Clinical Medical Assisting

Medical Assisting Program Director and Instructor, Dr. Jose Vila talks about the Medical Assisting Program at COT...

About the Clinical Medical Assisting Diploma Program

To learn about Chicago career opportunities for Medical Assistants, click here.
To see the Medical Assisting Program curriculum and courses, click here.

Quickly becoming the fastest growing occupation in America, the Medical Assisting Program at the College of Office Technology will give students all of the necessary skills for an entry-level medical position as a Medical Assistant, Insurance Biller and Coder, Medical Records Clerk, Phlebotomist, or Clinical Assistant. The Medical Assisting Program covers a wide range of both administrative and clinical skills. In addition to classroom and laboratory learning, the Medical Assisting Program also includes a 160-hour externship in a medical facility. This program will prepare students for the Certified Medical Assistant Exam.

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What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical Assistants perform basic clinical and administrative duties in a healthcare setting. They carry out their tasks under the supervision of higher level healthcare professionals. This is an entry level position.

As a basic measure, Medical Assistants are generalists in single doctor clinics, and they are specialists in large institutions. When working for one doctor, the Medical Assistant would prepare the examining room, greet the patient at the front desk, enter insurance information into the computer, take the patient's vitals, and assist the doctor. In a large hospital, perhaps the Medical Assistant would work at the front desk as a receptionist or prepare examination rooms. They also might work as an intake specialist or unit clerk.

Medical and Office Training

COT's training can be divided into two segments: Medical and Office.

On the Medical side, students receive classroom, laboratory and hands-on training that helps them develop the skills needed in healthcare environments. Here are some examples: In the classroom, students are instructed in anatomy and medical terminology, because these subjects are essential in patient treatment. In the laboratory, students are instructed in drawing blood (phlebotomy), making injections and taking electrocardiograms. Also, students are taught how to take vitals, such as blood pressure and pulse.

On the Office side, students learn clerical skills, including typing, using the computer, using medical office software for scheduling, billing and patient records, and researching on the Internet. Students learn about subjects that are essential in most medical settings, including billing & coding, insurance procedures and patient history recording. Also, students take classes in English and other general subjects, and everything is aimed at making the graduate a highly productive member of the healthcare community.

Also, because healthcare involves people, treatment and technology, the needs are always changing. Even on a daily basis, the duties of a Medical Assistant can change, so our students are taught to be adaptable and flexible -- to be ready for anything.

And throughout all the training, students develop their professional skills. They learn how to cooperate with others and follow instructions.

COT prepares Medical Assistants

The goal of the COT Medical Assistant training program is to help students develop skills necessary to acquire an entry level position as a Medical Assistant. We teach the clinical and administrative functions that are commonly used in a healthcare setting. Furthermore, we help prepare students to sit for medical assistant certification exams.

At COT, students do a lot of work toward becoming Medical Assistants. The several months of training is challenging, and the help we provide is everywhere in our friendly environment. COT's instructors have many years of experience in education and the real world. They understand what the students need, and they work day and night to help the students accomplish their tasks. Also, our equipment is modern, and it reflects what many students will use after they graduate and move into professional settings.

Certifications for Medical Assistants

Potential employers are not only looking for medical staff with the personality, reliability, and aptitude to perform well on the job, they are looking for current and relevant certifications as well. That's why we focus on preparation at the highest level, so our students can graduate with their college certificate and the certifications to help them move into an excellent career.

The Medical Assisting curriculum prepares students for the following certifications:

• Certified Medical Assistant
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician
• Certified EKG/ECG Technician
• Certified Medical Biller and Coder

Who should become a Medical Assistant?

This profession is right for compassionate and energetic people who want to see other people's health improve. Also, the future Medical Assistant should be great at working in a group environment, and that means being able to follow orders. Another key trait for a successful Medical Assistant is the ability to learn and keep learning - throughout a career. The medical field is constantly changing, and the industry wants smart people who can adapt to those changes.

A vital characteristic is confidentiality. The Medical Assistant is entrusted with personal information about patients, so the Medical Assistant is ethical and trustworthy. Also, this career is right for someone who wants to take a significant step up in life, because the Medical Assistant field offers many rewards. A person with all of these characteristics could start on the path to being a Medical Assistant.

Learn more

To learn more about COT's Medical Assistant program, contact one of our admissions professionals and receive excellent advice about your options for the future. Call us at 800-953-6161. Also, people are always welcome to stop in and meet with our admissions professionals. Request More Information.