This is an archived copy of the 2017-2018 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://ecatalog.socc.edu.

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Medical Aide prepares students to work in a medical office or as an aide in a health care setting. Medical clerical workers or aides will process and transmit information to physicians, patients, and office personnel and outside organizations. These activities require a good command of the English language, medical terminology, and a basic understanding of the structure and functions of the human body. Medical clerical workers or aides must be tactful in their dealings with many different people, and therefore should possess excellent interpersonal skills. Discretion, judgment, organizational ability, and initiative are important, as well as versatility and adaptability. Conscientiousness, a sense of responsibility, and respect for the confidential nature of medical information are also required. Sample jobs/titles include: Home health aide, residence assistant, office clerk/receptionist.  For information on other medically-related careers check out the Allied Health website.

This Career Pathway Certificate leads to an Associate of Applied Science Medical Assistant. To see how this program links to others at Southwestern click here.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 31 credit hours with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses in this program must be completed with a ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Medical Aide is awarded.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:

CIS90Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency)2
OA121Beginning Keyboarding3

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
AH100 Introduction to Health Care Careers 2
AH111 Medical Terminology I 3
AH121 Body Structures and Functions I 1 3
CIS120 Concepts of Computing 4
OA124 Keyboard Skill Building 3
 Credits15
Winter
AH112 Medical Terminology II 3
AH122 Body Structures and Functions II 1 3
AH152 Medical Law and Ethics 2
BA285 Human Relations in Organizations 2 3
HIM110 Health Information Technology 5
 Credits16
 Total Credits31

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:

  • Apply prefix, suffix, and root word meanings related to human body systems, to the pathology, diagnostic procedures and treatments associated with these systems.
  • Describe normal structure and function of all human body systems.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills (listening and speaking) that can be applied in future employment settings.