Medical Assistant Program
Career Certificate
Our accredited Medical Assistant program prepares you to work closely with doctors and registered nurses to deliver patient care. Depending on the size of the practice, you may have clinical responsibilities (phlebotomy, EKG, taking vital signs) and administrative duties (scheduling, billing, coding.) You can find employment in this fast-growing field at medical offices, ambulatory care centers, and hospitals. Once you complete this program, you can continue on to get your Associate’s Degree or sit for various certification exams.
35
Total Credits
In-demand Career
100%
National Certification Exam Pass Rate
for 2022 grads
(View Outcome Data)
What Jobs Can I Get?
Graduates of the Medical Assistant Program will be well-prepared for these entry-level jobs:
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of…
Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical…
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments,…
About the Curriculum
Choosing a career as a Medical Assistant allows you to become familiar with the healthcare industry and exposes you to the various medical settings and specialties of patient care.
35 total credits (585 academic hours + 180 practicum hours) over three semesters for a fulltime student
Classes held on Passaic and Paterson campuses. Medical Assistant core courses held on Passaic campus
Clinical Placement for unpaid internship will occur in the surrounding community and outside the county
Program requires the student to sit for a national certification exam as part of their capstone course. The various certification exams include: CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant), CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), and RMA (Registered Medical Assistant).
Program prepares the student to sit for CPT (Certified Phlebotomy Technician) certification exam.
Recommended Course Sequence
General Education Requirements – 7 Credits
Communication (3 Credits)
Course Code : EN 101
Course Group(s) : Communication Elective
Course Description :
This course focuses on the stages of the writing process and includes a formal research paper. A variety of writing and reading assignments are designed to develop analytical and critical-thinking skills.
– General Education Course
Co/Prerequisites: College Level or with applicable co-requisite.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring, Summer
Science (4 Credits)
Course Code : BS 100
Course Group(s) : Category 3 – Science, Laboratory Science Elective, Science Courses for Psychology Option, Science Courses for Sociology Option, Science Elective for English, Science Elective for Sociology & Psychology, Science Requirement for Nutrition Option
Course Description :
This is a one-semester lecture and laboratory course designed for non-science majors for the study of the structure and function of all the body systems. It covers such current issues as genetic engineering and biotechnology and health concerns such as AIDS and cancer. Laboratory experiments include light microscopy, human anatomy and physiology, and representative dissections.
– General Education Course
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab / Studio: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
College level English
College level math
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Career Requirements – 28 Credits
Course Code : HIM 104
Course Group(s) : Health Information Management Course (3 Credits)
Course Description :
In this course, students will study the basic structure of medical vocabulary, including prefixes, suffixes, roots, combining forms, pronunciation, spelling, and definitions of medical terms. Emphasis is placed on building a professional lexicon required for working in the medical field using vocabulary related to body systems, anatomical structure, medical processes and procedures, and a variety of diseases.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Semesters Offered :
Offered periodically
Course Code : HIM 120
Course Description :
This course introduces basic concepts for the use and maintenance of an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system in an ambulatory healthcare setting. Clinical and administrative workflow processes of an EHR are examined and the student performs basic navigation as well as administrative and medical documentation. Issues around quality, privacy, security, government regulations, ethics and legal aspects of technology in healthcare are explored.
