The SSC Medical Assistant (MAS) certificate program provides training for students seeking to assist in patient-care management including both administrative and clinical duties. Medical Assistants can be employed in physician offices, clinics, dental offices, foundations, research institutes, prisons, the armed services, public health departments, Medicare agencies and HMOs. This is a full time day or evening program and is offered on the main campus in South Holland.

Mission

The goals of the MAS program are to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains; and to educate students who are well prepared technically with demonstrated work ethics and professional values.

Student Learning Outcomes

The MAS program will meet and be measured by the entrylevel competencies for the Medical Assistant based on the 2008 Standards and Guidelines established by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). The 2008 Standards identifies 128 Tasks as determined to be entrylevel competencies, through occupational analysis:

• Medical assistants will demonstrate critical thinking based on knowledge of academic subject matter required for competence in the profession. They will incorporate the cognitive knowledge in performance of the psychomotor and affective domains in their practice as medical assistants in providing patient care.
• Medical assistants will demonstrate critical thinking based on knowledge of academic subject matter required for competence in the profession. They will incorporate cognitive knowledge in performance of psychomotor and affective domains in their practice as medical assistants in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Medical assistants will demonstrate critical thinking based on knowledge of academic subject matter required for competence in the profession. They will incorporate cognitive knowledge in performance of psychomotor and affective domains in their practice as medical assistants in the performance of medical business practices.
• Medical assistants will demonstrate critical thinking based on knowledge of academic subject matter required for competence in the profession. They will incorporate cognitive knowledge in performance of psychomotor and affective domains in their practice as medical assistants in providing patient care in accordance with regulations, policies, laws and patient rights.
• Medical assistants will demonstrate critical thinking based on knowledge of academic subject matter required for competence in the profession. They will incorporate cognitive knowledge in performance of psychomotor and affective domains in their practice as medical assistants, applying quality control measures in following health and safety policies and procedures to prevent illness and injury.

Statement of Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

Students in any class must pass 100% of the psychomotor and the affective competencies that are taught in that class in order for them to pass the course.
Students must pass all competency practicals and/or procedures in order to pass the course. If a student fails a competency procedure or practical, the instructor will provide remediation. If following remediation the student does not successfully pass the practicals and/or procedure, the student must withdraw from the class. Failure to withdraw will result in an “F” as a final grade for the course. Following a withdrawal or receipt of any final grade lower than a “C”, the student must meet with the Program Coordinator to complete an exit interview. Following the exit interview, the student may apply for Program re-admission.

Admission Process

Before receiving an application to the Medical Assistant Program the student must:

1. Submit an SSC application and forward all official high school or HSE transcripts as well as other college transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions.
2. Take the SSC College Placement Test and complete any required college preparatory class in Math, English or Reading with a grade of “C” or better. Math must be completed through MTH 091 General Mathematics, ENG 098 Writer’s Workshop I; through RDG 082 Reading & Learning Skills III.
3. Complete the prerequisite courses listed in the curriculum.
4. Submit an Medical Assistant Program Application to Room 4457 by June 1st for the Fall semester. You will be notified of acceptance to the program in writing by July 1st. Priority for admission will be given to applicants who meet the published deadline date. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the program.

Specific Admission Requirements

1. To be eligible for MAS 111 all required Medical Assistant program courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
2. Students must:
   1. Be certified in CPR for Health Care Providers and hold a current card prior to externship placement.
   2. Submit a completed health-physical form PROVIDED by SSC that documents immunity for mumps, measles, varicella, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis and hepatitis B.
3. Due to the nature of the clinical rotations, most assignments are for the daytime shifts. Clinical rotation assignments are at the discretion of the program coordinator. Students are responsible for transportation to and from the clinical affiliate.
4. A photocopy of the student’s current health care insurance must be submitted to each respective program coordinator in order to participate at any clinical education site. Failure to maintain comprehensive health care insurance will result in the student being immediately withdrawn from the clinical site and thereby receiving a failing grade in the clinical education class. Furthermore, the student will be financially responsible to pay all medical bills and co-payments as a result of injuries or health issues that arise from participation of clinical education programs.

South Suburban College’s MAS policy and procedures are covered in the MAS Student Guide. Copies are accessible for all SSC students and faculty in the office of Health Professions in Room 4457.

Be advised that Biology must be completed within the last 5 years to satisfy the program requirements. However, with appropriate documentation this may be reviewed.

Additional Costs

In addition to tuition and student fees, additional expenses include (all costs are approximate):

• Medical Assistant Textbooks   $900
• Uniforms   $100
• Background Check and Urine Drug Screen   $66
• Lab Fees   $250

 

Medical Assistant Certificate (MAS.CERT)

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