Medical Assistant, CAS

 
• AHMA 220 - Phlebotomy Credit(s): 3 *
 
• AHMA 221 - Phlebotomy Clinical Training Credit(s): 2 *
 
• AHMA 250 - Electronic Medical Procedures Credit(s): 3
 
• AHMS 175 - Medical Law and Ethics Credit(s): 3
 
• BIOH 113 - Human Form and Function II Credit(s): 4 *

• The Medical Assistant program demands high academic and personal standards. Students considering this certificate should familiarize themselves with the requirements.
 
• All requirements for the Medical Assistant program are stated in the Medical Assistant Handbook located on the FVCC website.
 
• All AHMA courses in the program must have program director's signature for admission and must be taken consecutively starting fall semester.
 
• Students are required to earn a "C" (2.0) or above in all non-medical assisting courses.
 
• Students are required to earn a "B-" (2.7) or above in all medical assisting courses.
 
• Students are responsible for at least $300 of additional costs to cover uniforms, personal medical supplies, immunizations and criminal background check. Required current immunization costs will depend on each individual vaccine history.
 
• AHMA 298 Medical Assisting Externship class involves 180 hours of unpaid work experience in various medical offices in the community. It is highly recommended that students have their own health insurance before starting the externship.
 
• All students are required to have a criminal background/registered sexual offender check done at the time of application to the program. Any discrepancies may result in denial of acceptance into the program. Any changes in a conviction record and/or pending criminal charges, which occur between the initial completion of the Background Information/Screen and program completion, must be provided in writing to the program director within five working days from the date of notification. Failure to provide such information within the aforementioned timeframe can result in immediate dismissal from the program.
 
• Any student who exhibits unsuitable performance and/or behavior may be denied the right to complete the program.
 
• American Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: Students with recognized disabilities or other physical limitations that may affect their performance as a medical assistant are responsible for identifying themselves as soon as possible to Disability Services and to the program director. Course standards will not be lowered, but various accommodations are available. A minimum of six weeks will be required to develop and provide appropriate accommodations, so students who qualify should contact Disability Services as soon as possible. It is the college's goal to assist students in their individual educational plans.

• Contact the program director for advising.
 
• Applications for formal acceptance into the Medical Assistant CAS program are accepted once a year.
 
• Applications are available here after March 1 and must be completed and returned by the last day of spring semester.
 
• The Medical Assistant program has a maximum of 12 students in each graduating class.
 
• Students wishing to enter the Medical Assistant program must be proficient in typing.
 

1. Applied and been admitted to Flathead Valley Community College;
2. Earned a high school diploma or equivalency (GED or HiSET) and be 18 years of age by the first day of classes;
3. Met minimum placement requirements for math (score: 1) and writing (score: 2), or successful completion of developmental courses; and
4. Completed a comprehensive background check and proof of immunizations listed in the application packet.

• The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) accredits Flathead Valley Community College upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
 

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763, (727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org

• Medical Assistant graduates are eligible and prepared to take the CMA (AAMA) National Certification Examination administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants.

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations because of the increasing demand for medical assistants.
 
• Certified Medical Assistants are in high demand due to the surge of technological advances in outpatient medical facilities and the growing number of aging Americans.
 
• Certified Medical Assistants are able to obtain additional certifications including Electrocardiography Technician or Specialty Certified Medical Assisting.

Accreditation

The FVCC Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assistant Education Review Board.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

Program Outcomes

The Medical Assisting program had an Annual Report of 80% student retention for the 2020 admission cohort and 80% national exam pass rate for students graduating in 2020.