Medical Assistant
Medical_Assist Medical_Assist Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant Contact: Michele Tertel, Program Manager • • 301.624.2845 Admissions: Select Admissions Coordinator: Abby Sines • Health Sciences Advising: Jennifer McAninley • Amber Tobery Financial Aid:FCC Finanical Aid
Medical AssistantContact:
Michele Tertel, Program Manager
301.624.2845
Select Admissions Coordinator
Abby Sines
Health Sciences Advising
Jennifer McAninley
Amber Tobery

Program Admission

The Medical Assistant Program requires the following prerequisites to be completed to enter the main cohort courses of the MEDA Program, starting the second seven-week sessions of the Fall and Spring Semester:

MEDA 109- Medical Terminology

MEDA 111- Basic Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants
OR
[Mathematics Elective (Gen Ed course list) and BSCI 107 Study of the Human Body
(BSCI 117 Human Biology, BSCI 201 A&P I or BSCI 202 A&P II)]
MEDA 110 Computer Medical Office Management
MEDA 112 Medical Office Procedures

The Medical Assistant Program is not a selective admission program.

 

New program offerings and curriculum changes are coming soon!
Anticipated start date Fall 2024.

 

Healthcare Practice Management Certificate
The Healthcare Practice Management Certificate program prepares students for work as a medical practice manager.

Students must receive a “C” or better in all MEDA courses.

This program is designed for students seeking immediate employment in entry level management or management trainee positions upon completion of the program or for individuals desiring to start their own business.
 
Gainful Employment - Healthcare Practice Management
Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program.
* For curriculum information from earlier academic years, please refer to the archives of the FCC Academic Catalog.

Medical Assistant A.A.S. Degree – Daytime Fall Cohort
The Medical Assistant A.A.S. Degree Program is designed to prepare students for work in a variety of health sectors. Students are prepared to serve as entry-level assistants who perform administrative and clinical procedures in doctors' offices, insurance offices, hospitals, clinics, government agencies, etc.

Admission is restricted to students who have maintained a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. Students must maintain a grade of “C” or better in all courses (excluding General Education courses) to graduate from the program.
 
* Students must meet with the program manager to enroll in MEDA 117

Skills Needed
  • Desire to work with people
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to think quickly on your feet
  • Ability to problem-solve
  • Excellent oral, written and telephone skills
  • Ability to adapt to all types of situations
  • Computer skills
* For curriculum information from earlier academic years, please refer to the archives of the FCC Academic Catalog.

Medical Assistant A.A.S. Degree – Evening Spring Cohort
The Medical Assistant A.A.S. Degree Program is designed to prepare students for work in a variety of health sectors. Students are prepared to serve as entry-level assistants who perform administrative and clinical procedures in doctors' offices, insurance offices, hospitals, clinics, government agencies, etc.

Admission is restricted to students who have maintained a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. Students must maintain a grade of “C” or better in all courses (excluding General Education courses) to graduate from the program.
 
* Students must meet with the program manager to enroll in MEDA 117

Skills Needed
  • Desire to work with people
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to think quickly on your feet
  • Ability to problem-solve
  • Excellent oral, written and telephone skills
  • Ability to adapt to all types of situations
  • Computer skills

 

* For curriculum information from earlier academic years, please refer to the archives of the FCC Academic Catalog.

Medical Assistant Certificate - Evening Spring Cohort
The Medical Assistant Certificate Program prepares students in administrative and clinical medical procedures and provides a foundation in the principles and practices of asepsis, initial patient contact, patient care responsibilities, and patient education. The program includes courses in electronic health records, pharmacology, insurance and billing, business communication, and clinical practicums. Students are engaged in classroom, hands-on, and clinical learning environments.

Clinical duties include collecting and performing various laboratory tests, administering medications, and performing diagnostic procedures such as EKGs. Courses in medical software applications and medical administrative and clinical internships are included in this certificate.

The Medical Assistant Certificate can be completed in about a year at a cost of approximately $5,500. The program is eligible for federal and local financial aid assistance.

 
Students who successfully complete the Medical Assistant Certificate may choose to pursue a degree through the Medical Assistant A.A.S. degree program. Additional coursework is required.

