MEDICAL ASSISTING
(Available at all campuses except Lafayette)

Program Description: The Medical Assisting program at Blue Cliff College is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals. The program provides training in both front and back office and laboratory procedures built on a foundation of medical science and office administration courses.

A Career as a Medical Assistant: The Medical Assistant in today's busy medical environment is a key support person performing routine administrative and clinical tasks necessary to keep an office running smoothly. Medical Assistants give health care a human touch, helping patients to feel at ease in the physician's office and to understand physicians' instructions. Duties may include answering phones, greeting patients, filing, assisting with insurance forms, taking and recording vitals signs, explaining treatment procedures, and collecting laboratory specimens, to mention just a few.

How can I find out more about this career?
For more information about a career in Medical Assisting, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET website. The Standard Occupational Code (SOC) for the career 31-9092.00 and the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for this program is 51.0801.

Supplies: Most textbooks are included in the cost of the program. Additional books, which may be checked out by students for use in classes, are to be kept neat and clean and returned as directed. Retail cost for a new book will be charged to a student who damages or loses a book.
Students receive a kit that includes a stethoscope, uniform and other items. Additional necessary supplies may be listed in course syllabi.

Admission Requirements: The student will be presented with the Guidelines for Practicing Injections for his/her review and signature during the admissions process. Students are required to receive a hepatitis vaccination and provide verification to the College prior to the completion of MA132 Medical Theory and Technique 3. The cost of this vaccination is included in the student's tuition.

DIPLOMA IN MEDICAL ASSISTING
The Diploma in Medical Assisting program provides an in-depth study of the medical science of the human body including anatomy, physiology and pathology of the body systems, clinical techniques including examining room procedures, medical lab procedures, medical terminology, pharmacology, and administrative procedures. The diploma program prepares the graduate for entry-level positions in the health-care field as a medical assistant working in a clinical and/or administrative setting. Our graduates may pursue jobs in doctors' offices, hospitals, and clinics. Upon successful completion of 64-quarter credit hours and all other graduation requirements, the program culminates in the awarding of a Medical Assisting Diploma.

ASSOCIATE IN OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES DEGREE IN MEDICAL ASSISTING
The Associate in Occupational Studies Degree in Medical Assisting program provides an in-depth study of the medical science of the human body including anatomy, physiology and pathology of the body systems, clinical techniques including examining room procedures, medical lab procedures, medical terminology, pharmacology, and administrative procedures. The program also offers courses in general education to provide a well-rounded medical assistant with skills in all aspects of medical office administration. Courses include medical administrative procedures, medical coding and insurance, keyboarding, computer applications, English, and communications. Graduates from associate program may work in entry-level position in the health-care field as medical assistants in clinical and/or administrative settings in doctors' offices, hospitals, and clinics; additionally, graduates are also prepared to work as general office managers and administrative assistants in offices outside the health care field Upon successful completion of 96-quarter credit hours and all other graduation requirements, the program culminates in the awarding of a Medical Assisting Associate in Occupational Studies Degree.

What percentage of graduates completes the Medical Assisting diploma program in the normal time frame as published in the catalog?
The normal time frame for completing the diploma program is 12 months. The percentage of graduates between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 completing in the normal time frame, by campus, is available below:

On-Time Graduation Rates
July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011

Medical Assisting Day

Medical Assisting Night

*NA – There were fewer than 10 graduates in this program between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. For privacy reasons, the U.S. Department of Education requests that schools not report on-time completion rates or median debt levels for programs with fewer than 10 graduates. (Students needing more time due to leaves of absence or academic issues were not charged additional tuition.)

The total graduation rate for this program, as reported to the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) can be found below:

Blue Cliff College ACCSC 2010 Annual Report Medical Assisting
Cohort Graduation Rates by Campus & Program

*NA – There were no graduates during the reporting period.

What percentage of Medical Assisting diploma graduates found employment related to their field of study?
The most recent annual report to our accrediting agency, the Accrediting Commission of Career Colleges and Schools (ACCSC), shows the percentage of graduates who found employment related to their field of study. View the information, by campus, below:

What is the total cost of the Medical Assisting diploma program?
The total current tuition and fees for a student completing the program in normal time in Louisiana and Mississippi is $14,336 and the total additional cost for books and supplies is $1,200*.
* The fees are $ 1,700 for the Medical Assisting Program at the Fayetteville, AR campus only and are effective from May 17, 2010.

What is the total cost of the Medical Assisting degree program?
The total current tuition and fees for a student completing the program in normal time is $21,504 and the total additional cost for books and supplies is $1,200*.
* The fees are $ 1,700 for the Medical Assisting Program at the Fayetteville, AR campus only and are effective from May 17, 2010.

How much student loan debt does a typical graduate have to repay after graduation?
The median* loan debt for students who graduated between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 for public debt (Title IV loans) and for private debt (private loans and post-graduate payment plans) can be found below:

Medical Assisting

* Median debt represents the mid-point in a list of all students carrying debt, including zero debt.

Textbook information
Medical Assisting

Medical Assisting
Additional Books for AOS degree

Contact us today for more information about our Medical Assisting programs.

Back to Programs page