Medical Assisting
About This Course
Through extensive hands-on instruction, students will acquire skills to assist doctors in all phases of medicine and skills needed for medical and allied health careers. They will learn vital signs, blood pressure, infection control, instrument and tray set ups, professional communication, law and ethics. They will also learn to use computerized EKG machines, specimen collection, urology testing and throat culture. Computer applications are also part of the curriculum.
Students Will Learn:
- Conducting hearing and vision screenings
- Performing allergy tests and immunization
- Preparing and administering oral and injectable medications
- Assisting in physical and gynecology exams
- Instrument identification
- Capillary puncture
- EKG
- Infection control
Course available: Grades 11–12
Course length: 2 years/CDOS Eligible
Placement: Regular
Location: Barry Tech or GC Tech
Career Opportunities
Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing fields in the U.S. today. With the increasing demand for healthcare and the growing changes in the medical field, the role of the medical assistant has expanded and is in high demand. Students who complete this course will be qualified to work in a variety of entry-level positions, such as clinics, emergency care centers, health centers, hospitals, physician’s offices, medical labs, public health systems, schools and blood banks. At the end of the second year of this program, qualified students in good standing have the opportunity to sit for the Certified Health Professionals National Certification in Medical Assisting. Those who pass and graduate from high school will receive their certification in medical assisting. This course offers an excellent foundation for college-bound students interested in health careers, such as pre-med, scientific or medical research, physician’s assistant, nursing, medical tech, EMT, pharmacology, respiratory therapy, radiology, physical therapy, lab technology, X-ray tech, sonography, and medical office administration. Typical job titles in this field include medical assistant, medical receptionist, office assistant, lCD-9-CPT coder, medical biller and ward clerk. Upon completion of the required training and exams, students will have the opportunity to be certified in CPR, Heart Saver/First Aid through the American Heart Association.