Medical Assistant Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)
Not all programs are offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online®. Please review the academic program pages (https://berkeleycollege.edu/academics/index.html) for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online. The Internship courses are only offered online.
Course Requirements
MAJOR CORE COURSES
HEA1101 Foundations of Health Services
3 Credits
Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the American healthcare system. This course explains the structures and operations of healthcare organizations, explores the forces responsible for shaping the system, and considers the policies influencing the system’s current and future performance.
HEA2200 Medical Terminology
3 Credits
Provides a solid foundation and understanding of the medical language used by healthcare professionals through the introduction, reinforcement, and combination of medical word parts including prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms. Emphasis is placed on word building, analysis of word parts, spelling, special endings, plural forms, correct pronunciation of terminology related to procedures, and diseases of the various body systems. Commonly used abbreviations and symbols will also be introduced.
HEA2203 Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Services
3 Credits
An introduction to the principles of law as applied to the healthcare field. Students learn ethical standards and issues as related to healthcare.
HEA2255 Electronic Health Records
3 Credits
Familiarizes students with computerized billing and electronic health records using practice management software. Students learn to enter and edit patient personal history information, enter charges and post payments to financial accounts, and print statements. The importance of accuracy is stressed throughout this course. Prerequisite: HEA1101
MED1100 Clinical and Surgical Office Procedures
3 Credits
Students learn the skills needed to function in a clinical office setting including patient relations, laboratory procedures and safety, maintaining medical asepsis, recognizing surgical instrumentation, conducting proper autoclaving and disinfecting, obtaining vital signs, draping patients, assisting with examinations and treatments, and performing diagnostic procedures. Students also learn to prepare and maintain a sterile surgical environment, prepare a patient for minor surgery, and assist during minor surgical procedures.
Prerequisites: MED1120
Prerequisites or Corequisites: HEA2200, SCI2100
MED1120 Medical Office Administration
3 Credits
Introduction to the healthcare industry and the medical assistant profession. Emphasizes patient relations as well as efficient procedures and administration of the professional office. Telephone techniques, patient scheduling, medical records management, and patient privacy within the practice are covered. Explores career development opportunities and strategies. Stresses entry-level job requirements and upward career paths.
MED1130 Medical Emergencies and Electrocardiography
3 Credits
Introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the cardiac system. Students learn how to perform electrocardiogram (EKG) on patients, troubleshoot EKG machine problems, and recognize basic cardiac arrhythmias. Spirometry testing is performed. Students will also learn to respond to common emergency situations, administer first aid in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, recognize the effect of stress on all persons involved in emergency situations, and demonstrate self-awareness in responding to emergency situations. Emphasis is placed on professional attitudes and the principles and basic concepts of ethics and laws involved in providing medical services. Students must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification through the American Heart Association.
Prerequisites or Corequisites: HEA2200, SCI1100. MED1120 (Medical Assistant students only)
MED1140 Specimen Collection and Procedures
3 Credits
Students learn a variety of laboratory procedures, specimen collection, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment Waiver Test, and Point of Care Testing (PoCT). Includes performing proper venipuncture and finger-stick techniques for obtaining human blood specimens, as well as other methods of collecting body fluid specimens while complying with OSHA Standards.
Prerequisites: MED1120 (Medical Assistant students only)
Prerequisites or Corequisites: HEA2200, SCI2100
MED1160 Principles of Pharmacology and Human Diseases
3 Credits
Basic principles of pharmacology and human pathophysiology are combined to further the understanding of medication administration, as well as the therapeutic and non-therapeutic effects of various medication classifications. This course covers the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug preparation, and dose calculation as well as the various routes of drug administration. Also covered are the etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and treatment of the common pathologies.
Prerequisites: MED1120
Prerequisites or Corequisites: HEA2200, SCI2100
MED2280 Medical Assistant Capstone and Practicum
6 Credits
This course requires the student to integrate the knowledge, skills, and techniques learned throughout the Medical Assistant program. The practicum component provides students with 165 hours of hands-on work experience in a supervised ambulatory healthcare environment. The on-campus component elicits reflection on the application of principles and practices learned throughout the entire Medical Assistant program. This course is designed to reinforce the knowledge and skills necessary to sit for industry-specific certifications examinations such as the Certified Medical Assistant – CMA (American Association of Medical Assistants), Registered Medical Assistant - RMA, and/or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant - CCMA.
Prerequisites: MED1100, MED1120, MED1130, MED1140, MED1160, HEA2200, SCI2100
BUSINESS CORE COURSE
CIS1115 Computer Applications
3 Credits
Provides an introduction to computer technology with an emphasis on applications. Students learn to use software, such as Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE CORE COURSES
ENG1105 Writing and Research
3 Credits
An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition. Students are taught to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles. Students are encouraged to appreciate and incorporate the principles of academic and professional writing.
ENG2205 Writing Through Literature
3 Credits
Further develops the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105 through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres.
Prerequisite: ENG1105
SCI1100 Anatomy and Physiology I
3 Credits
Study of the structure, function, and pathology (disease) of the human body. Students are introduced to various body systems including the musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, and integumentary, as well as the special senses.
SCI2100 Anatomy and Physiology II
3 Credits
Study of the structure, function, and pathology (disease) of the human body. Students are introduced to various body systems including the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, lymphatic, and reproductive systems.
Prerequisite: SCI1100
SOC2225 Introduction to Psychology
3 Credits
Explores the basic principles of psychology and their direct application to individuals’ thoughts and behaviors and awareness of their own everyday existence. Topics explored include human development, personality, cognitive process, motivation, emotion, adjustment, perception, and psychological disorder and treatment.
Humanities Elective- 3 Credits
Social Science Elective- 3 Credits
FREE ELECTIVE- 3 Credits
60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
Additional Program Information
This program requires completion of a practicum. Prior to participating in the practicum, students must satisfy all practicum clearance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, a physical assessment by a licensed medical professional; meeting immunization requirements; undergoing a criminal background check at the request of clinical facilities; and drug screenings.
Students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program must meet the minimum passing grade requirements for certain courses.
For more information about the Medical Assistant program, grade requirements, and clinical requirements, see: Medical Assistant Student Handbook Supplement: https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/medical-assistant-student-handbook-supplement-2024-2025/index.html
Program Costs
Information about program costs (including tuition, fees, books, and supplies) is available at: https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/undergraduate-2024-2025/admissions/undergraduate-degree-program-tuition-fees-2024-2025/index.html
Professional Licensure & Certification
Information about professional licensure and/or certification requirements for this program is available online at: https://berkeleycollege.edu/about/accreditation-regulatory/professional-licensure-and-certification/index.html