Become a Skilled & Successful Medical Assistant

Begin a Rewarding Career as an Important Member of the Medical Community

"Medical Assistant ranks among the fastest growing occupations of the next decade. Job prospects should be excellent."

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Medical Assistants are an integral part of the Healthcare system. Professionals in this field perform both administrative and clinical tasks to keep a medical office running smoothly. As a Medical Assistant you get to constantly interact with people in a pleasant, office environment and you have the satisfaction of knowing your job helps others to live well.

The Associate of Science Degree in Medical Assistant is a combination of medical and general education courses designed to prepare a graduate to become a Medical Assistant and to obtain an entry-level position in a healthcare facility in as little as 18 months.

Rising Demand for Skilled Medical Assistants

• Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 34% from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Healthcare is booming as technology spurs the growth of the health services industry and a growing and aging population increases the need for all manner of medical services. Medical Assistants are being increasingly utilized to assist in this growing industry. In fact, Medical Assisting is projected to be the Number One fastest growing occupation over the 2002-2012 period, according the Occupation Outlook Handbook. That makes now an exciting time for individuals looking to get trained and launch a steady and rewarding career in healthcare.

Training Objectives: Main Duties of a Medical Assistant

The duties of Medical Assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner's specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are "generalists," handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.

Medical Assistants perform many administrative duties, including:

• Answering Telephones
• Greeting Patients
• Updating and filing patients' medical records
• Filling out insurance forms
• Handling correspondence
• Scheduling appointments
• Arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services
• Handling billing and bookkeeping

Clinical duties vary according to State law and include:

• Taking medical histories and recording vital signs
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Preparing patients for examination
• Assisting the physician during the examination
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing basic laboratory tests on the premises
• Dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments
• Instruct patients about medications and special diets
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician
• Authorize drug refills as directed
• Telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy
• Draw blood (Phlebotomy)
• Prepare patients for x rays
• Take electrocardiograms
• Remove sutures
• Change dressings

Medical assistants also may arrange examining-room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.

Career Ready in the Shortest Time - The FTC Advantage

Small Class Sizes - You'll receive personal, one-on-one attention from our experienced instructors, so you get the support you need to master material quickly. Our instructors are working professionals in the healthcare field, so they know just what you'll need to succeed in the professional setting.

Nationally Recognized Certifications - Florida Technical College is a registered testing site for the National Center for Competency Testing and will proctor exams to certify students in such skills as Phlebotomy, Medical Office Assistant, and other areas once the pertaining course has been completed by the student. These certifications will be recognized by top employers and will give you an advantage over the job-hunting competition.

Career Services - FTC has a dedicated career services office that will help with externship placement as well as post-graduate job placement. Among our other assets is our Medical Advisory Board consisting of members of the medical community that give insight into the training needed to succeed in today's Medical Assisting careers. The Advisory Board also serves as a connection to externship and job placement. You'll make a smooth transition from student to working professional backed by the dedicated Career Services team at Florida Technical College.

Graduates of this program will earn a full Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting and be encouraged to sit for the exam to be a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

Find Out More

Explore if becoming a Medical Assistant is right for you. Fill out the form on the right side of the page to receive career and program info or call the campus nearest you to speak with a knowledgeable Florida Technical College Career Advisor.