DIPLOMA AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE MEDICAL ASSISTING
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Revised May 2015
WELCOME AND CONGRATULATIONS! Dear Student:
Welcome to Craven Community College and the Medical Assisting Program. Medical Assisting
is one of the most dynamic, challenging and fastest growing allied healthcare professions. As
stated by the American Association of Medical Assistants, we are at the “Heart of Health Care.”
Information contained in this handbook will familiarize you with the Medical Assisting
program, answer your questions, direct you to the resources that are available to you on campus
and outline your responsibilities as a student. Please read the handbook, cover to cover, retain it
for future reference and submit all required forms by the set date noted for each form.
Our program will provide you with learning experiences in administrative and clinical concepts
and principles as well as technical and professional skills to perform effectively and competently
in the healthcare field.
We are excited that you have chosen Craven Community College’s program and we wish you
much success.
Sincerely,
Alexa S. Tarplee, CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), AAS
Medical Assisting Program Coordinator & Lead Faculty
TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Philosophy of the Medical Assisting Program ......................................................................................... 6 Mission ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Diploma and Associate Degree Medical Assistant ....................................................................................... 6 AAMA Medical Assistant Code of Ethics.................................................................................................... 6 AAMA Medical Assistant Creed .................................................................................................................. 6 II. Instructor-Student Responsibilities........................................................................................................... 7 III. Admission .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Application Process and Pre-Admission Testing.......................................................................................... 7 Health Requirements .................................................................................................................................... 7 Criminal Background Check ........................................................................................................................ 8 Drug Testing ................................................................................................................................................. 8 CPR............................................................................................................................................................... 8 Certification .................................................................................................................................................. 8 Grounds for denial of eligibility for the CMA (AAMA) credential ............................................................. 9 IV. Conduct...................................................................................................................................................... 10 V. Attendance................................................................................................................................................. 10 Tardiness..................................................................................................................................................... 10 Lab .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Externship ................................................................................................................................................... 11 VI. Assignments & Grading ........................................................................................................................... 11 Test Policy .................................................................................................................................................. 11 Dosage Calculation Quizzes ....................................................................................................................... 12 Assignments................................................................................................................................................ 12 Appeals ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 VII.Clinical Externship.................................................................................................................................. `12 Clinical Conduct ......................................................................................................................................... 12 Clinical Dress and Grooming ..................................................................................................................... 12 Malpractice Liability Insurance .................................................................................................................. 13 Needle stick or Injury to a Student ............................................................................................................. 13 Illness .......................................................................................................................................................... 14 The Role and Rights of the Clinical Facility .............................................................................................. 14 Clinical Conferences & Evaluation ............................................................................................................ 14 VIII. Progression ............................................................................................................................................... 15 Technical Standards .................................................................................................................................... 15
Requirements .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Letter Grading System ................................................................................................................................ 16 Re-entry to the Medical Assisting Program................................................................................................ 16
Transfer Students......................................................................................................................................... 16 IX. Other .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Student Employment .................................................................................................................................. 17 Student Transportation................................................................................................................................ 17 X. Pinning Ceremony .................................................................................................................................... 17 XI. Other Expenses ......................................................................................................................................... 17 XII. Plan of Study for Associate Degree – A45400 ........................................................................................ 18 XIII. Plan of Study for Diploma – A45400....................................................................................................... 20 XIV. Acknowledgement Signature Page .......................................................................................................... 21 XV. Informed Consent for Audio/Video/Photographs…………………………………………………….. 22
XVI. Release of Student Medical Information to Clinical Sites……………………………………………..23
XVII. Student Signature Sheet for Receipt of Student Manuals……………………………………………..24
XVIII. Informed Consent to be a Subject or Patient Simulator for a Laboratory Experience……………..25
XIX. MA Program Complaint Form………………………………………………………………………….26
DISCLAMER: Content subject to change. The most up-to-date information can be found in your course syllabi.
I. PHILOSOPHY OF THE MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
Mission
The Diploma and Associate Degree Medical Assisting program supports the mission of the North Carolina
Community College System and the mission of Craven Community College. The faculty is committed to
providing accessible high quality medical assisting education to meet the diverse and changing health-care
needs of the service area and to promoting the development of qualified students prepared for the professional
role of medical assistant at the entry level. Graduates of this program meet the educational requirements to take
the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam and/or the RMA (AMT) Certification Exam.
The Diploma and Associate Degree Medical Assistant
Graduates of the Diploma and Associate Degree Medical Assisting programs at Craven Community College are
prepared to meet the educational competencies defined by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The
practice of medical assisting is directed toward the performance of administrative and clinical tasks in the
ambulatory care setting. The Diploma and Associate Degree graduate demonstrates the competencies identified
by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
AAMA Medical Assistant Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics of the American Association of Medical Assistants shall set forth principles of ethical and
moral conduct as they relate to the medical profession and the particular practice of medical assisting.
Members of AAMA dedicated to the conscientious pursuit of their profession, and thus desiring to merit the
high regard of the entire medical profession and the respect of the general public which they serve, do pledge
themselves to strive always to:
 Render service with full respect for the dignity of humanity;
 Respect confidential information obtained through employment unless legally authorized or required by
responsible performance of duty to divulge such information;
 Uphold the honor and high principles of the profession and accept its disciplines;
 Seek to continually improve the knowledge and skills of medical assistants for the benefit of patients
and professional colleagues;
 Participate in additional service activities aimed toward improving the health and well-being of the
community.
