<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt"> What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>As a student of Virginia College's Associate of Science in Medical Assistant program, you have the opportunity to study introductory and advanced clinical office, medical assisting, and insurance procedures and practices. The area of concentration curriculum also covers medical law, ethics, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and medical terminology. A preparatory course is included to help students review for the national medical assisting certification exam. The Associate of Science in Medical Assistant is an on-site program offered at several Virginia College campuses. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Some experience or interest in working in a healthcare environment is beneficial before enrolling in the Associate of Science in Medical Assistant program at Virginia College. You might have taken previous courses to develop communication and administrative skills. Applicants to Virginia College programs should have a high school diploma or GED. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>Virginia College's Associate of Science in Medical Assistant program requires the completion of 96 quarter credit hours. This credit total includes 60 credits in the area of concentration, 12 in foundation courses, and 24 in general education requirements. A supervised medical assisting externship at a hospital, physician's office, or other medical facility is included in the curriculum. </p> <p><u>Foundation Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Name</th></tr> <tr><td>AOM 1010</td><td> Keyboarding</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 1010</td><td> Learning Framework</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 1020</td><td> Career Exploration/Planning</td></tr> </table><p><u>Concentration Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>BIO 1120</td><td> Anatomy and Physiology: Body Structures</td></tr> <tr><td>BIO 1130</td><td> Anatomy and Physiology: Organs and Systems</td></tr> <tr><td>MEA 1010</td><td> Clinical Office Procedures I</td></tr> <tr><td>MEA 1020</td><td> Clinical Office Procedures II</td></tr> <tr><td>MEA 1030</td><td> Clinical Office Procedures III</td></tr> <tr><td>MEA 2500</td><td> Medical Assisting Certification Exam Review</td></tr> <tr><td>MEA 2600</td><td> Medical Assisting Externship</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 1010</td><td> Medical Terminology</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 1080</td><td> Medical Office Procedures</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 1140</td><td> Medical Law and Ethics</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 1150</td><td> Pharmacology and Drug Administration</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 1210</td><td> Pathophysiology</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 1800</td><td> Medical Laboratory Procedures</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 1840</td><td> Medical Insurance Procedures</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 1850</td><td> Medical Insurance Applications</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate"> What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>After graduating from Virginia College's Associate of Science in Medical Assistant program, you could begin your career in entry-level positions in various medical settings. You could be responsible for administering medications, monitoring and recording patients' vital signs, drawing blood, assisting with medical exams, or managing administrative duties. Possible places of employment include: </p> <ul><li>Hospitals </li><li>Clinics </li><li>Private physician's offices </li><li>Group medical practices </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>If you have an interest in advancing beyond the medical assistant position, you could continue your education by pursing a degree in nursing. You might enter a program designed to prepare you to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). You might also choose to enter a bachelor's degree program that satisfies pre-med requirements. Other options include: </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration </li><li>Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management </li><li>Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration </li></ul><p><i>Advanced degrees may not be offered at Virginia College, and credits may not be transferable.</i></p>