<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 Medical Assistant Certificate program, you have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of clinical, medical laboratory, and office procedures and techniques. Program coursework also addresses medical terminology, pharmacology, medical law, medical insurance, and ethics. In addition, the curriculum includes a certification exam preparatory course and a supervised externship. The program is offered at several Virginia College locations. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>You should have an interest in helping people and working in a healthcare environment prior to enrolling in Virginia College's Medical Assistant Certificate program. You might have some experience in a hospital or other medical facility, though this is not a requirement. 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>A total of 60 quarter credit hours must be completed to earn Virginia College's Medical Assistant Certificate program. A supervised medical assisting externship in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare facility is included in the curriculum. </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>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>EDU 1010</td><td> Learning Framework</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 1020</td><td> Career Exploration/Planning</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 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 1800</td><td> Medical Laboratory Procedures</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 1840</td><td> Medical Insurance Procedures</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate"> What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Upon completion of Virginia College's Medical Assistant Certificate program and passing a certification exam, you could qualify for medical assistant positions in a variety of medical environments. You may record patient medical histories, perform office tasks, handle lab procedures, or administer medications. 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>You could increase your responsibilities or seek advancement in the field by continuing your education beyond the Medical Assistant Certificate program. In these cases, you could pursue an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assistant. </p> <p><i>Advanced degrees may not be offered at Virginia College, and credits may not be transferable.</i></p>