Medical Assistant

Program Type

Associate in Applied Science

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About the Program

A Medical Assistant is a multi-skilled allied health professional who works primarily in ambulatory settings such as medical offices and clinics. The Medical Assistant functions as a member of the health care delivery team by performing a variety of administrative tasks and by assisting with clinical procedures to facilitate the work of the physician. The Medical Assistant is essential in the smooth workflow of a medical office. 

The two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Medical Assistant Program at Rock Valley College prepares graduates in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for an entry-level Medical Assistant position. Instruction is delivered in the classroom, skills lab, and clinical setting, including a final 200-hour non-paid externship in a physician’s office. 

Admission Requirements

Currently, students who have earned a high school diploma (or equivalent) are required to complete prerequisite courses and then meet with the Program Coordinator for final approval to enter the program. 

What can I do with this degree?

Potential Careers & Wages

Medical assistants are inspirations! Every day they touch people’s lives with their extraordinary skills and caring ways. Medical Assistants from an AAS program Are trained to work as a CMA (AAMA) Allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative training CMA's are able to work all ambulatory care settings in leadership roles, management roles and obtain advanced degrees for practice management and Academic settings. 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. More Medical Assistants are employed by practicing physicians than any other type of allied health personnel.

Program Pathways

Students should meet with an Academic Advisor to develop a clear pathway leading to a seamless transfer experience or transition to the workforce. For additional possibilities that may require an advanced degree or certification, make an appointment with an Academic Advisor.

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The program follows the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) core curriculum required by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • (727) 210-2354
  • https://www.caahep.org/
  • 1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL. 33756

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to: 
  • Incorporate clinical and theoretical knowledge while safely performing clinical skills efficiently. 
  • Apply computer skills while entering varying data accurately. 
  • Prioritize patient care support activities effectively and efficiently. 
  • Combine varying methods of communication to support patient centered care. 
  • Demonstrate professional behaviors in the Medical Assistant profession. 

Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and earn the credential of CMA-AAMA. 

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