Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College offers comprehensive training in medical assisting through its Associate in Science (AS) degree in Medical Assisting Advanced and the College Credit Certificate (CCC) in Medical Assisting Specialist. These programs equip students with the skills needed to become proficient medical assistants, capable of working in both clinical and administrative roles within healthcare settings. This article provides an overview of the program structure, including costs, requirements, content, duration, career opportunities, and enrollment steps.
Program Overview
The Medical Assisting Advanced AS degree focuses on both clinical and administrative medical assistant skills. Students are trained in various areas such as patient care, medical office procedures, and medical billing and coding. The program includes hands-on laboratory work and clinical externship experiences to prepare students for real-world scenarios in healthcare.
The Medical Assisting Specialist CCC program is designed for students looking for a faster path to entering the workforce. It provides essential skills and knowledge required to perform tasks such as drawing blood, administering medications, taking vital signs, and managing patient records. Upon completion, students can work as entry-level medical assistants or pursue further education to earn their AS degree.
Course Content
The Medical Assisting programs at Palm Beach State College cover a variety of subjects, including:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Procedures
- Phlebotomy and Electrocardiography (EKG)
- Medical Office Administration
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- Patient Care Techniques
Additionally, students complete a clinical externship to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
Program Duration
- AS Degree in Medical Assisting Advanced: The program typically takes about two years to complete, including classroom instruction, lab work, and externships.
- CCC in Medical Assisting Specialist: This certificate can be completed in one year, offering a quicker route to entering the workforce.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Medical Assisting programs at Palm Beach State College can pursue careers in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Medical offices
- Hospitals
- Outpatient care centers
- Specialized clinics (e.g., cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics)
Career roles for medical assistants include clinical medical assistants, administrative medical assistants, phlebotomy technicians, and medical office managers. With experience and further education, some may advance to positions such as medical office supervisors or healthcare administrators.
Costs and Tuition
The cost of the program includes tuition, fees, and additional expenses such as books, uniforms, and certification exam fees:
| Expense Type | 2023-2024 Amount |
|---|---|
| In-state Tuition and Fees | $3,050 |
| Out-of-state Tuition and Fees | $10,910 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,700 |
| Food and Housing (Off Campus) | $12,825 |
| Other Expenses (Off Campus) | $7,155 |
| Other Expenses (Off Campus with Family) | $7,155 |
| Total Expenses (In-state, Off Campus) | $25,730 |
| Total Expenses (In-state, Off Campus with Family) | $12,905 |
| Total Expenses (Out-of-state, Off Campus) | $33,590 |
| Total Expenses (Out-of-state, Off Campus with Family) | $20,765 |
Additional costs may include:
- Books and supplies
- Clinical uniforms
- Health insurance (if required for externships)
- National certification exam fees
Admission Requirements
To enroll in the Medical Assisting programs, students must meet the following criteria:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Completion of college placement tests or equivalent
- Submission of official transcripts
- Satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses, if applicable
- Background check and health screenings may be required for externship placements
How to Enroll
To apply for the Medical Assisting program at Palm Beach State College:
- Submit an Application: Complete the college’s online application form and select the Medical Assisting program.
- Provide Transcripts: Submit high school and any college transcripts for evaluation.
- Placement Testing: Complete any necessary placement tests, or provide SAT/ACT scores.
- Financial Aid: Apply for financial aid if needed by submitting a FAFSA.
- Meet with an Advisor: Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to plan your course schedule.
- Register for Classes: Once admitted, register for the required courses for the Medical Assisting program.
Additional Information
Students enrolled in the Medical Assisting program are encouraged to pursue national certification to enhance their job prospects. Certifications such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists are recognized by many employers.