Medical Administrative Assistant, Advanced Skill Set

Amy Cunningham, Medical Administrative Assistant Program Coordinator
School of Health Sciences
116K Advanced Technology Center, Fairmont / (304)367-4764
Amy.Cunningham@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The Medical Administrative Assistant Advanced Skill Set provides students with the opportunity to attain skills and education necessary to support healthcare operations and ensure that healthcare facilities and offices run smoothly and efficiently.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the Medical Administrative Assistant Advanced Skill Set is based upon the following criteria:

1. Apply to Pierpont Community and Technical College for the term you want to begin the program and meet the general admission requirements or be a current student
   1. First-time students should select “Health Sciences: Medical Admin Assistant” as their educational goal on their application.
   2. Current students will need to complete a Change of Major form and select “Medical Administrative Assistant (Adv Skill Set)” as their requested major.

Qualified students are accepted into the program until capacity is met.

*Students can begin the program in the fall or spring semesters.

Program Requirements

• Students must pass a criminal background clearance check, meet health and immunization requirements, and drug testing.
• Students must be able to meet the essential functions of the program and classes, with or without accommodations.
• Students will need to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Students must complete each course in the Medical Administrative Assistant model schedule with a grade of “C” or higher and maintain an overall 2.0 GPA to remain in the program.  Students who receive a “D” or “F” in a course must repeat the course before continuing in the program’s course sequence.  If students receive two such grades in the same course, they will be removed from the program.   

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Medical Administrative Assistant Advanced Skill Set, completers will be able to do the following:

• Explain medical terms that are commonly used in healthcare organizations
• Demonstrate knowledge of office policies and procedures
• Demonstrate understanding of federal regulations, including OSHA, CMS and HIPAA
• Perform and arrange patient scheduling
• Demonstrate understanding of principles and purpose of coding

Opportunities

Completers who obtain the Medical Administration Assistant Advanced Skill Set have the option of obtaining certification with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).

Medical Administrative Assistants with an advanced skill set can go on to entry-level positions as a medical secretary, customer service representative, front office staff and more. Working environments include physician’s offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Employment in this field is projected to grow 36 percent from 2012 to 2022.