The Medical Assisting Certificate is designed to give students the basic clinical and administrative skills to enter the field of medical assisting.  The practical and comprehensive coursework will include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, administering injections, performing EKGs, and venipuncture.

As a skill credential, this certificate program has been created to provide additional training to accompany your existing degree(s) to make you stand out in the workplace. An earned associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution is required to be enrolled in any skill credential program.

Upon successful completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

1. Display professionalism by displaying a professional manner and image; demonstrating initiative and responsibility; working as a member of the health care team; prioritizing and performing multiple tasks; adapting to change; promoting credentials associated with medical assisting; enhancing skills through continuing education; treating all patients with compassion and empathy; utilizing psychological theories; and promoting the practice through positive public relations.
2. Exhibit communication skills by recognizing and respecting cultural diversity; adapting communications to an individual’s ability to understand; using professional telephone
   techniques; recognizing and responding effectively to verbal, nonverbal, and written communications; using medical terminology appropriately; utilizing electronic technology to
   receive, organize, prioritize, and transmit information; and serving as a liaison and patient navigator, demonstrate self-boundaries and respect for individual diversity.
3. Apply legal concepts by performing with legal and ethical boundaries; maintaining confidentiality, preparing and maintaining medical records; documenting accurately and
   appropriately; following the employer’s established policies dealing with the health care contract; implementing and maintaining federal and state health care legislation and regulations;
   complying with established risk management and safety procedures; recognizing professional credentialing criteria and the impact personal ethics and morals have on delivery of healthcare.
4. Provide instruction for individuals according to their needs; explain office policies and procedures; teach methods of health promotion and disease prevention; and locating community
   resources for dissemination of information.
5. Perform operational office functions by performing an inventory supplies and equipment; perform routine maintenance of administrative and clinical equipment; and applying computer
   techniques to support office operations.
6. Perform administrative procedures utilizing basic administrative medical assisting function; scheduling, coordinating and monitoring appointments; scheduling inpatient/outpatient
   admissions and procedures; understanding and applying third party guidelines; obtaining reimbursement through accurate claims submissions; monitoring third-party reimbursement;
   and understanding and adhering to managed care policies and procedures; apply principles of practice finances by performing procedural and diagnostic coding; apply bookkeeping principles; and manage accounts receivable.
7. Perform clinical fundamental principles by applying principles of aseptic technique and infection control; complying with quality assurance practices; and screening and following up on patients’ test results; perform diagnostic testing by collecting and processing specimens as well as testing specimens in the CLIA waived category. Follow safety protocols, and ergonomics procedures.
8. Incorporate critical thinking skills with patient assessment and care; actively participate in patient care by adhering to established patient screening procedures; obtaining patient history and vital signs; preparing and maintaining examination and treatment areas; preparing patients for examinations, procedures, and treatment; assist with examinations, procedures, and treatment; exhibit knowledge regarding usage of drug reference materials; read and verify drug labels; prepare and administer medications and immunizations; maintain medication and immunization records; recognize and respond to emergencies; and coordinate patient care information with other health care providers.
9. Identify structure and function, organization, systems, directional terms, major organs, genetic concepts, and pathology related to body systems; analyze pathology for each system including diagnostic measures and treatment; describe dietary nutrients, the function of dietary supplements, and special dietary needs and restrictions; categorize medication classifications to include indications for use, routes of administration, desired effects, side effects and adverse reactions; demonstrate knowledge of math computations, using measurement systems, conversions of the systems, and identify abbreviations and symbols used with the systems in calculations.

Online + Hands-On and Certification-Based

The program is characterized by a high degree of learning virtually, including at-home labs and a comprehensive hands-on externship. In addition to the program outcomes listed, students will take the following certifications: CPR through the American Red Cross as part of MED202 Clinical Medical Assisting and the Medical Assistant Certification exam offered through the American Medical Certification Association as part of MED298 Medical Assisting Exam Success Class.

Through American National University’s 100% online Medical Assisting certificate program, you will participate in clinical laboratory classes using our at-home lab kits to apply the knowledge you have learned in the classroom and build real-world skills today’s employers are looking for. You will also participate in a mandatory externship, which offers further opportunities to apply learned skills and competencies. Our hands-on medical assistant training will give you the experience and confidence to succeed in one of the fastest-growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.