Regular duties include checking patients’ vital signs, obtaining their height and weight, giving injections, performing EKGs, drawing blood, and assisting physicians in many ways to support quality patient care.
Program graduates assist healthcare professionals in many aspects of medical and nursing practice, including patient care management, administrative and clinical procedures. Students learn about the administrative duties of scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, performing basic secretarial skills, handling telephone calls, writing correspondence, serving as the liaison between the physician and other individuals, and managing practice finances.
Students who start L&C’s program in the fall semester can earn a Certificate of Proficiency in 11 short months, with the option to obtain an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in two additional semesters.
The clinical phase of the program is taught through intense training and hands-on application. Students learn to perform clinical duties, including asepsis and infection control, taking patient histories and vital signs, first aid and CPR, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the health care professional with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests, administering injections, and preparing and administering medications as directed by the physician.
Written and oral communication, knowledge of human biology, medical terminology, pharmacology, emergency procedures, and medical front office duties are important for successful job placement.
At the end of the program, students sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam to become certified medical assistants. Our program currently has a 100% pass rate for this exam.
Medical assisting is a fast growing occupation, with employment projected to grow 23 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Primary employers for medical assistants include: ambulatory health care settings, extended health care facilities, public health agencies, schools, medical schools, research institutes and medical insurance firms. Lewis and Clark graduates are currently working for healthcare employers all over the metro area, including BJC, SIHF Healthcare, Washington University, Gateway Regional Medical Center, JCH Medical Group, and many more.
Offerings
- Medical Assisting | AAS degree
- Medical Assisting | Certificate of Proficiency
See the catalog for the course and degree information
*This is only meant as a guide. Please see an advisor when planning your courses.
Grants and Scholarships
Student Achievement Data
L&C Medical Assisting Program
First-Time Pass Rates for the American Medical Technologists Certified Registered Medical Assistant Exam
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 93% | 100% | 100% |
Licensure Information
Lewis and Clark Community College Medical Assisting program meets the state and national education requirements to apply for the Registered Medical Assistant exam and to obtain a credential honored in all states and the District of Columbia. Lewis and Clark Community College has not determined if the Associate in Medical Assisting program meets the education requirements in any U.S. Territory. Students considering credentialing in U.S. Territories should contact the appropriate agency in the area where you plan to seek employment prior to enrollment at Lewis and Clark Community College to ensure the coursework meets those requirements.
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Schedule of Classes |
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L&C Catalog |