Medical Assisting

Medical Assisting
associate degree | atu ozark

The classes required are offered in a blended format. For the majority of the courses, the content is through online classrooms, video recordings, or digital mediums.  However, most procedures/skill checks must be completed in person during a lab with the class members, a team/partner or individually.

Students are trained to work in a wide variety of support service settings to provide generic therapeutic, supportive, and preventive services for people with emotional, developmental, social, or physical needs.  Students learn to connect clients to appropriate services, monitor their efficacy, advocate for clients, and provide administrative support for agencies.  Students may, under supervision, provide individual and group guidance, lead workshops, provide daily living skills training, assist with vocational planning, provide case management services, and complete records and reports.

 

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

  • Required internship with a minimum of 160 clock hours in a medical facility.
  • Students also have the privilege to volunteer their skills and training in the River Valley community at nursing homes, senior activity centers, schools and flu clinics.
  • Students have the opportunity to observe or work alongside other healthcare professionals in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, physician clinics, urgent cares and hospitals.

Skills You Will Learn

  • Active listening
  • Critical thinking
  • Diversity awareness, and cultural sensitivity
  • Effective communication
  • Problem-solving skills for entry-level medical assisting procedures in administrative, clinical and laboratory areas
  • Teamwork

Students living in states bordering Arkansas receive in-state tuition.

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. The Arkansas Tech University school code to use on the FAFSA is 001089.

The AR Futures grant could cover your expenses for this credential. Check credential eligibility

Calculate Tuition

You could work as a(n):

  • Clinical medical assistant
  • Administrative medical assistant
  • Specialized medical assistant

Alumni of our program work at:

  • Berry Drug
  • Conway Regional Medical St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Johnson Regional Medical Center
  • Mercy Medical Clinics
  • Millard-Henry Clinic
  • Russellville Pediatric & Adolescent

View the links below to better understand the courses, the course timeline, and who your faculty will be when you enroll as an ATU student.

Credentials that stack with this degree:

  • Associate of Applied Science
  • Bachelor of Business
  • Bachelor of Health Information Management

 

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Point of Pride

The Medical Assisting program at ATU Ozark is the only program in Arkansas accredited by CAAHEP in the state.

IT'S TIME TO STEP UP

Find out how we will empower you to meet every challenge head-on.

 

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

 

The ATU-Ozark Medical Assisting program's 5 year average for retention for years 2018-2022 is 97.5%.

The average graduate satisfaction rate for the same 5 consecutive years is 100%.  

 

PROGRAM APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED BETWEEN OCTOBER 1 AND MARCH 1

MARCH 1 : MA program application deadline !

*As of 2024, the TEAS test is no longer required for the Medical Assisting application.

ONLINE PROGRAM APPLICATION

IMPORTANT: Additional Documents Required for Online Application

PROGRAM APPLICATION- PAPER

 

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical duties under the direction of physicians in their offices or other medical settings. The medical assistant curriculum is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program. This program offers the student a broad foundation in basic medical assisting skills including an externship (practicum) in a medical facility under the supervision of clinic personnel and the Medical Assistant Program Director. Basic medical assistant training and education consist of learning experiences in communication skills, examination room procedures, clinical laboratory skills, and general office practices.

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

ACCREDITATION

The Arkansas Tech University Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assistant Education Review Board (MAERB). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158,  Clearwater, FL  33763: phone: (727) 210-2350; website: www.caahep.org.

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

MEDICAL ASSISTING AT ATU-OZARK

Graduates of the Medical Assisting program at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus are satisfied with the education they receive at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, as evidenced by an average 100% graduate satisfaction rate.  This is further evidenced by an exam pass rate for 2017 graduates of 92.86% and a job placement rate for 2018 graduates of 91.67%.

CONTACT

(479) 508-8500 ext. 6503
alliedhealth@atu.edu

 

Program faculty

 

Melinda Rhynes

Melinda Rhynes
Program Chair

Morton Hall
1700 West C Street
Russellville, AR 72801

(479) 508-8500 ext. 6102
mrhynes@atu.edu