(60 semester hours minimum)

The purpose of the Medical Assisting Program is to provide students with a general education core complemented by focused medical assisting career courses in preparation for employment in the health care field. As multi-skilled practitioners, graduates will be eligible for employment in a variety of medical settings. Medical assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in the country. The associate degree medical assisting program at Quinebaug Valley Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

In addition to General Education Outcomes, learners who complete the Medical Assisting degree will:

• Understand, demonstrate, and continuously utilize the principles of medical asepsis and standard precautions, as well as other safety precautions
• Recognize emergency situations and respond appropriately to emergency care techniques in various life-threatening situations
• Utilize knowledge of various medical office procedures, practices, and technologies to complete simulated tasks
• Obtain and effectively chart all pertinent patient data
• Apply knowledge and skills of various clinical procedures such as vitals, laboratory testing, and other diagnostic and medical procedures
• Understand and interpret usage of medical terminology
• Comprehend basic pharmacology, including dosage calculations, drug interactions, and administration of medications
• Provide education to patients, families, and other care givers on various healthcare including preventative and treatment regimes
• Integrate knowledge and skills acquired to function as a competent entry-level medical assistant
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the human body including structure, function and basic pathologies
• Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate and effective application of legal and ethical standards of practice

Additional Requirements for the Medical Assisting Program

1. Students enrolled in the medical assisting program are required to show proof of the following health requirements prior to entrance in MED* 245 Clinical Laboratory Procedures :
   • MMR immunizations or proof of immunity via antibody titre
   • Tetanus vaccine within last 5 years
   • Hepatitis B vaccine or proof of immunity via antibody titre
   • Varicella vaccine or proof of immunity via antibody titre
   • Negative PPD within past 6 months
   • Physical examination within past two years

Some practicum sites also require the student to undergo a background check and/or drug testing. Sites are allowed to deny a student based on results from these checks. If a student is denied by a practicum site, the program coordinator is under no obligation to place them at another site.

2. Eligibility requirements for Practicum
   • MED* 131  and MED* 245  must have been taken within three years of applying for a practicum.
   • Students must have a grade of “B-” or better in all MED* courses.
   • If the program coordinator questions the clinical skills of any student, the student may be required to demonstrate proficiency in certain skills, take a skills workshop, or repeat MED* 131  and/or MED* 245 .
   • Students are not allowed to take any clinical or phlebotomy supplies out of the classroom, and if found to do so, will be automatically terminated from the medical assisting program and may not be allowed to enroll in any other health program at the college.
   • A site has the right to terminate a student’s practicum without warning. Students terminated from a site will not be placed at another site and will receive a grade of “F” for the course.

For more information, contact Program Coordinator Cheri Goretti.