Students enrolled in the Medical Assisting Certificate Program are required to:

1. Complete the College placement tests in English, Reading and Mathematics and place at or above
   • ESL 011 ESL Basic Writing or ENG 011 Basic Writing or ENG 010A Basic Writing,
   • REA 011 Fundamentals of College Reading or ESL/ REA 017 Vocabulary & Reading Comprehension Development II
   • The Course Descriptions for each of the courses in the Program of Study contain information regarding specific course requirements.
2. Purchase all required textbooks, manuals, supplemental supplies, uniforms, and liability insurance. Note: no ear gauges, piercings other than the ear lobe, or visible tattoos are permitted while in uniform. Uniforms must be worn to MAS 113 Clinical Procedures I, MAS 123 Clinical Procedures II, MAS 121 Laboratory Procedures in the Medical Office, and MAS 130 Medical Assisting Practicum courses.
3. Prior to beginning the MAS 123 Clinical Procedures II course students must
   • Complete an orientation to the Medical Assisting Program
   • Have a comprehensive physical examination which includes documentation of selected vaccinations and a urine drug screen.
   • Submit application for Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal History Background Check. A Child Abuse History will, and a Criminal Record may exclude the student from participation in the practicum component of the program.
4. Obtain and maintain required certification(s).
5. Assume all responsibility for transportation to and from externship assignments including clinical experiences.
6. Complete a national Medical Assisting certification examination prior to program completion.
7. Refer to the Medical Assisting page on the College’s web site for information regarding specific course requirements, certification(s), and the course sequence.
8. Submit proof of Health Insurance.

Please note:

• Students must pass MAS 113 with a grade of C or better to progress to the MAS 123 course.
• Students must pass MAS 123, MAS 117, and MAS 117 with a grade of C or better to progress to the MAS 130 course,
• Information about opening and maintaining a CastleBranch account will be provided to students at the time of orientation. All Documents required must be completed, uploaded, and accepted by Castle Branch within the requires timeframes to successfully progress through the Program of Study.
• Although the College does not have a vaccine requirement in place to participate in on-campus courses and activities, we have received notification from virtually all our clinical sites that they will be requiring the Covid Vaccine for students to participate in clinical rotations for the upcoming fall semester.
• In order for us to send students to these sites, we are required to follow their mandates. In the event that a student is unable to attend clinical due to their vaccine status, they will not be able to meet course and/or program requirements for progression.
• Information on Criminal History and Background Checks can be found on the State's website. Questions pertaining to this topic should be addressed with the Medical Assisting Program Director.

Medical Assisting involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of all Medical Assisting interventions and functions. Students enrolled in either Medical Assisting Program must exhibit the following characteristics:

1. Sufficient visual acuity, such as needed in the accurate performance of clinical and administrative skills. Students must be able to read instrument scales, charts and graphs, prepare and maintain medical records, read medication orders, assess patient physical condition, and read and document significant findings.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health care team in order to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as stethoscopes, fire alarms, etc. Additionally, the student must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally in order to elicit information. The students must be able to obtain vital signs, including blood pressure. Students must be able to interact with patients and members of the health care team, specifically interview patients, obtain patient histories, instruct patients with special needs, and use proper telephone technique.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to carry out clinical and administrative procedures. Manual dexterity is essential in handling of all instrumentation i.e. manipulation of equipment, positioning and assisting patients, responding to emergency situations, and carrying out diagnostic procedures.
4. Sufficient physical stamina for standing for extended periods of time is required with meeting the health needs of the patient as related to Medical Assisting.
5. Sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively.
6. Sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals and the health care team during stressful situations, including the ability to recognize emergency situations and intervene appropriately.