Medical Assisting

Medical assistants are valuable members of the health care team and are trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties. The medical assisting curriculum is a two-year associate of applied science degree program. This program offers the student a broad foundation in medical assisting skills, including a period of practical experience in a medical facility working under the supervision of clinic personnel and the Medical Assisting Program Director. 

Training and education consists of learning experiences in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, infection control, nutrition, effective communication skills, medical business practices including coding and insurance, medical law and ethics, as well as safety and emergency practices.  In essence, a trained medical assistant can be employed in all aspects of an ambulatory health facility.

The Arkansas Tech University Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (https://www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).  Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL  33756; (727) 210-2350; https://www.caahep.org.

Students who successfully complete the associate degree program for medical assisting will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination, CMA (AAMA).

Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiovascular Technology, Cosmetology, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until admitted into their selected program.

Students are advised that the Medical Assistant Program (MA) is strenuous in nature.  Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the MA Program.  If a student has completed all general education course requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more (which could affect financial aid eligibility).  The MA program is very intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork.  This does not include prep or study time.  The hours ascribed to each semester while in the MA Program are considered by the program to be full time.

Associate Degree

Medical Assisting