Medical Assisting

Certificate of Specialization

This program prepares students for employment in medical settings assisting the physician and/or other healthcare professionals in the examination and treatment of patients, as well as preparing them to function in the administrative environment of health care facilities in accordance with state laws governing such actions and activities. Students planning to enroll in MEDA 210 and 211 must submit Application for Work Experience the quarter preceding enrollment. The student must have completed all required courses (53 credits) with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in these courses to register for MEDA 210 and MEDA 211. Further, all required courses must be taken within the previous three years to register for MEDA 210 and MEDA 211.

Program Prerequisites

Students entering the MEDA program are required to take a placement test for reading, writing and mathematics readiness. Please refer to specific course outlines for appropriate placement scores.

Prior to registration for the clinical classes which begin Winter term, students will need to submit a completed application packet to the office of Records and Registration. Requirements include:

1. Purchase of malpractice insurance which is available from the cashier in the CSC Building.
2. Proof of up-to-date immunization status with at least the initial injection of the Hepatitis B series and TB testing within 1 year.
3. The completed application for the MEDA program.
4. Two letters of recommendation.
5. Signed Statement of Responsibility.
6. Signed Confidentiality Statement.
7. Proof of completion of Healthcare Provider CPR and Basic First Aid course.
8. Copies of placement test scores.
9. Any applicable course transcripts needed for consideration.
10. All students will be required to request a Criminal History Information Background Check. A student who cannot participate in patient care delivery in clinical settings during externship based on a positive background inquiry check will not be able to successfully complete the program.
11. Additional requirements including titers for chicken pox and/or measles may be compelled by certain extern sites.

The deadline for application is January 1, or whenever the Winter term MEDA classes are filled with qualified students.

Additional cost: Same fees as other Olympic College students, plus:

1. Purchase of scrubs for externship
2. Purchase of wristwatch with sweep second hand
3. Purchase of Olympic College nametag
4. Purchase of a stethoscope by the beginning of Winter quarter

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, successful students will have demonstrated the ability to apply their skills and knowledge in the following ways:

1. Perform clinical skills appropriate for a medical office setting.
2. Effectively use oral and written communication skills as they relate to a medical office environment.
3. Use computer software to research or organize data for medical information systems.
4. Critically evaluate medical office situations from multiple perspectives to find appropriate solutions.
5. Recognize and be able to respond to medical office emergencies within scope of training.

*See course description for prerequisite.

Source: 2009-2010 Olympic College Catalog