Medical Assistant Curriculum Information

The Medical Assistant Program at Arkansas Tech University is a part of the Department of Biological Sciences in the School of Physical and Life Sciences.    Tech offers the only nationally accredited medical assistant program in the state of Arkansas culminating in an applied science degree.  After graduation, students are eligible to take the AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.  Certification is maintained through continuing education or re-examination.

The two-year medical assistant program consists of a broad foundation in general education courses which include math, science, communication skills, and social sciences as well as hands-on education and training in all areas of medical assisting.  Students learn aseptic techniques, examination room procedures, medical laboratory testing,  pharmacology, medical transcription, medical records, and general office practices.  Practical experience in a clinical facility under the direction of a clinical supervisor and the program director is provided.  This is the externship portion of the degree and is performed during the first summer semester of the final year.    

Curriculum in Medical Assistant

Freshman Year

Hours

English Composition I, II (ENGL 1013, 1023)1

6

Principles of Biology (BIOL 1114) or Principles of Zoology (BIOL 2124)

4

Basic Pharmacology with an Overview of Microbiology (AHS 1023)

3

Mathematics (MATH 1113)1

3

General Psychology (PSY 2003)

3

Speech (SPH 1003 or 2003)

3

Introduction to Computer Based Systems (COMS 1003)

3

Microcomputer Applications (COMS 2003)

3

First Aid (PE 2513)

3

Total

31

Sophomore Year

Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 2004)

4

Medical Terminology (AHS 2013)3

3

Medical Laboratory Orientation and Instrumentation (AHS 2023)

3

Medical Laboratory Orientation and Instrumentation, Laboratory (AHS 2022)

2

Medical Assistant Clinical Practice (AHS 2034)

4

Medical Assistant Clinical Practice, Laboratory (AHS 2032)

2

Coding Principles for Medical Office (AHS 2033)

3

Medical Assistant Administrative Practice (AHS 2044)

4

Legal Concepts for the Health Fields (HIM 4073)

3

Computers in the Medical Office with an Overview of Insurance Procedures (AHS 2053)

3

American History (HIST 2003 or 2013)2

3

Total

34

Summer Session (Following Sophomore Year)

Externship (AHS 2055)

5

Medical Assistant Seminar (AHS 2061)

1

Total

6

1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements"  

2HIST 2003 or 2013.

3Credit may be earned through successful completion of the challenge examination in medical terminology. Refer to the section in the catalog entitled "Credit by Examination."