Medical Assistant

Medical Assisting

The Medical Assisting program covers the basic knowledge and skills required to become an entry-level Medical Assistant including foundational courses in Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology. This program is offered in both hybrid training (a combination of online distance education and on-campus training) and 100% on-campus formats; program formats vary by location. The program prepares students for Medical Assisting positions that are either clinical or administrative in nature. Students complete coursework in clinical procedures such as phlebotomy, EKG and lab procedures and in administrative areas such as computers and medical office procedures. The program also contains a clinical externship which is completed in an outside medical facility. Upon completion, graduates will have the entry-level skills of a Medical Assistant and be qualified to interview for positions in a variety of healthcare facilities. Read more about the Medical Assisting program in the catalog by clicking on the location you’re interested in from the menu above, and downloading a copy.

Call us today at 888-387-5260 or contact us and we’ll send you more information.

What you’ll do as a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.

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.

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, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They 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, prepare patients for x rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and 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.

Learn more:

The Many Roles of a Medical Assistant

Career Outlook for Medical Assistants

Disclosures

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed this program, and other important information, read more here for our Margate campus and here for our Clifton and Toms River, NJ and West Hartford, CT campuses.

Medical Coding and Billing

The Medical Coding and Billing program covers the basic knowledge and skills required to become a Medical Biller and/or Coder including foundational courses in health insurance and diagnostic and procedural coding. Students complete coursework in the main medical diagnostic coding (ICD) and procedure coding (CPT) systems, as well as, medical terminology, computerized medical billing and health insurance applications. The program also contains a clinical externship which is completed in an outside facility. Upon completion, graduates will have the entry-level skills of a Medical Coder and Biller and be qualified to interview for positions in a variety of healthcare related facilities.

This program is offered in a hybrid training format exclusively at the West Hartford campus, allowing students to attend classes two days on campus and complete their online coursework from anywhere with a high-speed internet connection. By logging into our online learning management system, students can post comments, questions, or even live chat with their instructors and classmates for enhanced communication even when not on campus – an important element to student success in any online learning environment.

Call us today at 1.888.387.5260 or contact us and we’ll send you more information.

Nature of the Work

Medical Billers and Coders can specialize in coding patients’ medical information for reimbursement purposes, or in the facility’s administrative billing process. Technicians, who specialize in coding, assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure by using classification systems software. The classification system determines the amount for which healthcare providers will be reimbursed if the patient is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance programs using the system. There are several coding systems, such as those required for ambulatory settings, physician offices, or long-term care. Technicians, who specialize in the billing process, typically use an automated medical billing and administrative system that interfaces with the insurance programs used by the facility. In a smaller medical facility where the medical procedures performed are limited, a Technician’s duties may include both coding and billing.

Disclosures

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed this program, and other important information, read more here.