Medical Assistant Program Goals and Objectives
Program Goals
Berkeley College’s Medical Assistant Associate in Applied Science degree and certificate programs prepare students 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. Graduates are prepared to meet both the clinical and administrative challenges of today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment.
The program is 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 administrative/business skills.
The goals for completion of the Medical Assistant program are:
- Reading and Written Communication: Students will demonstrate competency in reading and writing.
- Oral Communication: Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills that incorporate emotional intelligence, empathy, and civility.
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning: Students will apply critical thinking and the knowledge gained in their degree programs for better decision-making informed by:
- Ethical Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Scientific Reasoning
- Knowledge and Skills for Living in a Diverse Society: Students will respect multiple perspectives and cultural contexts when making decisions independently or as part of a team.
- Information Literacy: Students will be able to locate, evaluate, and ethically utilize reliable information, empowering them as informed and responsible citizens.
- Integration of Learning: Students will develop the ability to make connections between different academic studies and specialized professional skills leading to more informed, creative, and productive decisions in life and career.
- Prepare students as multi-skilled and nationally credentialed healthcare practitioners who perform a wide range of roles in physicians’ offices and other healthcare settings.
- Prepare students who are professional and proficient in administrative and clinical tasks such as medical record keeping and documentation, patient communication, and clinical skills (EKG, venipuncture, vital signs, physical exam, CPR, etc.).
- Instruct students to employ HIPAA, OSHA, Standard Precautions, and other infection control measures in the healthcare setting.
- Ensure students enter the workforce as qualified and technically skilled healthcare professionals in the ever-changing healthcare environment.
- Educate students regarding the ethical, legal, and professional principles of the healthcare profession and in the scope of their practice as a patient advocate.
- Prepare students to effectively interact with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team in a therapeutic and professional manner.