Sources: Township Journal.com; Bureau Of Labor Statistics
Sussex County Community College is offering a Medical Assistant program that will give prospective students a new career path in the healthcare field.
This program is offered both full-time for 10 months and part-time for 17 months. The course runs 910 hours and allows prospective students the opportunity to take courses that are convenient to their schedule. The next programs will begin this January with classes being held in the Health Science and Performing Arts Center on the SCCC campus.
Medical Assistants focus on the quality of patient care by assisting a physician with clinical skills. They ensure patient satisfaction by handling administrative tasks essential to secure proper reimbursement by Medicare and other insurances as well as other office tasks. Jobs in this sector of healthcare are expected to increase 23% through 2024, and the current median salary is $30,590.
Though job duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the medical practice, Medical Assistants typically:
- 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
Professional credentialing is important to demonstrate to the employer that the Medical Assistant commands the knowledge to work in any physician’s office across the country. Upon successful completion of the requirements of the SCCC Medical Assistant program (accredited by CAAHEP), students are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
In order to secure a spot in the January start, students must file a free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for financial aid. For more information, contact Kathryn Quinn, SCCC Program Coordinator, at 973-300-2279 or kquinn @ sussex.edu.