<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt"> What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>Virginia College's Medical Assistant Diploma program is designed to provide an education in clinical office, laboratory, and medical front office procedures. Program coursework focuses on clinical techniques to be used in examining rooms to prepare you to work with patients in a wide range of medical environments. Courses are also taken in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, and medical insurance. A certification exam preparatory course and an externship are included in the curriculum as well. The program is offered at several Virginia College campuses. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Before enrolling in the Medical Assistant Diploma program at Virginia College, you should have an interest or possibly some experience working in a medical setting. Previous courses to develop communication and administrative skills can be beneficial, but are not required. 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 Medical Assistant Diploma program requires the completion of 60 quarter credit hours. A medical assisting externship supervised by a physician or nurse at a hospital, medical office, 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>As a graduate of Virginia College's Medical Assistant Diploma program, and upon passing a certification exam, you could begin your career as medical assistant under the supervision of a physician. Your job responsibilities might include recording patient medical histories, checking vital signs, maintaining medical equipment, and performing administrative tasks. 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>Though Virginia College's Medical Assistant Diploma program could prepare you for certification and employment, you might wish to further develop your skills by continuing your education. A 2-year degree might lead to greater responsibilities in the field. 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>