Medical Assistant

The Columbia Basin College Medical Assistant (MA) program prepares graduates for a wide range of duties in medical offices and other healthcare settings. Students learn the knowledge, technical skills and work ethic that are required for an entry-level position in medical assisting. The curriculum includes competencies in front office administrative processes as well as back office clinical procedures. The program provides a One-Year Certificate in Medical Assisting as well as a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree.

The Columbia Basin College Medical Assistant Certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 113th St. N., #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. Only graduates of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or an Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredited program are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. Upon passing the certification exam, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) in the state of Washington.

Students must meet minimum entrance standards and be accepted for enrollment after application to the department. The major courses for the Medical Assistant program are offered over a four-quarter sequence, beginning in the fall quarter of each year. The fourth quarter of the program will be offered in the summer in which students will be active in externships throughout the healthcare community. Students may complete General Education requirements for the two-year Associate in Applied Science degree either before or after completion of the Medical Assistant Certificate major courses.

Prerequisites that are considered for acceptance into the Medical Assistant program include: PSYC& 100, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, ENGL& 235, CMST& 101, CMST& 210, CMST& 220, CMST 260, and HSCI 147. All prerequisite and Medical Assistant courses must be passed at a 2.0 GPA or higher, and students must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or above at the time of graduation. Students are expected to possess the ability to use basic computer systems and produce documents.

A Medical Assistant program application is required for consideration. Medical Assistant program application should include a copy of the following healthcare document:

  • A current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) card

Accepted applicants will be mailed a letter confirming registration and are required to provide the following additional documentation:

  • Program specific immunization records (details provided with admission into the program).
  • Satisfactory criminal history background check using a college approved vendor. Criminal history background information is required of all Medical Assistant students. Information obtained will be considered in determining student eligibility to complete clinical coursework. Inability to participate in clinical experiences due to the information obtained from the background check may result in the student's inability to satisfactorily complete program degree requirements. Any infraction while enrolled in the Medical Assistant program should be self-reported to the coordinator/director. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Dean for Health Sciences.
  • Successful drug testing is required by clinical facilities.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

MA 111: Pharmacology I [RE]

Credits 5

Provides a basic knowledge of pharmacology including the legal ethical issues, the terms and abbreviations, the involvement of governmental agencies, the role of the providers and allied health professional, reading, interpreting and documenting the medication orders; and the effects of medication and common drugs used with each body system including antineoplastics, analgesics, antipyretics, nutritional supplements, and alternative medicines and immunizations.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Medical Assistant program at CBC.

MA 114: Human Body Structure, Function, and Diseases I [RE]

Credits 4

This is the first of two structure and function classes introducing cellular function, organ systems of the body, the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine systems, and the senses. Common diseases related to each of these body systems is presented as well as pathology and expected medical treatment. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of HSCI 147 with a 0.7 or higher and acceptance into the Medical Assistant program at CBC.

Equivalent Courses
MRHI 114

MA 115: Clinical Procedures Theory I [RE]

Credits 4

This class provides a theoretical foundation in medical asepsis, infection control, vital signs, phlebotomy, cardiopulmonary procedures, colon procedures, introduction to the clinical laboratory, urinalysis, and a theoretical foundation for the gynecological exam, prenatal care, pediatric exams, and office emergencies.

Prerequisite

Completion of MA 111, MA 114, and MA 140, all with a 0.7 or higher. This course to be taken concurrently with MA 116 (lab course).

MA 116: Clinical Procedures Lab I [RE]

Credits 4

This lab class provides for a practice in basic patient exam techniques, procedures, lab tests, and injections commonly performed in the physician's office or clinic. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of MA 111, MA 114, and MA 140, all with a 0.7 or higher. This course to be taken concurrently with MA 115 (theory course).

MA 140: Admin. Medical Assistant Office Procedures I [RE]

Credits 5

This course defines the front office roles and responsibilities in a medical office. Major topics covered are a history of the medical assistant profession; written, verbal, and non-verbal communication; patient education; medical law and ethics, the medical record and introduction to the electronic medical record; and performing daily administrative office duties including: appointment scheduling, coordinating outpatient procedures, managing referrals for patients, and utilizing the computer and electronic medical record. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Medical Assistant program at CBC.

MA 141: Career Development for Medical Assistants [RE]

Credits 2

This class covers professionalism in a medical office, successful job search, interview techniques, the importance of networking, and how to be successful on the job.

Prerequisite

Completion of MA 115, MA 116, MA 211, and MA 214, all with a 0.7 or higher.

MA 211: Pharmacology II [RE]

Credits 5

This is the second of two pharmacology classes. This class includes the administration of medication including: safety and quality assurance, enteral, percutaneous, and parenteral routes of medication; measurement, conversions of medications for administration, calculating dosages and solutions, and immunization schedules.

Prerequisite

Completion of MA 111, MA 114, and MA 140, all with a 0.7 or higher.

MA 214: Human Body Structure, Function, and Diseases II [RE]

Credits 4

This is the second of two body structure, function, and disease courses and includes: the circulatory system, lymphatic system and immunity, the respiratory system, the digestive system, nutrition and metabolism, the urinary system, fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, the reproductive system, genetics, growth and development, mental disorders, and disorders and conditions resulting from trauma. Common diseases are presented for each of these body systems as well as pathology and expected medical treatment.

Prerequisite

Completion of MA 111, MA 114, and MA 140, all with a 0.7 or higher.

Equivalent Courses
MRHI 214

MA 215: Clinical Procedures Theory II [RE]

Credits 4

This class provides a theoretical foundation in physical agents to promote tissue healing, radiology, sterilization and disinfection, minor office surgery, eye and ear assessment and procedures, the physical examination, hematology, blood chemistry and serology, and medical microbiology.

Prerequisite

Completion of MA 115, MA 116, MA 211, and MA 214, all with a 0.7 or higher. This course to be taken concurrently with MA 216 (lab course).

MA 216: Clinical Procedures Lab II [RE]

Credits 4

This class provides for a practice in basic patient exam techniques, procedures, lab tests, and basic sterile techniques commonly performed in the provider's office or clinic. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of MA 115, MA 116, MA 211, and MA 214, all with a 0.7 or higher. This course to be taken concurrently with MA 215 (theory course).

MA 240: Admin. Medical Assistant Office Procedures II [RE]

Credits 6

This course expands on front office roles and responsibilities of an Administrative Medical Assistant. Major topics covered include: patient account management, medical billing, medical banking services and procedures, management of practice finances, and the use of computers in the medical office including electronic medical record, and safety and emergency practices.

Prerequisite

Completion of MA 115, MA 116, MA 211, and MA 214, all with a 0.7 or higher.

MA 241: Externship Seminar

Credits 2

This course is to be taken concurrently with the externship for Medical Assistants. The seminar provides current information regarding workplace issues, technologies, and advancements in healthcare pertinent to the externship experience. Students engage in discussions based on their experiential learning opportunities within the externship.

Prerequisite

Successful completion of all other Medical Assistant courses with a GPA of 2.0 or better.

MA 242: Externship

Credits 6

This class provides an opportunity to apply the theory learned in the classroom setting to a healthcare setting through practical, hands-on experience. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee.

Prerequisite

Successful completion of all other Medical Assistant courses with a GPA of 2.0 or better.