Medical Assisting
Diploma
Contact Information
Lisa Nagle
706-771-4189
Augusta Campus - Building 900 - Office 938

Karon Walton
Shannon Henninger
706-771-4197
Augusta Campus - Building 900 - Office 938

Stephanie McGahee
706-595-0166 ext 28
Thomson Campus

Sonya Burns
706-437-6807
Waynesboro Campus

Program Description

The Medical Assisting program is a specialized training program that provides the student with the knowledge and skills to become a competent medical assistant in the medical profession. Important attributes of successful program graduates are critical thinking, problem solving, human relations skills, and the ability to apply knowledge and skills to the work environment. The field is presently experiencing rapid expansion, and the trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. After completion of this five-quarter day program, the student is encouraged to take the National Certification Exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The five-quarter diploma level Medical Assisting program on the Augusta, Thomson, and Waynesboro campuses of Augusta Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). The address and phone number for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-210-2350. High school graduation or GED is required for admission to this program.

Employment Opportunities

The Medical Assisting Program prepares students for employment in a variety of positions in today’s medical offices. Additionally, other medically related facilities such as hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and health departments may provide suitable employment opportunities.

Notes:

• Students in the health field have a special responsibility regarding grades in their programs. To be eligible for graduation, students must make a minimum passing grade of “C” in all courses.
• A student who does not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any two courses attempted will be suspended from the program for one year. After the third unsuccessful attempt of any courses with one of these prefixes, the student will not be allowed to re-enter the Medical Assisting program.
• Courses with the prefix of AHS or MAS that were taken more than five years ago must be repeated.
• Prior to participation in campus/clinical labs, students must submit medical examination and evaluation forms and letters of recommendation prior to enrollment in clinical courses. These forms will be distributed by academic advisors.
• Prior to participation in campus/clinical labs, students are required to submit completed medical and dental examination forms. All required immunizations, including Hepatitis B, must be accompanied by documentation. Students who refuse to take the Hepatitis B vaccination series must sign a declination form and be aware that clinical practicum sites may refuse them an opportunity to gain clinical experience.
• Conviction of a felony or gross misdemeanor may prohibit employment in field and may make a student ineligible to take licensing/certification exam(s) required for the profession. A background check and/or urine drug screen may be required by some agencies before a student attends a clinical practicum. For more information, contact the appropriate program advisor.
• The prerequisite for BUS 1130 - Document Processing is the ability to key (type) at least 25 words per minute (WPM).  If you cannot type at this speed, you will need to take BUS 1100 to attain this speed prior to enrolling in BUS 1130.  As BUS 100 is not a required course in the program, you may be required to pay out of pocket for this class.  You will need to take BUS 1100 prior to entering the second quarter of the program to remain in sequence with your cohort and to complete the program in 5 quarters.