Medical Assistant A.A.S

Instructional Program (CIP)

Description

Program Synopsis Medical Assistant, Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Program Location: Superstition Mountain Campus

Course Objective:
Description: The Medical Assistant AAS Degree prepares entry-level Medical Assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor
(skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains as established by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
The degree includes general education requirements and prepares individuals to perform administrative and clinical
procedures in ambulatory settings, including physician's offices, clinics and group practices.
Prior to enrollment, consult the program director for specific mandatory requirements. Prior to enrollment in MDA175,
Core Requirements must be successfully completed. Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid certification is required
before enrolling in MDA175 and must be current for at least 6 months after the start of MDA175.

Pre-Degree Requirements:
* High school diploma or GED.
* Complete Preprogram Requirement courses with a 2.5 GPA.
Document revised 03/23/2026
* RDG100 College Reading or equivalent reading assessment option- https://centralaz.edu/academics/advising/#tab-id-2
* Information session with Program Director within 1 year of beginning the program.
* Meet with Program Director (Program Director approval for admissions after completion of other prerequisites). 

Competencies to be achieved: 
Upon completion of this program the students will incorporate critical thinking based on cognitive knowledge in performance of psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) domains in their practice as medical assistants in the following areas:

General Education competencies applied to the following:
* Correlate the knowledge acquired in the general education courses to medical assistant concepts and practice. (Evaluation Level) 

Foundation for Clinical Practice: Provide patient care applied to the following:
* Using knowledge of anatomy and physiology, perform the following tests: vital signs, venipuncture, capillary puncture, pulmonary function testing, ECG, patient screening, administration of oral and parenteral medications, quality control measures, CLIA waived hematology, chemistry, urinalysis and immunology testing while demonstrating respect for patient diversity. (Application Level)
* Using knowledge of applied mathematics, prepare and verify proper doses of medication for administration, maintain laboratory test results using flow sheets, distinguish normal and abnormal test results, nutritional values, and maintain growth charts. (Evaluation Level) 
* Using knowledge of microbiology/infection control, practice standard precautions using appropriate barrier/personal protective equipment, hand washing, sterilization techniques, and specimen collection and testing while showing awareness of patient rights, feelings and concerns. (Synthesis Level)

Applied Communications competencies applied to the following:
* Use concepts of effective verbal, nonverbal and written communications to analyze appropriate means of effective communication with patients verbally, nonverbally and in documentation of patient care. (Analysis Level) 

Medical Business Practices competencies applied to the following:
* Using knowledge of administrative functions, manage scheduling and organization of patient medical records using electronic health care records and hardware and software to maintain office system while incorporating time management principles to maintain effective office functions. (Synthesis Level)
* Using knowledge of basic practice finances, apply basic bookkeeping procedures to manual and computerized systems used in ambulatory health care with implementation of time management principles to maintain effective office functions. (Analysis Level
* Using knowledge of managed care and insurance and procedural and diagnostic coding, apply these policies and procedures to implementing both managed care and insurance plans using third party guidelines and using effective communication with patients and managed care and insurance providers. (Application Level)

Medical Law and Ethics competencies applied to the following:
* Integrate knowledge of appropriate local, state and federal health care legal and ethical regulations and laws in providing patient care, practice within the standard of care and scope of practice for a medical assistant, apply HIPAA rules in regard to confidentiality, privacy and release of information, accurately document information and demonstrating sensitivity to patient rights. (Synthesis Level)

Safety and Emergency Practices competencies applied to the following:
* Using knowledge of safety and emergency practices, apply quality control measures in following health and safety policies and procedures to prevent illness and injury including recognition of the effects of stress on all persons involved in emergency situations. (Analysis Level) 
* (All of the Learning Outcomes listed are based on the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) Appendix B Core Curriculum for Medical Assistants 2015 Curriculum Plan.)

Total Cost of Program (include all costs to student including testing, licensure):
Tuition (In-State) 60 x $75 = $4,500
Tuition (Out of State) 60 x $150 = $9,000

Additional Information:
* HESI exam = $45.00.
* Textbooks: $2,200.
* Supplies $400.
* Background Check and Drug Screening is approximately $136.
* Liability Insurance: $25.
* CPR and First Aid cards are approximately $50.00.
* Physical and Immunizations are approximately $100.
* Uniform and shoes are approximately $70.
* CMA exam fee: $225.

Provide a list of all books required for the program (even if cost of books is included in tuition):
Books vary by course and instructor. Different instructors require different books.

Provide a list of all supplies required for the program (even if costs are included in tuition):
Supply requirements will vary by course and instructor.

WIOA Contact for Enrollment Status /Credential Verification:
Name: Veronica Duran
Email: veronica.duran@centralaz.edu
Phone number: 520.494.5481

Direct Website link to the program:
https://centralaz.edu/resources/AOI/MedAsstAASmap.pdf

Additional information:
Background check requirements for licensing and background restrictions for working in the occupation: None.
Other requirements needed: None.

Grievance Resolution Policy 
https://centralaz.edu/student-support-and-care

Refund Policy (provide a summary if Refund policy is not listed on school website):
Tuition Refunds | Central Arizona College Calendar

Credentials: (The following questions must be answered along with a supporting explanation for each)
Industry Recognized: (Developed and offered by, or endorsed by a nationally-recognized industry association or organization representing a sizeable portion of the industry sector)
Yes or No: Yes
Nationally Recognized Industry Association or Organization: American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA); http://www.aama-ntl.org .
Stackable: (Part of a sequence of credentials)
Yes or No: Yes
Career Pathway: Some courses completed may apply towards a bachelor’s degree.
Portable: (Recognized in other geographical areas; by other educational institutions; or by other industries/companies)
Yes or No (Explain): Yes. HLC accredited courses are recognized by other educational institutions. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is also recognized by the medical field.
Accredited Curriculum: (This is referring to the course being accredited, not the test or school)
Yes or No: Yes.
Accrediting Agency and link to website: Accrediting Agency and link to website: Higher Learning Commission; https://hlcommission.org/ . Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). http://www.caahep.org/.

Credential Attainment Rate: Percentage of students in the last 24 months who obtained a postsecondary credential during WIOA program participation or within one year after exit from WIOA. Not Tracked at this time.

Details

Cost Items

Demand Occupation(s)