<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>As a student of ECPI University's campus-based Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting program, you will have the opportunity to develop clinical and administrative skills through classroom instruction, simulated and lab exercises, and field experiences. The program is designed to teach you how to take patient vitals, operate EKG equipment, draw blood, collect specimens, assist with physical exams, administer injections, and respond to medical emergencies. Topics designed to be addressed in the core curriculum and other required courses include medical terminology, medical office software, diagnostic testing, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics. You will also have the opportunity to prepare to take necessary licensing exams. The program's externship will allow you to work alongside doctors and perform office duties in actual medical environments. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>You should have earned your high school diploma or GED before applying to ECPI University's Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting program. You should have an interest in working in the healthcare field and possess strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. An academic background in the physical sciences could be helpful. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>Depending on the campus you attend, you will be required to earn 60 or 61 credits to successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting program. In South Carolina, you will take 40 credits in the core curriculum, 15 credits in arts and sciences courses, and six credits in self-integration courses. In North Carolina and Virginia, you will take 34 credits in core courses and 21 credits in arts and sciences coursework. In North Carolina, five credits of self-integration courses are required; the Virginia program requires that you take six credits in this area. </p> <p><u>Core Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>MED 104</td><td> Medical Terminology</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 112</td><td> Medical Billing and Coding I</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 133</td><td> Patient Intake and Infection Control</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 143</td><td> Principles of Pharmacology</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 147</td><td> Medical Office Procedures I</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 149</td><td> Medical Ethics</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 152</td><td> Human Anatomy and Physiology I</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 158</td><td> Phlebotomy and Laboratory Procedures</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 202</td><td> Human Anatomy and Physiology II</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 203</td><td> Pathophysiology</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 235</td><td> Advanced Procedures, Life Support, and Specialties</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 238</td><td> Advanced Diagnostics and Testing</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 239</td><td> EKG Technician and Cardiology</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 256</td><td> Medical Office Procedures II</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 286</td><td> National Certification Exam Prep</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 295</td><td> Medical Assisting Externship</td></tr> </table><p><u>Arts and Sciences Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>COM 110</td><td> Principles of Speech</td></tr> <tr><td>ENG 110</td><td> English Composition</td></tr> <tr><td>HUM 205</td><td> Culture and Diversity</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 105</td><td> Introduction to Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>MTH 120 <br /> <br /> MTH 131</td><td> College Mathematics <br /> <b>OR</b><br />College Algebra</td></tr> </table><p><u>Self-Integration and Computer Literacy Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>COR 095</td><td> Career Orientation</td></tr> <tr><td>IST 120</td><td> Computer Applications</td></tr> <tr><td>FOR 110</td><td> Essentials for Success</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>You could explore entry-level opportunities after earning ECPI University's Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting program. You might seek work in hospitals, clinics, group or private physicians' offices, long-term care facilities, surgical centers, or medical labs. Your responsibilities could range from drawing blood and taking patient vitals to processing insurance claims and scheduling patient appointments. Positions you could pursue include: </p> <ul><li>Phlebotomist </li><li>Medical Assistant </li><li>Medical Billing / Coding Specialist </li><li>Medical Laboratory Technician </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>While completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting program could lead to entry-level employment in the field, you might need to obtain a four-year degree for career advancement purposes. In some cases, you might need a bachelor's degree to pursue supervisory or management positions in the healthcare industry. You might also consider enrolling in a pre-med program. Examples of degrees you could seek include: </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Allied Health </li><li>Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences </li><li>Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration</li></ul>