Medical Assisting
Medical assistants are valuable members of the health care team and are trained to
perform both administrative and clinical duties. The medical assistant curriculum is a
two-year associate of applied science degree program. This program offers the
student a broad foundation in basic medical assisting skills, including a period of
practical experience in a medical facility working under the supervision of clinic
personnel and the Medical Assistant Program Director. Basic medical assistant
training and education consists of learning experiences in science, communication
skills, insurance and general office practices, as well as medical laboratory and
examination room procedures.
Program Chair
Melinda Rhynes, BS, CMA
(AAMA)
Morton Hall (Russellville)
(479) 880-4036
mrhynes@atu.edu
The Arkansas Tech University Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board of the
American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Students who successfully complete the associate
degree program for medical assistants will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination, CMA (AAMA).
Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiovascular Technology, Cosmetology,
Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist
Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until
admitted into their selected program.
Medical Assisting
Curriculum in Medical Assisting Associate of Applied Science Degree
(60 Semester Credit Hours)
Course #
Course Name
Semester Hours
Fall
BST 1303
Introduction to Computers
3
ENGL 1013
Composition I
3
HSCI 1113
Medical Terminology
3
HSCI 1123
Human Anatomical Structure I
3
Total
12
Spring
ENGL 1023
Composition II
3
HSCI 1243
Human Anatomical Structure II
(prerequisite: HSCI 1123)
3
PSY 2003
General Psychology
3
TMAT 1203
Technical Mathematics II (or higher math)
3
Total
12
Students must apply to and be admitted into the technical phase of the
program before taking any of the MA courses below.
Fall
MA 2113
Basic Pharmacology with an Overview of Microbiology
3
MA 2123
Medical Office Computer Systems and Insurance
3
MA 2133
Medical Assistant Administrative Practice
3
MA 2143
Coding Practices for Medical Office
3
MA 2153
MA Role in Emergency Preparedness
3
MA 2124
Medical Assistant Administrative Practice
Total
4
15
Spring
MA 2213
Medical Laboratory Orientation and Instrumentation
(co-requisite: MA 2214)
3
MA 2214
Medical Laboratory Orientation and Instrumentation LAB
(co-requisite: MA 2213)
4
MA 2222
Medical Assistant Practice Laboratory
(co-requisite: MA 2223)
2
MA 2223
Medical Assistant Practice
(co-requisite: MA 2222)
3
MA 2233
Legal and Ethical Practices for the Medical Office
3
Total
15
Summer I
MA 2312
Medical Assistant Seminar
(co-requisite: MA 2314)
2
MA 2314
Medical Assistant Practicum
(co-requisite: MA 2312)
4
Total
6