Associate in Science with a Major in Medical Assisting
Mission of the Medical Assisting Program
The mission of the Medical Assisting Program emanates from the mission of St. Vincent's College and the mission of the Academic Services division. It has as its focus the education of medical assistants who provide services as members of the health care delivery system caring for the sick and sick poor. It provides an educationally sound, stable environment where a diverse student population has the freedom to learn and grow intellectually as well as develop competencies in administrative and clinical skills. Faculty members are qualified and caring teachers and medical assistant educators who are dedicated to excellence in medical assisting education, health care, life-long learning and the mission of the College. The Program in Medical Assisting establishes a technical educational foundation upon which students of medical assisting may continue to build their professional careers.
The Associate Degree Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants' Endowment (AAMAE).
The medical assisting curriculum is built upon a foundation drawn from the biological, physical and social sciences as well as the humanities. Medical assisting courses include classroom, college laboratory and externship experiences. Graduates must successfully complete a minimum of 64 credits for the medical assisting major.
The following distribution of courses is reflective of a full-time curriculum plan. The normal course load is 12-16 credits per 16 week semester.
Upon successful completion of the program, the student receives an Associate in Science Degree with a major in medical assisting and is eligible to take the AAMA examination for national certification. Graduates are qualified to assume positions in physicians' offices, health maintenance organizations, and outpatient settings.
