Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assistant

The Berkeley College Medical Assistant certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Enrolling in a CAAHEP-accredited program will ensure you are on the right path to building a successful career as a medical assistant.Berkeley’s Medical Assistant programs can prepare you to become a valuable member of a medical team in one of today’s most in-demand career fields. Through hands-on training from experienced healthcare professionals, you’ll develop the knowledge and learn the skills needed to work in a range of healthcare facilities.You’ll also have the option of continuing your education to expand your career possibilities and increase your earning potential. As an example, read about Kristin Trainor, who began in a Medical Assistant program, transferred some of her credits toward a Practical Nurse program, continued on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and is even considering a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree for the future. Many employers offer tuition assistance programs, making it easier to add skills and professional credentials while you’re working.The College also offers an Associate in Applied Science Medical Assistant degree program, which is an extension of the career-track certificate program. Unlike other Medical Assistant programs, graduates of Berkeley College’s degree program also receive a certificate in Medical Assistant.Both the Medical Assistant certificate and degree programs are designed to prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. This is accomplished by providing curriculum relating to patient care skills, general study, and administrativebusiness skills.Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. You’ll learn to:Take vital signsPrepare patients and assist physicians during examinationsCollect and prepare laboratory specimensPerform basic laboratory testsSchedule appointments, bill patients, fill out insurance forms, and much moreThe programs can prepare you to enter the high-demand field of healthcare and to work in a variety of settings, including physicians’ offices, hospitals, and other professional healthcare facilities. You’ll be prepared to meet both the clinical and administrative challenges of today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment.The programs cover a wide range of areas, including:Medical office administrationMedical terminologyPharmacology and human diseasesClinical procedures such as electrocardiography (EKG), venipuncture, and specimen collection