Medical assistants are the backbone of efficient healthcare practices, playing a vital role in patient care and administrative operations within ambulatory settings. These multi-skilled professionals are essential to the smooth functioning of medical offices, directly impacting public health and well-being. Becoming a medical assistant requires a comprehensive understanding of medical knowledge and specialized skills, typically obtained through formal education and hands-on experience – setting the standard for entry into this rewarding profession.
Embark on a Medical Assisting Career with Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College offers two distinct pathways to launch your medical assisting career: the Medical Assisting Advanced Associate in Science (A.S.) degree and the Medical Assisting Specialist College Credit Certificate (CCC). Both programs are meticulously designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge demanded in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. These programs are ideal starting points for individuals interested in a healthcare career path that could potentially lead to diverse roles in the future, including, for some, an Academic Program Director Career Path through continued education and extensive field experience.
Medical Assisting Advanced – Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree
The Associate in Science degree in Medical Assisting Advanced is a comprehensive program that prepares you for immediate employment as a crucial member of any healthcare team. Taught within a simulated medical office environment, this program provides hands-on training in both administrative and clinical aspects of medical practice. You’ll gain proficiency applicable to various settings, including physician’s offices, outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic and medical laboratories, and kidney dialysis centers.
Upon completing the A.S. degree program, you’ll be eligible to pursue national certifications such as:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) (AMT)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) (NHA)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) (NHA)
Furthermore, credits earned in this program are transferable to Palm Beach State’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, offering a pathway for career advancement and further academic pursuits. These credits may also be transferable to other four-year institutions, opening doors to diverse educational and academic program director career path options in the long run.
Medical Assisting Specialist – College Credit Certificate (CCC)
The College Credit Certificate in Medical Assisting Specialist offers a focused and efficient route to becoming a vital part of a physician’s healthcare team. Mirroring the A.S. program in its practical, medical office-like training environment, the CCC program emphasizes the essential administrative and clinical skills needed in various healthcare settings. Graduates of this certificate program are well-prepared for roles in physician’s offices, outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and kidney dialysis centers.
Similar to the A.S. degree, completion of the CCC program qualifies you to sit for national certification exams, enhancing your credibility and employability:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) (AMT)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) (NHA)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) (NHA)
The credits you earn in the Medical Assisting Specialist CCC program can be directly applied towards the Medical Assisting Advanced Associate in Science degree, providing a seamless transition for continued education and career growth within a potential academic program director career path or other leadership roles in healthcare management or education in the future.
Important Program Information
Program Cost:
- Approximately $9,600 (in-state) including books, uniform, tuition, and other associated fees.
Controlled Access Program:
Palm Beach State College’s Medical Assisting programs are controlled access programs, requiring a separate program application in addition to general college admission.
Apply to the Medical Assisting Program
Clearance Requirements:
Admission to the program is contingent upon meeting health and safety clearance requirements, including drug screenings, background checks, and fingerprinting. Clinical facility placements mandate these clearances to ensure student eligibility for practical experiences, which are essential for program completion.
Program Accreditation:
Palm Beach State College’s Medical Assisting Certificate Program holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), affirming the program’s commitment to high educational standards and quality.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Program Goal:
“To prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.”
Exam Passage Rates:
The program boasts an impressive five-year average exam passage rate of 76.47% (2019-2023), with a 100% passage rate in 2023, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for certification and successful careers. This strong foundation can be a crucial stepping stone for those who may, with further education and experience, consider an academic program director career path or other leadership roles in the healthcare education sector.
Medical Assisting Student Handbook
By choosing Palm Beach State College’s Medical Assisting programs, you are taking the first step towards a fulfilling and in-demand healthcare career, with potential avenues for professional growth and specialization, including possibilities within the academic and educational spheres related to healthcare professions.