Instruction methods : Lecture, Lab / Studio
Semesters Offered :
Offered periodically
Course Code : HIM 130
Course Group(s) : Health Information Management Course (3 Credits)
Course Description :
This course introduces basic concepts for the use and maintenance of an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system in an ambulatory healthcare setting. Clinical and administrative workflow processes of an EHR are examined and the student performs basic navigation as well as administrative and medical documentation. Issues around quality, privacy, security,government regulations, ethics and legal aspects of technology in healthcare are explored.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Semesters Offered :
Offered periodically
Course Code : MAE 101
Course Description :
This course introduces students to the administrative procedures and business practices commonly performed in medical practices. In addition to basic administrative skills, the course provides an overview of the healthcare industry and the role and responsibilities of the Medical Assistant. Concepts related to professional behavior, interpersonal relationships, communication skills, legal and ethical issues, patient education, and emergency preparedness and procedures are covered.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab / Studio: 2 Hours
Prerequisites :
BS 100
OR
BS 103 or BS 104
Pre/Co-Requisites :
EN 101 – Composition I
HIM 104 – Medical Terminology
Semesters Offered :
Fall 15 wk semester
Course Code : MAE 115
Course Description :
This course demonstrates the proper venipuncture and finger-stick techniques of obtaining human blood specimens in accordance with OSHA Standards. Basic POC blood chemistry and
hematologic tests, including glucose, HCT/Hgb are performed and results are properly recorded. Anatomy/physiology, medical terminology relating to the blood body system, and topics such as blood formation, testing and grouping, and individual blood type identification are also covered. This course meets the curriculum and educational requirements of the medical assistant program and certification exam eligibility. It also meets requirements for eligibility to sit for the National Health-Career Association (NHA) phlebotomy certification exam.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab / Studio: 2 Hours
Semesters Offered :
Fall 15 wk; Spring 15 wk
Course Code : MAE 200
Course Description :
This course is designed to offer the student the necessary clinical theory and lab practice to become a competent medical assistant in an entry-level position. Clinical concepts and skills covered in this course include vital signs and patient interview; nutrition; infection control and medical asepsis; surgical asepsis; surgical supplies, instruments and assisting with surgical procedures; assisting with a primary physical exam and other specialty exams; assisting in the clinical laboratory and with the analysis of urine, blood, and other body specimens; and medication administration.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab / Studio: 6 Hours
Prerequisites :
MAE 101 – Administrative Principles and Practices for Medical Assistants
Semesters Offered :
Spring 15 wk semester
Course Code : MAE 250
Course Description :
This course is a supervised, non-paid 180 hour work experience in a medical office or clinic. The course is designed to provide the medical assistant student with administrative and clinical experience in the medical assisting field. The site will provide the student with a broad base of “hands-on” experiences. Emphasis is placed on preparing the student to perform safely and competently in an administrative and clinical environment. Students are to maintain a consistent level of professionalism, appearance, and attendance throughout the entire internship. Students must provide their own transportation to the internship site.
Instruction methods : Clinical / Fieldwork: 4 Hours
Prerequisites :
MAE 101 – Administrative Principles and Practices for Medical Assistants
MAE 200 – Clinical Principles and Procedures for Medical Assistants
Co requisites :
MAE 255 – Medical Assistant Seminar
Semesters Offered :
Summer I
Course Code : MAE 255
Course Description :
This capstone course is offered at the completion of the medical assistant program and will include certification exam preparation and require taking a national certification exam. Key concepts of the role responsibilities, and professional conduct of the medical assistant are emphasized through interview skills and resume development. Job opportunities and options are explored.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 1 Hours
Prerequisites :
MAE 101 – Administrative Principles and Practices for Medical Assistants
MAE 200 – Clinical Principles and Procedures for Medical Assistants
Co requisites :
MAE 250 – Medical Assistant Internship
Semesters Offered :
Summer I
Course Code : SC 201
Course Description :
This course covers the basic categories of drugs and their effects on human physiological systems. Pharmacological actions, effects, and typical uses, and the associated terminology are also emphasized.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 1 Hours
Prerequisites :
BS 100 – Human Biology
OR
BS 103 – Anatomy and Physiology I
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Technical Standards
- Proficiency of the English language to follow verbal and written instructions and to communicate with the health care team and the patients clearly.
- Assessment and performance of skills requires good vision, hearing, sense of smell and touch for auscultation and visual assessment of patient health
- Manipulate Instruments, supplies and equipment with speed, dexterity and good eye-hand coordination.
- The ability to meet the physical demands of moving, pushing equipment and supporting clients and other objects independently. Standing, bending, walking and sitting for prolonged periods of time – more than 4 hours.
- Problem solving, critical thinking and the ability to multitask
- The ability to use technology such as computers, printers, phones and fax machines as well as learning to use various software and web based programs
Occupational Risks
The healthcare industry has inherent occupational risks that students should be aware of. Potential risks include, but are not limited to:
- Exposure to infectious diseases through droplet or air-borne transmission, blood or other body fluids via skin, mucus membranes or parenteral contact
- Hazardous chemical exposure
- Radiation exposure
- Environmental hazards, including slippery floors and electrical hazards
- Physical injuries, including back injuries
- Psychosocial hazards
- Offensive, inappropriate, or dangerous conduct by patients or clients, including violence, harassment, and sexual harassment
Skill Sets Upon Graduation
Clinical Skill Set:
- Performing vital signs
- Administering medications
- Specimen collection
- Phlebotomy
- Assisting with physical exam
Administrative skill set:
- Billing
- Coding
- Office responsibilities
- Computer skills
- Navigating Electronic health records
Accreditation
The PCCC Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of MAERB.
