes required are offered in a blended format. For the majority of the courses, the content is through online classrooms, video recordings, or digital mediums. However, most procedures/skill checks must be completed in person during a lab with the class members, a team/partner or individually.
Students are trained to work in a wide variety of support service settings to provide generic therapeutic, supportive, and preventive services for people with emotional, developmental, social, or physical needs. Students learn to connect clients to appropriate services, monitor their efficacy, advocate for clients, and provide administrative support for agencies. Students may, under supervision, provide individual and group guidance, lead workshops, provide daily living skills training, assist with vocational planning, provide case management services, and complete records and reports.
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The ATU-Ozark Medical Assisting program's 5 year average for retention for years 2019-2023 is 94.6%.
The average graduate satisfaction rate for the same 5 consecutive years is 100%.
*As of 2024, the TEAS test is no longer required for the Medical Assisting application.
IMPORTANT: Additional Documents Required for Online Application
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical duties under the direction of physicians in their offices or other medical settings. The medical assistant curriculum is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program. This program offers the student a broad foundation in basic medical assisting skills including an externship (practicum) in a medical facility under the supervision of clinic personnel and the Medical Assistant Program Director. Basic medical assistant training and education consist of learning experiences in communication skills, examination room procedures, clinical laboratory skills, and general office practices.
Students who successfully complete the associate degree program for medical assistants will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA) examination.
The 吃瓜网 Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs () upon the recommendation of Medical Assistant Education Review Board (MAERB). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763: phone: (727) 210-2350; website: .
Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiovascular Technology, Cosmetology, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until admitted into their selected program.
Graduates of the Medical Assisting program at 吃瓜网-Ozark Campus are satisfied with the education they receive at 吃瓜网-Ozark Campus, as evidenced by an average 100% graduate satisfaction rate. This is further evidenced by an exam pass rate for 2017 graduates of 92.86% and a job placement rate for 2018 graduates of 91.67%.
(479) 508-8500 ext. 6503
alliedhealth@atu.edu
Melinda Rhynes
Program Chair
Morton Hall
1700 West C Street
Russellville, AR 72801
(479) 508-8500 ext. 6102
mrhynes@atu.edu