Columbia Basin College Medical Assistant Pasco, Washington

The Medical Assistant Program focuses on teaching a range of essential skills, including laboratory services, electronic medical record management, injections, medical procedure assistance, office administration, and patient care in ambulatory settings.

Skills Taught:
- Performing laboratory services
- Updating electronic medical records
- Administering injections
- Assisting with medical procedures
- Office administration skills
- Clinical and patient care skills
- Entry-level administrative and clinical skills in ambulatory care setting

Program Features:
- Three quarters of coursework followed by a 198-hour unpaid externship
- Achieved an 87.5% exam passage rate in 2020
- High placement rate of graduates in the community
- Graduates receive higher wages compared to other regional programs
- Nationally accredited by CAAHEP
- Information sessions available to address program queries
- Prepares students for medical assistant certification
- Requires a background check and drug screen
- Provides preparation for national certification exams through the American Association of Medical Assistants
- Credentialing with the Washington State Department of Health
- Pathway for further education in nursing or applied business
- Faculty comprises certified medical assistants, administrative staff, and a physician medical director.