Important Links
Questions? Contact Us
Rosemarie Rocchio, BSN MS RNC NIC, CCMA
Director of Healthcare Certificate Programs
rrocchio@pccc.edu
973-341-1632
Outcomes Data
| Year | Retention | Exam Passage |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 92.86% | 91.67% |
| 2023 | 87.5% | 88.89% |
| 2022 | 80% | 100% |
| 2021 | 89% | 100% |
| Cumulative | 85.19% | 93.75% |
I learned so much from my professors in this program. After my internship assisting in a cardiologist’s office, I was offered a job there and felt well prepared for it.
Program Requirements
Health Policy
After admission to the Medical Assistant Program students are required to meet medical requirements of the clinical agencies used for the externship segment of the program. A complete physical examination as well as laboratory/screening tests are required, and additional updates may be required annually. Students must be able to participate fully in the clinical practice experience without limitations from medical or other reasons. Students who become ill or injured during their enrollment in the program, or those undergoing long-term or specialized treatment including medications must have their physician complete the program’s Medical Release form documenting that the student may participate in clinical practice without limitations. The following items are required of all students after admission to the Medical Assistant Program, prior to the beginning of the MAE 250 Internship course:
- Physical examination by a physician or nurse practitioner
- Urinalysis
- Complete Blood Count
- Initial Tuberculin Mantoux (PPD) Two-Step TB Test
- TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis) within 10 years
- Rubella (German Measles), Rubeola (Measles), Parotitis (Mumps) and Varicella (Chicken Pox) blood titers
to determine immunity status - Documentation of Hepatitis B immunization series or a Hepatitis B titer showing immune status. If found
to be non-immune, the student must have the immunization series. - Drug testing annually or more often as required by the clinical agency
Once admitted to the Medical Assistant program, students will participate in an orientation and receive detailed
instructions for completing the medical requirements
Criminal History Background Check
Only students with a completely clear background check and no “hits” of any type may register for the Medical Assistant program. Students who do not have clear background checks will not be admitted to the program. Clear background check need to be maintained throughout the program or student will be required to withdraw
from the program.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), the primary accrediting body for our clinical agencies, has mandated criminal history background checks for all individuals involved in patient care. All Medical Assistant students must undergo criminal history background checks upon admission and annually there- after, or more frequently if required by the clinical agency. Clinical agencies require that the results of the background check are clear in order for a student to attend clinical practice.
These checks are conducted by an external vendor. The cost of this background check is the student’s responsibility. The information is sent to the college. Clinical agencies may require that a copy of the student’s background check report be sent to the agency
Basic Life Support Certification
All students are required to complete an American Heart Association Basic Life Support Health Care Provider Course prior to beginning the Medical Assistant clinical courses; MAE 101 & MAE 200. Certification must be kept current throughout the program.
Health Insurance
All students must show evidence of health insurance to participate in the Medical Assistant Internship. The college does NOT offer health insurance.
Malpractice Insurance
There are a number of insurance companies that provide malpractice insurance for a nominal yearly fee. This information can be provided to you or you can choose your own provider. Proof of insurance needs to be provided prior to the clinical internship
Document Management/Tracking
Documentation of completion of each of these requirements is submitted to a confidential database managed by Castlebranch. Students receive e-mail communication as items are completed/rejected/overdue based on program guidelines. Students are responsible for the $30.00 cost of this document tracking which covers all semesters of the program.
Internship Sites
The Medical Assistant Program has partnered with a variety of sites for the students to complete their internship requirement. These clinical opportunities will prepare the student to meet their clinical and administrative responsibilities upon graduation. Clinical experiences may take place outside of the county where the student is attending classes.
The Medical Assistant Career Certificate program at Passaic County Community College meets the state education requirements for practice as a medical assistant in the state of New Jersey.
Passaic County Community College has not determined if the Medical Assistant Career Certificate program at Passaic County Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
The American Association of Medical Assistants may have resources that may be helpful or the links below.
- https://www.aama-ntl.org/employers/state-scope-of-practice-laws
- State Authorization – Medical Assisting.docx