Medical Assistant

Instructional Program (CIP)

Description

Medical Assistant-Certificate

Program Objective:

This program will provide students with a working knowledge of front and back-office skills to prepare the student for direct employment in a medical practice setting. Students will be prepared for the national credentialing exam.

Description:

This program will provide students with a working knowledge of front and back-office skills to prepare the student for direct employment in a medical practice setting, as well as the general education courses required for completion of Applied Associate of Science.

Competencies to be achieved (22 credits):

AHE 101 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (3 Credits): This course is designed for individuals who are employed in human services and allied health agencies. Students will develop a working knowledge of words that relate to body systems, anatomical structures, medical processes and procedures, and a variety of disease conditions.

AHE 119 THE BASICS OF BODY STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (4 Credits): Orientation to basic body structure and functions as appropriate for the health care setting. Includes organization of the human body, body systems, and major organs. Also includes common disorders associated with each body system and what testing and analysis may be used to determine common disease.

MDA 120 MEDICAL OFFICE (4 Credits): Essential skills for front office procedures in a medical facility. Emphasis is on administrative aspects, such as billing and coding, scheduling appointments, medical electronic health records data collection and management, filing, and office correspondence. Overview of the medical assistant profession including the role of patient navigator and effective communication. Includes legal implications for the medical assistant, scope of practice, standard of care, and legal terminology. Also includes an overview of ethics, morals, and the effect of personal ethics on professional behaviors.

MDA 121 MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (6 Credits): An integrative approach to learning and developing the clinical procedural skills required to work in an ambulatory care setting. Includes the collection and documentation of vital signs, patient history, patient assessment, and partnering with patients to provide them with resources to achieve and maintain health. Also includes Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) waived testing, safety in medication administration, principles of nutrition, and legal and ethical considerations. Includes per-forming and documenting appropriate diagnostic measures, identifying pathology, and initiating treatment prescribed by a licensed provider. Also includes Exposure Control Plan, Blood Borne Pathogens Standard, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Environmental Protection and disposal of Chemical and Biological Waste based on Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidelines and Center for Disease Control (CDC) regulations to assure safety in the medical practice.

MDA-241 MEDICAL ASSISTANT EXTERNSHIP (5 CR.) Practicum in administrative medical assisting. Application of administrative duties, procedures, and knowledge derived from medical assisting courses.

Total Cost of Program (include all costs to the student including testing, certification): 

In-State: $4812.00 - Includes tuition, additional fees, textbooks (prerequisite, corequisite and core courses), and program requirements. *Price is based on maximum cost.

Out-of-State: $5846.00- Includes tuition, additional fees, textbooks (prerequisite, corequisite and core courses), and program requirements. *Price is based on maximum cost.

Note: Tuition, Fees, Books, and Supply costs reviewed annually and may be modified as needed 

Tuition (effective summer 2025):

In-State: $2,134.00

Out-of-State: $3168.00

Tuition Schedule: https://www.azwestern.edu/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees

Additional Fees (effective summer 2025):

Course Fees

MDA-120: $300.00 Fee

MDA-121: $475.00 Fee

MDA-241: $500.00 Fee

Technology Fee: $110.00 ($5 per credit hour)

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Examination: included in course fees

Certification is through a third-party organization (the National Healthcare Association). The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential is needed for many employers.

NHA Medical Assistant (CCMA) Online Study Guide 2.0 + Online Practice Test 2.0: included in course fees

Total Additional Fees: $1385.00

Books:

Provide a list of all books required for the program (even if cost of books is included in tuition):

AHE 101 – Medical Terminology, Chabner, Davi Ellen (ISBN: 9780323551458)  $75.00

AHE 119 - Body and Structures and Functions, 14th edition, Ann Senisi Scott, ISBN-9780357457542 Cengage Unlimited Access,  $120.00

MDA 120 - Medical Assisting: Administrative & Clinical Competencies, 10th ed. (ISBN 9798214113586), $150.00

MDA 121 - Medical Assisting: Administrative & Clinical Competencies, 10th ed. (ISBN 9798214113586) $150.00

Note: Same as MDA 120; will not need to repurchase book if students complete within the same academic year.

MDA 241 - Medical Assisting: Administrative & Clinical Competencies, 10th ed. (ISBN 9798214113586), $150.00

Note: Same as MDA 120; will not need to repurchase book if students complete within the same academic year.

Total books cost: $645.00

Provide a list of all supplies required for the program (even if costs are included in tuition):

Personal cost to the student (cost may vary based on personal preference).

Additional Supply Requirements:

Uniform: $40

Program Patch: $15

White or Black Shoes: $40

CPR Card: $130 

Fingerprint Clearance Card: $95

Tuberculosis Screening: $20

Drug Test: $38

Physical Exam: $150 

Watch-indicating seconds: $20

Blood pressure cuff and stethoscope: $100

Total Supply Cost: $648

WIOA Contact for Enrollment Status /Credential Verification:

Name: Yaneli Pasillas-Miller

Email: Yaneli.Pasillas@azwestern.edu

Phone number: 928-314-9560 or 928-669-2214

Direct Website link to the program:  https://www.azwestern.edu/sites/default/files/degrees-and-certificates/occupational-certificate/Medical%20Assistant.pdf

Additional information:

Background check requirements for licensing and background restrictions for working in the occupation: 

Proof of legal presence in United States 

Other program requirements: 

CPR Healthcare Provider (BLS) or Professional Rescuer Certification 

Fingerprint Clearance 

Tuberculosis Screening 

Up-to-date Immunizations

Drug Test 

Refund Policy (provide a summary if Refund policy is not listed on school website):

https://www.azwestern.edu/paying-for-college

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: National Healthcare Association.

Stackable: (Part of a sequence of credentials)

Yes or No: Yes

Career Pathway: Associates of Applied Science in Medical Assistant

Portable: (Recognized in other geographical areas; by other educational institutions; or by other industries/companies)

Yes or No (Explain): Yes, May be transferred to other regions without additional training

Accredited Curriculum: (This refers to the course being accredited, not the test or school)

Yes or No: Yes, Higher Learning Commission

Link to Accrediting Website: https://www.hlcommission.org/

Credential Attainment Rate: Percentage of students in the last 24 months who obtained a postsecondary credential, or secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, during participation or within one year after exit from the training program. New program, no data.

Details

Cost Items

Demand Occupation(s)