Cosumnes River College Medical Assisting Program

The program develops competency in three critical areas:

1. Cognitive (Knowledge): Medical terminology, anatomy, and healthcare ethics.
2. Psychomotor (Skills): Hands-on skills like taking vital signs, administering injections, and preparing medical instruments.
3. Affective (Behavior): Professionalism, patient communication, and ethical decision-making.

The program culminates in a practicum, providing real-world clinical experience in healthcare settings.

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Prospective students must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of foundational courses, including:
  • Medical Language (AH 311)
  • Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 102) or equivalent.
  • Introduction to Medical Assisting (MEDA 100) within the last five years.
  • Basic computer skills through Computer Familiarization (CISC 302).
  • Eligibility for college-level English coursework.
• Maintain a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses.

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1. Submit an application to the program
2. Qualified applicants are chosen through a random selection process if space is limited.
3. Accepted students are notified

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Before beginning the clinical portion, students must:

• Pass a background check and drug screening.
• Show proof of immunity/vaccination for specific illnesses.

Obtain CPR certification through the American Heart Association.

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The program spans multiple semesters and includes courses tailored to both administrative and clinical aspects of medical assisting. Key courses include:

• Administrative Medical Assisting (MEDA 124): Covers patient scheduling, record-keeping, and HIPAA compliance.
• Clinical Procedures (MEDA 230): Focuses on tasks such as administering injections, performing EKGs, and specimen collection.
• Medical Assisting Certification Review (MEDA 145): Prepares students for the CMA exam.
• Medical Assisting Practicum (MEDA 140): Provides 180 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Students can choose to earn an A.S. degree by completing general education requirements alongside program-specific courses or opt for specialized certificates focusing on areas like insurance billing.

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Graduates can pursue roles as:

• Clinical Medical Assistants: Working directly with patients in tasks like vitals, injections, and lab tests.
• Administrative Medical Assistants: Managing office operations such as scheduling and billing.
• Insurance Specialists: Handling medical coding and insurance claims.

With the demand for medical assistants projected to grow much faster than average through 2032, job opportunities are expected to remain strong, particularly for those with formal training and certification.

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• Consistently High Certification Exam Pass Rates: CRC students rank in the top 5% nationally, reflecting the program’s rigorous preparation.
• Membership Eligibility: Graduates can join professional organizations like AAMA and CSMA.

Flexibility: Courses include options for online and hybrid formats, accommodating different schedules.

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