Dec 13, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog SVC 
    
2023-2024 Catalog SVC [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Assistant Certificate


Overview


Medical Assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to work as a member of a health care team, performing a broad range of clinical and administrative tasks under the supervision of a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.

Program graduates assist health care professionals in many aspects of medical practice, including patient care management, administrative, and clinical procedures. Students learn about the administrative duties of scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, performing basic secretarial skills and medical transcription, handling telephone calls, writing correspondence, serving as the liaison between the physician and other individuals, and managing practice finances. The clinical phase of the program is taught through intense training and hands-on application. Students learn to perform clinical duties, including asepsis and infection control, taking patient histories and vital signs, first aid and CPR, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests, administering injections, and preparing and administering medications as directed by the physician.

Sample Career Options


Degree Intent and Transfer Options


Upon completion, Workforce degrees and/or certificates are intended to give students the skills needed to move directly into employment. While these degrees are not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admission to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Management (BASM) degree  and, in some cases, could transfer to other schools. If you are interested in continuing your education by entering a bachelor’s degree program, please work closely with your Academic Advisor and Department Chair.

Program Map


Program Maps are an integral part of the Planning Guide. All foundation courses must be completed with a C grade or higher before a student may begin core classes. Completion of Math and English are a priority. Foundation courses are only offered in certain quarters. Core courses must be taken in sequence and a student may only begin core courses Winter quarter. This Program Map includes a recommended quarterly sequence of courses for a full-time student to earn this degree within two years. The courses align with the appropriate number of credits to meet degree requirements and is designed to help you create an individualized, customized Educational Plan, required of all SVC students. Please consult with an SVC Advisor to schedule courses and develop your personal Educational Plan.

88 credits

First Year


Total Credits: 13

Total Credits: 15

Total Credits: 15

Second Year


Foundation Courses: Quarter 4


Total Credits: 10

Winter Quarter - ENTRY ONLY - Core Courses


Total Credits: 16

Total Credits: 12

Total Credits: 7

Note:


† Students who do not receive an appropriate test score will require additional coursework to develop necessary skills for entry into class.