WMCC offers a well-established, nationally recognized Medical Assistant (MA) certificate that prepares students to be Medical Assistants in a variety of outpatient medical settings. When students complete the certificate, they are eligible to take the AAMA National Certification Exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant.

The certificate emphasizes professionalism, medical ethics, and team-based learning. Its curriculum is comprehensive, preparing students for the complex demands in medical offices. The course of study require students to complete a variety of administrative and clinical competencies, such as preparing and administering medications and vaccines; assisting with patient exams and minor outpatient surgical procedures; collecting and preparing specimens for microbiological testing; maintaining infection control and sterilization techniques; managing electronic medical records; obtaining vital signs; and performing medical billing, patient scheduling, medical coding, laboratory testing, and phlebotomy.

The certificate program allows students to transfer credits in the Associate of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Area of Concentration in Medical Assisting.

Student Success

Admission Requirements

All Medical Assistant applicants must:

1. Meet all college requirements for admission.
2. Have no felony convictions.

Acceptance Provisions: Students accepted into the Medical Assistant program must:

1. Submit a completed health record within the past year; including proof of required immunizations.
2. Have professional liability insurance for clinical classes and the internship. (Available through the college.)
3. Possess and maintain personal health insurance or show acceptance into a sliding scale fee for a primary care provider and hospital coverage for clinical classes and the  internship.
4. Maintain a grade of C+ or above in BIOL120W, all OTM and MEDA If a grade of C+ is not maintained, students may repeat the course only once. Students who do not earn a minimum grade of C+ in Clinical Procedures I and II are not able to continue in the program. They may, however, be eligible for readmission consideration.
5. Provide an approved criminal background check through the college-approved vendor. This background check must be initiated no earlier than March 15 of spring Students must also complete certain health-screening requirements prior to the start of an internship, including drug screening, which is to be completed by the Androscoggin Valley Hospital Occupation Health Department within 30 days of the beginning of the internship class.

[Note: Provision #3 must be completed prior to the first day of class]

Health Considerations

As per college policy, WMCC students during learning experiences must not jeopardize the health, wellbeing, or confidentiality of clients, patients, or medical information. Therefore, students in office or clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient professionalism and emotional stability to withstand the stresses, uncertainties, and changing circumstances that accompany the responsibilities associated with these experiences. Without sufficient professionalism and emotional stability, they will be removed from placement. Furthermore, students are expected to have the professionalism and emotional stability to exercise sound judgment and to accept directions and guidance from supervisors or faculty members. They must also be capable of establishing professional rapports and maintaining sensitive interpersonal relationships with employers, clients, patients, and their families.

Students must also be aware that site placements require criminal background checks, proof of insurance, general health statements from personal providers, as well as additional titers or vaccinations beyond what the college requires.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

• Utilize medical terminology and comply with HIPAA in charting and while communicating with other healthcare professionals, the patient, and family members.
• Identify common pathology for each body system and incorporate critical thinking skills when collecting patient data and performing patient care.
• Prepare patients and assist the provider for examination or procedures.
• Collect and prepare laboratory specimens, as well as perform basic laboratory testing.
• Prepare and administer parenteral and oral medications.
• Perform electrocardiograms and respiratory testing.
• Perform front office duties such as using practice management software to schedule appointments, create a medical record, obtain reimbursement, and to record consent.
• Perform all duties within the Medical Assistant scope of practice.
• Appreciate diversity, differing beliefs, value systems, and individual opinions.
• Demonstrate the cognitive, psychomotor skills, and effective competencies by qualifying to take the CMA(AAMA) national exam.