Medical Assisting, Associate in Science

The Medical Assisting program prepares students for a variety of careers in ambulatory healthcare.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Perform safe, competent, and responsible patient care and medical office procedures within the ethical and legal parameters of a medical assistant.
  • Locate, use, and refer to credible professional and technical resources as needed in patient care and day-to-day office business.
  • Apply observation, adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving techniques to evaluate and continuously improve patient care, administrative operations, and staff relations in the medical office.
  • Succinctly and accurately communicate and follow through with patients and members of the healthcare team using various modalities, including up-to-date computer technology.
  • Implement efficient time-management techniques to ensure smooth patient flow in a medical office.

Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements

Required Core
ANAT 5Human Biology4
CSIS 50
& CSIS 50L
MS Office Applications
and MS Office Applications Lab
3
ENGL 1ACollege Composition3
or ENGL 1AE College Composition: Enhanced
MEDA 100Introduction to Health Careers1
MEDA 101Ethics, Law and IT Security in the Medical Office3
MEDA 105Medical Terminology4
MEDA 110Medical Office Management 13
MEDA 112Medical Office Computer Applications2
MEDA 114Medical Insurance Management2
MEDA 118Pharmacology and Human Diseases3
MEDA 120Medical Assisting Clinical Techniques I3
MEDA 121Medical Assisting Clinical Techniques II3
MEDA 122Medical Assisting Clinical Techniques III3
MEDA 130Medical Assisting Externship0-3
or successful completion of the MPC Medical Assisting CLICK apprenticeship program
Current valid healthcare provider CPR certificate (American Heart Association only)0
Recommended Electives
Healthy Living
Nutrition
Health Psychology
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS37-40
Additional Requirements20-23
Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units.
Total Units60
1

A student enrolled in CLICK Medical Assisting Apprenticeships may substitute MEDA 90 - Independent Study (3 units) for MEDA 110.

Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.  
 

The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.

Suggested 2-Year Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallUnits
ENGL 1A
College Composition
or College Composition: Enhanced
3
LIBR 50 Introduction to Library and Research Skills 1
CSIS 50
& CSIS 50L
MS Office Applications
and MS Office Applications Lab
3
MEDA 100 Introduction to Health Careers 1
MEDA 105 Medical Terminology 4
MEDA 120 Medical Assisting Clinical Techniques I 3
 Units15
Spring
ANAT 5 Human Biology 4
MEDA 101 Ethics, Law and IT Security in the Medical Office 3
MEDA 110 Medical Office Management 1 3
MEDA 121 Medical Assisting Clinical Techniques II 3
MPC GE Area C 3
 Units16
Year 2
Fall
MPC GE Area A2 (MATH 16 Recommended) 4
MEDA 112 Medical Office Computer Applications 2
MEDA 114 Medical Insurance Management 2
MEDA 118 Pharmacology and Human Diseases 3
MEDA 122 Medical Assisting Clinical Techniques III 3
Current valid healthcare provider CPR certificate (American Heart Association only) 0
 Units14
Spring
MEDA 130 Medical Assisting Externship 2 3
MPC GE Area D 3
MPC GE Area E (HLTH 4, NUTF 1, or PSYC 50 Recommended) 3
MPC GE Area F 3
Electives 3
 Units15
 Total Units60
1

A student enrolled in the CLICK Medical Assisting Apprenticeship may substitute MEDA 90 - Independent Study (3 units) for MEDA 110.

2

A student enrolled in the CLICK Medical Assisting Apprenticeship may waive MEDA 130 upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program. 

Ready to Work!MPC “Ready to Work” Career Education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement.

All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss career pathways, for support with career exploration and planning, and to create a personalized education plan to help them meet their academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.

Additional resources are available through MPC’s Career & Transfer Resource Center (CTRC). The CTRC offers career resources, workshops, guidance and referrals. Visit the CTRC for support finding online career information and other resources to explore majors, occupations, and employment information.