Mission

The Medical Assisting program at Lake Area Technical Institute provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for entry level positions in the medical field and advancement in this profession.  The Medical Assisting program is dedicated to excellence and to providing individuals with the tools needed to reach their full potential by successfully completing the Certified Medical Assisting (CMA) examination and becoming certified.

PHILOSOPHY

The medical assisting faculty of Lake Area Technical Institute believes the medical assistant is a vital member of the health team and that the medical assistant is a valuable helpmate to the physician in rendering services to the patient.

We believe in the dignity and worth of each individual regardless of race, sex, color, or creed.

We will strive to provide adequate and challenging opportunities for the student to acquire basic knowledge and skills essential to meeting the responsibilities of the medical assistant in the clinical setting, hospital, or other health organization.

We believe that learning is more meaningful when there is practical application of knowledge; therefore, we strive to provide every opportunity possible for concurrent theory and laboratory experience.

We further believe it is essential that, for a total picture of her/his responsibilities, the student should be provided with an externship in a medical facility. The externship is vital to a student's education because it provides a variety of learning situations not obtainable in the classroom. The program also encourages the student may observe all areas of a community health facility before deciding on one specific position.  This also permits the student and future employer an opportunity to assess the working relationship, technical skill, and potential.

The effectiveness of the program is based upon the encouragement of inquiry, reflective thinking, self-understanding, personal development, and a respect for other people. The program also continually stresses the importance of a skilled medical assistant in the health care concept. Through these means, we strive to enable each student to become a better citizen as well as to function to her/his ability within the definition of the law.

PURPOSE

To develop the competency needed at the technical level for occupational entry and advancement in selected medical assisting occupations.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

1. To progress toward employment in the occupation of medical assistant.
2. To develop the necessary knowledge and skill essential to succeed in the occupation of medical assistant.
3. To develop the concept of good human relations and respect for others and their abilities.
4. To develop an appreciation for quality workmanship.
5. To develop the correct attitude necessary for successful employment in the occupation of medical assistant.
   

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Students who plan to enter the field of medical assisting will be prepared to accept responsibility in administrative medical assisting and clinical medical assisting. The Medical Assistant curriculum consists of 12 months of competency-based instruction and two (2) months of  supervised externship for the diploma program and 16 months of competency-based instruction and two (2) months of supervised externship for the AAS program.  The supervised externship is received at an approved training center cooperatively selected by the student and the Medical Assistant faculty.  Students are under the immediate supervision of the training facility, do not receive compensation, and are periodically evaluated by the training facility and the supervisor.

A promising future of steady employment and personal satisfaction await students who wish to further their ambitions in medical assisting.  The opportunity to obtain both academic and practical experience allows these students to become aware of their responsibilities as a medical assistant.   We hope this program will stimulate students interested in health care to discover their occupational goals and insure satisfying and successful employment.

Medical Assistants are Multi-skilled Allied Health Professionals

Medical assisting is a multi-skilled health profession whose practitioners work primarily in ambulatory settings such as medical offices and clinics.  Medical assistants function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures.

And There's Plenty of Variety

The Medical Assisting program at Lake Area Technical Institute is competency-based, individualized, and designed to prepare students for a career in medical assisting. The administrative duties of a medical assistant are to receive patients in a professional and friendly manner, to perform numerous office duties and public relations functions, and sometimes to administer first aid. The clinical responsibilities of a medical assistant include a variety of duties such as helping patients prepare for examinations, assisting the doctor, cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment, and assisting in emergency situations

Who Can Be a Medical Assistant?

Anyone who has a genuine concern for the welfare, comfort and happiness of others can be a medical assistant. Employers also stress the need for dependability, common sense, emotional stability, a cheerful disposition, and a willingness to assume responsibility. Medical assistants are part of the medical team. They need to be aware of the ethics and special requirements in this profession.

Job Opportunities

Medical assistants comprise the largest of all the allied health occupations. Virtually every practicing physician employs one to three medical assistants. Medical assistants are employed in hospitals, public health work, laboratories, medical schools, insurance companies, research institutions, voluntary health agencies, and other allied health facilities. There also are opportunities for work with such federal agencies as the Veterans Administration, the U.S. Health Service or armed forces clinics or hospitals. Students completing the program are eligible to take a national certifying examination.

Accreditation

The Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Medical Assistant Education.  AAMA American Association of Medical Assistants, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, 1-312-899-1500 or 1-800-228-2262, Don Balasa (legal), Monique Buckner Accreditation Dept.

Recommended Background Courses

Although not required, the following courses would be beneficial to this course of study prior to attending Lake Area Technical Institute: Health, Communications, Math, Science, Computer, Office Practice, Accounting, English, and Psychology