College of the Desert’s Medical Assistant Program

The College of the Desert’s medical assistant Program is a great way to get started in the medical field. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a medical assistant

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Introduction to the medical assistant Program at College of the Desert

The medical assistant program at College of the Desert is designed to prepare students for a career in the medical field. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a medical assistant in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices.

The program is offered at the college’s Palm Desert campus and consists of two semesters of coursework. The first semester focuses on academic coursework, while the second semester focuses on clinical training. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination.

The Benefits of Pursuing a Medical Assistant Program

There are many reasons why you should consider pursuing a medical assistant program at College of the Desert. A medical assistant is a vital member of the healthcare team, and their job duties can include both clinical and administrative tasks. This means that Medical assistants must be well-educated and multi-skilled individuals.

Programs like the one offered at College of the Desert can give you the training you need to excel in this career. Medical Assistants are in high demand, and this demand is only expected to grow in the coming years. Pursuing a medical assistant program can give you the opportunity to enter into a stable and rewarding career.

In addition to the career stability that comes with being a medical assistant, there are also many other benefits. Medical assistants earn competitive salaries and often have access to excellent benefits packages. They also have opportunities to advance their careers by pursuing additional education or certification.

If you are looking for a career that is both stable and rewarding, then pursuing a medical assistant program at College of the Desert is a great option for you.

The Curriculum of the Medical Assistant Program

The curriculum of the Medical Assistant Program at College of the Desert includes courses such as Medical Terminology human anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and medical law and ethics. The program also includes an externship component, in which students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience working in a medical office setting.

The Admission Requirements for the Medical Assistant Program

In order to be eligible for the Medical Assistant program at College of the Desert, students must complete an application and submit all required documentation.

Required documentation includes:
-A high school diploma or equivalent
-Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
-Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and drug screen
-Proof of current immunizations
-Completion of a health examination form

In addition to the above requirements, students must also complete a minimum of 30 college credits including:
-6 credits in English Composition
-3 credits in Math (Intermediate Algebra or higher)
-3 credits in Human Anatomy & Physiology I with a lab
-3 credits in Microbiology with a lab
-2 credits in Introduction to Psychology
-2 credits in Sociology OR 2 credits in Anthropology
-1 credit in Public Speaking

The Application Process for the Medical Assistant Program

To apply to the Medical Assistant program at College of the Desert, you will need to submit a completed application form, transcripts, and a non-refundable application fee. Once your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted for an interview.

Financial Aid for the Medical Assistant Program

The Medical Assistant program at College of the Desert offers a variety of financial aid options to help you pay for your education. We offer both need-based and merit-based scholarships, as well as federal student loan programs. You may also be eligible for state financial aid programs, such as the Cal Grant or the BOG Fee Waiver.

If you have any questions about financial aid for the Medical Assistant program, please contact our office at (760) 423-4713 or (760) 423-6222.

The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants

The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants is quite good. Here are some facts:
-Medical assistants held about 601,700 jobs in 2016.
-Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, including those of chiropractors, podiatrists, and ophthalmologists. A small number work in hospitals.
-About 3 in 4 medical assistants worked in the offices of physicians in 2016. Many worked in outpatient care centers, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
-Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging baby-boom generation will demand more preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As their practices expand, physicians will hire more medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.

The Career Paths of Medical Assistants

Medical assistants (MAs) are an important part of the healthcare team. They take on a variety of tasks to keep the office running smoothly and support the work of doctors and nurses. With experience, some MAs may move into other Allied Health roles, such as medical billing and coding, or they may choose to pursue a degree in another health-related field.

MAs are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. They may also be self-employed or work for agencies that provide temporary or contract staffing to healthcare facilities.

The Different Roles of Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the office of a healthcare provider running smoothly. Medical assistants must be able to work well under pressure, be detail oriented, and have excellent people skills.

There are two different types of medical assistants: certified medical assistants (CMAs) and registered medical assistants (RMAs). CMAs have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have passed a national certification exam. RMAs have also completed an accredited medical assisting program but have chosen not to pursue certification.

Both CMAs and RMAs are qualified to perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, taking patient histories, and billing insurance companies. They may also be responsible for ordering supplies and keeping the office organized. In addition to administrative duties, CMAs and RMAs may also perform clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, administering injections, preparing patients for exams, and assisting with minor surgical procedures.

The duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the size and type of healthcare facility in which they work. In a small clinic, a medical assistant may be responsible for all aspects of patient care. In a larger hospital or specialty practice, medical assistants typically specialize in either administrative or clinical tasks. Regardless of their specific duties, all medical assistants must demonstrate teamwork, flexibility, and a commitment to providing quality patient care.

FAQs about the Medical Assistant Program

Program related questions:
1. What is the difference between a unit and a credit?
2. How many credits are required to complete the Medical Assistant Program?
3. Can I get financial aid to help pay for the program?
4. When do classes start and how long are they?
5. What is the format of the classes?
6. Do I have to be a current COD student to apply?
7. How competitive is the admissions process?
8. How can I prepare for the admissions interviews?
9. If I am not admitted, can I reapply?
10. When will I find out if I am admitted?
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