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Medical Assistant (Front & Back Office)

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.  Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.

This course prepares students to work in medical offices and clinics and emphasizes clinical skills including vital signs, diagnostic testing (venipuncture, urinalysis, EKG, injections, etc.), therapeutic interventions, elementary instruction in medical insurance billing and coding as well as medical office administration and management. HIPPA, CLIA, OSHA, Dept. of Health and Human Services statutes are taught. Course emphasizes medical terminology. A 160-hour externship is available for those who qualify. Students who successfully complete the course are eligible to take the optional NCCT / Medical Assistant National Certification Exam given at the Simi Institute.

First class meeting will consist of a brief overview of course expectations and a reading comprehension test will be given for assessment.

Spring 2025 - Daytime

Course Number: AH205

Dates: January 13 - June 5, 2025

Days: Monday - Thursday, and Fridays beginning April 4

Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Room: 502

Fee: $1,800, includes uniform, textbooks, classroom supplies, CPR training

NCCRS Credits: 15 (Optional clinical is additional 4 credits)

Fee: $1,800, includes uniform, textbooks, classroom supplies, CPR training

Prerequisite: Must be 18 years or older and speak, read and write English at the 12th grade level. A U.S. high school diploma or equivalency is required for optional National Certification. A physical exam that includes extensive lab work (proof of Hepatitis B, Tdap immunizations, and proof of negative TB Test) is required, at the student's expense, and is due by the third week of class. See  bottom of page for program, clinical, and licensure requirements.

A background check may be required for externships, clinicals and licensing, certification or registration with the appropriate governing board.

enroll

Spring 2025 - Evening / Saturday

Course Number: AH205

Dates: January 14 - June 5, 2025

Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Mondays beginning March 10

Time: T - Th: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm; Sat: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Room: 502

Fee: $1,800, includes uniform, textbooks, classroom supplies, CPR training

NCCRS Credits: 15 (Optional clinical is additional 4 credits)

Prerequisite: Must be 18 years or older and speak, read and write English at the 12th grade level. A U.S. high school diploma or equivalency is required for optional National Certification. A physical exam that includes extensive lab work (proof of Hepatitis B, Tdap immunizations, and proof of negative TB Test) is required, at the student's expense, and is due by the third week of class. See  bottom of page for program, clinical, and licensure requirements.

A background check may be required for externships, clinicals and licensing, certification or registration with the appropriate governing board.

enroll

 


 

Medical Program Requirements

All SICE medical courses include required textbooks, supplies, and uniforms (unless otherwise noted). Students in all SICE medical programs should be 18 years or older, and speak, read, and write at a minimum 10th grade level.

Clinical Requirements

A Social Security or tax ID number, background check, medical exam, vaccinations (including Covid-19), drug screening, government-issued picture ID, N95 mask fitting, CPR, TB test, and Fire Card (for Los Angeles if applicable) are mandatory for those SICE medical programs that require clinical externships at partner facilities. Other clinical requirements may exist. Clinical externships included in SICE medical programs are unpaid educational experiences.

Licensing Requirements

In addition to program completion and clinical requirements, proof of U.S. High School diploma or equivalent, passing licensure exam score, and additional items may be required for licensure in California. 

Program Flyer

medical assistant at simi institute

Click image to view flyer.

Important Qualities To Have

Analytical skills. Medical assistants must be able to understand and follow medical charts and diagnoses. They may be required to code a patient’s medical records for billing purposes.

Detail oriented. Medical assistants need to be precise when taking vital signs or recording patient information. Physicians and insurance companies rely on accurate records.

Interpersonal skills. Medical assistants need to be able to discuss patient information with other medical personnel, such as physicians. They often interact with patients who may be in pain or in distress, so they need to be able to act in a calm and professional manner.

Technical skills. Medical assistants should be able to use basic clinical instruments so they can take a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Job Duties

Medical assistants typically do the following:

  • Record patient history and personal information
  • Measure vital signs, such as blood pressure
  • Help the physician with patient examinations
  • Give patients injections or medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law
  • Schedule patient appointments
  • Prepare blood samples for laboratory tests
  • Enter patient information into medical records

Medical assistants take and record patients’ personal information. They must be able to keep that information confidential and discuss it only with other medical personnel who are involved in treating the patient.

Work Environment

Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices. Some work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Work Schedule

Most medical assistants work full time. Some work evenings, weekends, or holidays to cover shifts in medical facilities that are always open.

NCCRS College Credit Recommendations

More than 1,500 cooperating colleges and universities (including most California Community Colleges and Cal State Universities) will consider granting college credit based on NCCRS credit recommendations. Additional colleges may also award college units for SICE Medical Career Courses. 

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