Medical Assisting

School of Sciences, Health, Engineering and Math

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About the Program

This accelerated program encompasses the competencies needed by a professional medical assistant. Specific education includes performing administrative and clinical procedures in settings such as physician offices, clinics and ambulatory settings. Courses are sequenced to build skill level. Medical assisting is a growing occupation in New Mexico and the United States. This program of study is oriented to students who have an aptitude for organization and health care systems. Certificate eligible for Financial Aid.

This program is offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters as an accelerated program (course layout). Students who successfully complete the certification or A.A.S are eligible to apply to sit in for the national exam. Students who are interested, must complete an application to start the admission process. The goal of the program is to prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Prerequisites for MAST program

These classes are needed to be completed before starting MAST courses:

-MATH 1105 Basic Algebra

-HLCR 113 Medical Terminology

-AHAC 151 Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (this course cannot be expired while in the program.

Recommended course

This class is recommended to be taken prior to the MAST courses:

-PSYC 1110 – Introduction to Psychology

Students can earn the following degree related to this certificate:

Medical Assisting, A.A.S.

Medical Assistants are multi-skilled practitioners who perform a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks in physicians’ offices and other healthcare settings. They often perform administrative duties such as using computers to make patient appointments, billing, maintaining accurate medical records, and greeting patients.

The clinical duties of a medical assistant can include assisting with medical exams, conducting basic laboratory tests, drawing blood, and EKGs, preparing patients for X-rays, giving medication, and assisting with minor office surgical procedures. Because a medical assistant is often a patient’s first contact with a caregiver, medical assistants are important for setting the tone and contributing to the success of the patient’s treatment.

Take courses in a clinical laboratory, administrative procedures, and professional development. The program is accredited and prepares you to take the National Certification Exam. The Medical Assisting Program’s goal is to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains essential to providing safe and caring services.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Medical Assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, as the health services industry continues to expand and diversify.