Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting Technology

(330) 941-2000

The medical assisting technology program is a two-year program leading to the Associate of Applied Science degree. The program requires five semesters of study averaging 15 hours per semester to complete.

The two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program in medical assisting technology at Youngstown State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 210-2350

Upon graduation, the student is eligible to apply for the certification exam given by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Successful completion of the exam confers the designation Certified Medical Assistant, or CMA (AAMA). Grounds for denial of eligibility for the CMA credential is falsifying information on the application or being guilty of a felony.

The Medical Assisting Technology program at Youngstown State University has a job placement rate average of 80.6% over the past five years.

The curriculum provides graduates with the skills necessary to perform dual roles as administrative and/or clinical assistants in private physician offices, clinics, or hospital outpatient departments. The administrative skills include:

• public relations
• receptionist activities
• record management
• secretarial skills
• bookkeeping
• insurance and coding
• banking
• payroll
• managerial responsibilities

Clinical skills include:

• preparing the patient for examination and procedures
• taking medical histories and patient assessment
• operating and maintaining medical equipment
• collecting specimens
• performing laboratory  tests
• teaching and counseling patients

Admission to the program is not restricted, but high school prerequisites include a science, math, and computer or typing course.

A grade of C or better is required in all MATC courses and a 2.0 over-all grade point average (GPA) is required to register for MATC 2692 Medical Assisting Externship, (Practicum). The student is not allowed to receive any type of compensation, monetary or otherwise, from the externship site. Prior to scheduling the practicum, the student's records will be reviewed by the program director to determine if all MATC courses have been satisfactorily completed and all deficiencies have been made up.

The student must have a physical examination report with a negative tuberculin-screening test and hepatitis B vaccination prior to MATC 2620 Advanced Clinical Procedures, MATC 2680 Medical Laboratory Procedures and the practicum.

The student must have current certification in Red Cross First Aid and CPR to participate in the externship experience. The semester prior to the practicum the student will be required to have a background check submitting to fingerprint for a FBI (federal) and BCI (civilian) criminal records check.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the medical assisting technology program will:

• Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate relevant information presented in medical assisting and related courses to the role of the entry-level medical assistant in a variety of medical settings.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in the performance of the administrative and clinical competencies as outlined in the essentials for the Commission on Accreditation on Allied Health Education Programs and the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment accreditation process.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills and participate in professional activities including continuing educational opportunities consistent with the professional expectations of a (certified) medical assistant.
• Be able to function as an entry-level medical assistant by demonstration of proficiency in administrative and clinical competencies in a variety of medical settings.

For more information, visit Medical Assisting Technology.