Medical Assisting Technology
Welcome to the Medical Assisting Technology web page. If you
like working with people and are intrigued with the field of medicine,
medical assisting may be the career for you. We hope the information
provided is helpful in making your career decision. If you would like
an informational packet on the Youngstown State University Medical
Assisting Technology Program, please call the Department of Undergraduate
Recruitment and Admissions at 330-941-2000. If you have questions,
call the program director at 330-941-1760.
Program
The Certified Medical Assistant is a multi-skilled professional who
assist in all aspects of outpatient medical settings under the supervision
of physicians and other health care specialists. The medical assistant
function in the administrative and/or clinical role to assist physicians,
serve and educate the patients and their families, and be a vital
member of the medical team.
As a medical assistant, you must communicate effectively, be familiar
with legal and ethical requirements and issues and appropriately respond
to patients’ needs and medical emergencies.
Employment Opportunities
Certified medical assistants are employed in diverse medical settings,
including but not limited to physicians’ medical practices,
medical and health clinics, medical insurance companies, medical publishing
companies, research centers, diagnostic and coding departments, medical
information departments, hospitals’ outpatient services and
government agencies. Other opportunities are the arm forces, business
forms, industrial medical clinics and education and community services.
Both full-time and part-time employment is available locally and nationally.
The entry-level salaries range from $9.00 to $18.00 depending on locale,
specialty and level of responsibility.
Admission Policy
New, transfer, and former students are admitted to the Medical Assisting
Technology Program each semester. Freshman applicants must have graduated
from high school or satisfactorily completed the General Education
Development (GED) test. Students must take the English and Math Placement
tests prior to enrolling in classes or during the first semester of
enrollment in the Medical Assisting Technology Program.
Accreditation
The Youngstown State University’s Medical Assisting Technology
Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied
Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970,
Chicago, IL 60601-2208. (312) 553-9355, on the recommendation of the
Curriculum Review Board of American Association of Medical Assistants
Endowment (AAMAE).
The Commission on Institution and Higher Education of the North Central
Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, 30 North La Salle Street,
400 Chicago, IL 60602. (800-621-7440)
Facilities
Cushwa Hall houses the Medical Assisting classrooms and a well-equipped
laboratory. The medical office procedures component is taught in a
computer classroom/laboratory setting in Meshed Hall.
Outside the Classroom
Since experience in non-traditional settings provides important learning
experiences, the program arranges for the student to complete an administrative
practicum as part of the medical office procedures course. In addition,
the program director arranges a non-paid externship experience in
an outpatient medical setting at the conclusion of the didactic and
laboratory courses.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.50/4.00 are qualified
to apply for the Tri-County Chapter of Medical Assisting Scholarship
and the Mary Buckley Scholarship sponsored the Ohio State Society
of Medical Assistants. Student should see the program director for
additional information.
The university offers a full range of federal and state financial
aide programs (scholarships, grant-in-aid, loans and part-time employment)
for those who qualify. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
at 330-941-3505 to obtain materials and applications or if you have
questions.
Special Cost
Medical Assisting Technology students incur cost
beyond regular university tuition and fees due to their activities
in laboratory classes and out-of-class experiences. Special cost
include the cost of laboratory coat and/or uniforms, safety glasses,
stethoscope, appropriate wristwatch and identification pin.
The student is responsible for the cost of the medical and physical
examination, TB testing, Hepatitis B vaccination, and the cost to
be certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the Red
Cross First Aid.
In addition, the student assumes the responsibility for the application
fee for the American Association of Medical Assistant’s Certification
Examination.
Education Advancement
Graduates of the Medical Assisting Technology Program can seek professional
growth in the allied health field by pursuing a Bachelor of Science
in Applied Science in Allied Health. This program enables the student
to acquire an interdisciplinary knowledge of the health field and
meet personal and professional needs. This is considered a two-plus-two
plan; a two-year associate degree plus the two years (fulltime status)
will provide requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree. Courses
maybe taken on a part-time plan and some courses are on-line to
meet the needs of the students. Additional information about medical
assisting: www.aama-ntl.org |
