This is a career-oriented program that prepares students to work primarily in ambulatory care settings under the direction of a physician. The program is comprised of clinical and non­-clinical components, with lecture as well as competency-­based experiences in performing administrative and clinical procedures. General education and program requirements are designed for students interested in pursuing management positions within physician offices. There is also a non­-compensated externship experience in which students work in an actual ambulatory care setting. Externship hours are scheduled during the day, Monday through Friday. Externship sites may have their own requirements that students must meet prior to their externship experience. Medical assistant degree students must maintain a grade of 75% or better in all program courses. Students may be required to repeat MAP and/or PLB courses, based upon the time sequence when these program courses were completed. Prior to externships, students must provide appropriate health examination record(s) and all required tests and immunizations, along with a urine drug screen and criminal background checks. Prior criminal records may prohibit students from program externship and employment opportunities. Students who do not academically pass their externship course or who are asked to leave their externship site, may be recommended for dismissal from the course and/or program.