The Certificate of Completion Medical Assistant prepares students to perform initial clerical and administrative duties in medical, clinical, hospitals, or health care facilities. The graduate will be prepared to schedule and receive patients, obtain patient data, receive payment, maintain medical records, data processing, perform general office skills, office equipment operation, and assume general medical office responsibilities. The student will demonstrate effective communication skills in dealing with patients, medical personnel and peers.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 48 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better.

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

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of clinical practice.
• Demonstrate general knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and medical law and ethics.
• Demonstrate proficiency in medical office administrative practices.

Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process.  Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree. For more information on placement methods used, visit our college placement policy here.

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
AH111	Medical Terminology I	3
AH121	Body Structures and Functions I	3
AH152	Medical Law and Ethics	2
WR115	Fundamentals of Report Writing	4
	Credits	12
Winter
AH112	Medical Terminology II	3
AH122	Body Structures and Functions II	3
AH150	Medical Office Coding	3
PHAR5472	Pharmacology I	3
	Credits	12
Spring
AH131	Clinical Procedures I	4
AH297	NHA Licensure Qualification	2
BA285	Human Relations in Organizations	3
CLA100	Clinical Lab Asst Skills I	4
MTH98	Math Literacy 2	4
	Credits	17
Summer
AH132	Clinical Procedures II	4
AH280B	CWE: Allied Health Back Office	3
	Credits	7
	Total Credits	48

1	WR115 or higher, excluding WR241.
2	MTH98 or higher, excluding MTH211.
*	All honors courses may substitute for their equivalent requirement.