Skills You Need:
  • Desire to work with people
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to think quickly on your feet
  • Ability to problem-solve
  • Excellent oral, written, and telephone skills
  • Ability to adapt to all types of situations
  • Computer skills


Gainful Employment - Medical Assistant
Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program.
 

* For curriculum information from earlier academic years, please refer to the archives of the FCC Academic Catalog.

Medical Assistant Certificate - Daytime Fall Cohort
The Medical Assistant Certificate Program prepares students in administrative and clinical medical procedures and provides a foundation in the principles and practices of asepsis, initial patient contact, patient care responsibilities, and patient education. The program includes courses in electronic health records, pharmacology, insurance and billing, business communication, and clinical practicums. Students are engaged in classroom, hands-on, and clinical learning environments.

Clinical duties include collecting and performing various laboratory tests, administering medications, and performing diagnostic procedures such as EKGs. Courses in medical software applications and medical administrative and clinical internships are included in this certificate.

The Medical Assistant Certificate can be completed in about a year at a cost of approximately $5,500. The program is eligible for federal and local financial aid assistance.

 
Students who successfully complete the Medical Assistant Certificate may choose to pursue a degree through the Medical Assistant A.A.S. Degree Program. Additional coursework is required.

Skills You Need:
  • Desire to work with people
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to think quickly on your feet
  • Ability to problem-solve
  • Excellent oral, written, and telephone skills
  • Ability to adapt to all types of situations
  • Computer skills


Gainful Employment - Medical Assistant
Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program.

* For curriculum information from earlier academic years, please refer to the archives of the FCC Academic Catalog.

Medical Scribe Letter of Recognition
The Medical Scribe Letter of Recognition introduces students to medical information management. The medical scribe specializes in charting physician-patient encounters in real-time during medical exams in a clinic, physician office, urgent care, or emergency room.

 * This course must be completed prior to enrolling in MEDA 220

 

* For curriculum information from earlier academic years, please refer to the archives of the FCC Academic Catalog.
Frederick County Public School students receive free tuition and fees through Dual Enrollment at FCC for all courses taken during Fall or Spring semesters.  FCPS students participating in dual enrollment may obtain required textbooks and materials at the FCC bookstore at no cost to the student. Students should speak with their high school counselor first if they plan to enroll in FCC courses or programs.

 

For related non-credit Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) programs, see Healthcare & Wellness Career Training. Please note that these courses are not affiliated with FCC credit or certificate programs. While CEWD courses do not provide academic credits, participants experience affordable, flexible, and rewarding programs. Select CEWD courses offer industry-recognized training for licensure and career certification at the state and national level.

Mission Statement

In addition to supporting the mission statement of Frederick Community College, the Medical Assistant Program will prepare the next generation of skilled and ethical professionals.  The Program will provide a comprehensive education that prepares graduates to address the healthcare needs of a diverse and dynamic population.  We promote excellence among students, graduates, and faculty by fostering a cultivated atmosphere that is committed to preparing entry-level medical assistants.   The Medical Assistant Program strives for an atmosphere that values intellectual curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity.  

 

Program Objectives

The objectives of the program are to develop professional entry-level Medical Assistants who will be able to: 

  • Perform all functions according to established policies and procedures. 
  • Employ infection control measures (standard precautions) to protect themselves, other workers, and patients.  
  • Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot and notify appropriate personnel. 
  • Communicate in a professional, positive, and tactful manner with patients and interprofessional healthcare teams. 
  • Maintain patient confidentiality and exercise ethical judgment, integrity, honesty, dependability, and accountability in the performance of one's responsibilities. 
  • Demonstrate appropriate verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills. 
  • Interact and function as part of the interprofessional healthcare team. 
  • Incorporate high ethical and professional standards. 

Advance within the professional community.

 

Program Manual

Medical Assistant Student Handbook

 

Contact Information

Michele Tertel
MEDA Program Manager
[email protected]
301.624.2845

 

Robin Hovermale
MEDA Clinical Coordinator
[email protected]
301-624-2782

 

person
Medical Assistants
$37,190.00/yr • +16%*
person
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
$46,660.00/yr • +7%*
*Median pay, projected job growth or decline from 2020-2030. Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020 Edition.
Admissions: Abby Sines • 301.624.2716 Advising: Jefferson Hall(J200)

301.846.2471
Financial Aid: Jefferson Hall (J300) • 301.846.2620