FAQs: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting

What skills are involved with medical assisting?

During the program, our instructors will provide you with practical information and hands-experience to prepare you for a successful medical assisting career. You can expect instruction in these areas:

  • Patient care and preparation
  • Medical terminology
  • Medical procedures (phlebotomy, injections, etc.) and minor surgical skills 
  • Scheduling patient appointments
  • Patient check in/check out
  • Maintaining medical records
  • Insurance billing and coding
  • Maintain medical equipment

What jobs are available for medical assistants?

A medical assisting degree prepares you to work in a variety of jobs including:

  • Accession technician 
  • Administration
  • Admissions clerk
  • Billing specialist
  • Chiropractic specialist
  • Clinical laboratory technician
  • EKG technician
  • Emergency room technician
  • Health educator
  • Hospital sitter
  • Medical office administrator
  • Medical office manager
  • Medical office secretary
  • Medical records clerk
  • Medical records director
  • Medical records secretary
  • Medical sales associate
  • Ophthalmology specialist
  • Patient care technician
  • Patient navigator
  • Phlebotomy specialist
  • Receptionist
  • Rehabilitative services
  • Sterilization technician
  • Team lead
  • Ward clerk
  • And more...

You will be prepared to work in a variety of health care settings including:

  • Cancer center
  • Physician office
  • Chiropractic office
  • Colleges/university
  • Diagnostic care facility
  • Dialysis clinic
  • General medical and surgical hospital
  • Health practitioner office
  • Long-term care facility
  • Medical supply company
  • Outpatient care center
  • Pharmaceutical company
  • Plasma bank
  • Specialty clinic

What does a medical assistant do?

Medical Assistants are multi-skilled allied health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings such as physicians offices, clinics, and group practices performing administrative and clinical procedures. Specific duties and responsibilities vary from office to office depending on location, size, and specialty.

Why should I consider medical assisting as a career?

Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers in the health care industry.

Am I eligible for any type of credential or licensure after graduating?

Graduate of the medical assisting program are eligible to take the Registered Medical Assisting Exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and become registered medical assistants.

Do I have to do clinical hours?

You are required to complete 160 clinical hours and are ensured an externship within Saint Luke’s Health System or with one of our many other community partners.

Will I be able to get a job with Saint Luke's Health System?

Any placement with our community partners for clinical hours creates an opportunity for networking with potential employers.

How will I pay for my education?

We offer financial aid (Department of Education loans, grants, scholarships)

  • Complete your FAFSA application to help determine eligibility for need-based federal financial aid (Saint Luke’s College FAFSA Code: 002499).
  • We offer scholarships
  • We accept third-party scholarships
  • Work study positions available
  • Personal or parent loans

What kind of computer do I need before I start in your program?

Below are the minimum laptop computer requirements required to work with the courses at the College. Google Chromebooks will not work at the College due to download requirements. Please make sure you have access to reliable, high-speed, internet.

Minimum computer specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 (or higher) or AMD Ryzen 5 (or higher)
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or Mac OSX 10.12
  • RAM: 8 GB (or higher)
  • Hard Drive: 128 GB minimum (or higher) SSD highly recommended
  • Wireless network card 802.11AC
  • Headset with microphone capability required
  • Web camera required

Software applications required:

  • Microsoft Office 2016 or newer (The college provides you with one free copy of Office 2016 via the OntheHub)
  • Supported internet browser: Google Chrome
  • Adobe Reader