The Medical Assisting Program teaches students a range of skills essential for both clinical and administrative roles in health care, including performing patient exams, administering injections, managing patient records, and mastering medical terminology. Students also develop proficiency in communication and technology to enhance their care provision abilities.
Key Skills Taught:
- Clinical Skills: Basic patient exam techniques, injections, laboratory procedures, phlebotomy, sterile techniques
- Administrative Skills: Business letters, patient record filing, scheduling, medical coding, reimbursement monitoring
- Communication: Effective communication with patients and healthcare teams
- Technology Proficiency: Computer hardware and software skills for clinical and administrative tasks
- Medical Terminology: Accurate terminology for documentation and communication in health care settings
Program Features:
- Clinical Practice: 200-hour externship for real-world experience
- Flexible Learning: Online instruction with on-site clinical labs in Yakima
- Career Preparation: Focus on employment readiness in medical settings
- Certification Preparation: Training for Medical Assisting Certification Examination
- Immunization Requirements: Completion of CPR/First Aid/HIV/AIDS training and immunizations for clinical placements
Outcome Information:
- Program Retention: 100% student retention in 2021, showcasing high student commitment and engagement.
For detailed course structures and curriculum specifics, consult the program's Certificate and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree curriculum.
About Yakima Valley College
Yakima Valley College, located in Yakima, Washington, is a public community college offering a range of associate degrees, certificate programs and workforce education. The college provides resources for transfer students, adult education and continuing education, serving a diverse student body across its campuses in Yakima and Grandview.