Medical Assistant Emphasis, A.S.

Medical assistansts perform routing administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly. The dutes of medical assistants vary from office to office. In small practices, medical assistants usually are "generalists," hnadling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators.

Program Objectives:

1. To educate students interested in pursuing careers in a medical or clinical facility.
2. To raise students' awareness of the importance of confidentiality and ethical benavior.
3. To provide opportunities for further education for professionals already employed in the medical field.
4. To prepare students to be able to accurately and efficiently (a) perform administrative and clinical procedures; (b) display professionalism to patients and co-workers; (c) utilize both medical and general application software; (d) transcribe medical dictation; (e) utilize speech to text software, and (f) perform medical billing and coding.

The program offers associate degree graduates the opportunity to pursue a 2 + 2 baccalaureate degree in Health Services Administration from WVU Tech's College of Business with no loss of credit. In addition, credit agreements with various vocational-technical centers are in place. Please check with the department chairperson for more information.

Types of jobs available:

• Large/Small Hospitals/Clinics
• Front Office for Physicians/Dentists
• Insurance Agencies
• Hospices
• Third Party Billing Agency
• Personal Injury Law Office
• Long-term Care Facilities
• Nursing Homes

Job Titles:

• Medical Records Technician
• Medical Secretary
• Medical Assistant
• Office Manager
• Medical Coder
• Administrative Assistant
• Administrative Secretary

Plus-two B.S. Option:

Health Services Administration