AAMA Medical Assistant Creed
I believe in the principles and purposes of the profession of medical assisting. I endeavor to be more effective. I aspire to render greater service. I protect the confidence entrusted to me. I am dedicated to the care and well-being of all people. I am loyal to my employer. I am true to the ethics of my profession. I am strengthened by compassion, courage and faith.
II. INSTRUCTOR – STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
At Craven Community College, the instructor and the student are obliged to meet a number of responsibilities to
each other within their Teacher - Learner relationship.
The student is responsible for
 Attending all classes, laboratory periods, and clinical assignments.
 Being prepared to participate in the day's assigned work or activities or to obtain assignments from the
instructor prior to being absent, whenever possible, so that work may be submitted upon returning.
 Requesting assistance from the instructor when additional help is needed in meeting course
requirements.
The instructor is responsible for
 Being prepared for each class, starting the class on time.
 Providing a full period of effective instruction throughout the semester.
 Providing students with complete information on the objectives and requirements of the course,
including resources available to the students outside the classroom or laboratory;
 Maintaining an accurate record of attendance on all students and to consult promptly with students on
any attendance problems.
 Maintaining office hours in order to be available to students outside of class time if additional help is
needed in meeting course requirements.
III.ADMISSION
Application Process and Pre-Admission Testing
1. Must be a graduate of an accredited/registered high school or a recognized equivalency, such as a GED.
2. Complete and submit an application for general admission to Craven Community College as well as an
application to the Medical Assisting program. All applicants must complete an online Medical Assisting
program during the opening application dates (March 1, 2015 through May 24, 2015), even if currently
enrolled at Craven Community College or have made previous applications to the Medical Assisting
program.
3. Provide official high school or GED transcript with graduation or GED certification date. Official
transcripts must be mailed or hand delivered to the admissions office in the original, sealed envelope
from the awarding institution or agency. Faxed transcripts are NOT accepted.
4. Provide official transcripts from all previous college(s). Official transcripts must be mailed or hand
delivered to the admissions office in the original, sealed envelope from the awarding institution or
agency. Faxed transcripts are NOT accepted.
5. Take the placement test in reading/English and math. There is a five year limit on math placement test
scores. Placement test may be waived based on SAT scores of 500 on writing, reading and math or ACT
scores of English-18, Reading-21 and/or Mathematics-22 (if taken within the past five years).
6. Have completed all DRE courses or placement into English 111.
7. Have placed in DMA 060 or higher on the placement test or completed DMA 010 through DMA 050 or
higher.
8. Have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
9. Check the college website for Medical Assisting Information Session opportunities.
10. Students are encouraged to complete general college courses prior to entering the medical assisting
program. For all required support courses (general education) within the Medical Assisting curriculum, a
minimum of a “C” must be obtained in order to progress through the Medical Assisting program. If a
medical assisting student is not successful in a general education support course during the semester of
the plan of study, the student may not progress, and that course must be successfully repeated for reentry.
Health Requirements
1. A physical examination must be submitted prior to the start of spring semester to participate in
externship. The required results include:
 PPD and/or chest x-ray (must be repeated on annual basis)
 Rubella (German measles) proof of immunization x 2 or positive titer
 Rubeola (measles) proof of immunization x 2 or positive titer
 Hepatitis B immunization (series must be started prior to enrollment)
 Tetanus immunization or booster within the last 10 years
 Varicella (chicken pox) proof of immunization x 2 or positive titer
2. Included within the physical examination is a statement by the examining physician certifying that the
applicant is free of any disease (physical or mental) which would impair their ability to perform his or
her duties in a health-related field.
3. The medical results are reviewed prior to the candidate’s participation in externship. An applicant or
student will be required to follow-up any significant findings or discrepancies identified on the physical
exam.
4. Immunizations are required for medical assisting students. This procedure may be hazardous in the
event of pregnancy. A doctor should be consulted if the immunization is necessary. Immunizations
may be waived with a document signed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner stating
medical reasons.
Criminal Background Check
Prior to the student’s participation in the externship component of the medical assisting program, students are
required to complete a criminal background check. Criminal background checks are due before the first day
of spring semester. The criminal background check is conducted through www.usinfogroup.com. It is the
student’s responsibility to pay for and have this completed by the due date. Clinical sites have the right to deny
student access based on criminal background check results. Participation in externship is an integral component
of the Craven Community College Diploma Degree Medical Assisting program for all students. The inability to
complete the clinical portion of a course will prevent the student from completing the program.
Drug Testing
When the student accepts enrollment into the Medical Assisting program, he/she agrees and consents to submit
to urine and/or serum drug screen testing at the discretion of the Medical Assisting faculty and at the student’s
expense. If the student refuses to submit to testing or should the findings indicate the presence of an abused or
illegal substance, the student will be dismissed from the program. Readmission to the program will be based on
documented evidence of successful completion of a substance abuse rehabilitation program.
Externship sites may also require students to complete drug testing.
CPR
CPR certification must be completed PRIOR TO ENTERING the medical assisting externship. Students
generally complete this certification while taking MED 182 (CPR and First Aid.) Students must maintain CPR
certification through the completion of externship. In the event the certification expires prior to this time, it is
the student’s responsibility to pay for and complete recertification. Documentation of current CPR certification
must be presented to the Program Coordinator of Medical Assisting.
Certification
All Diploma students are required to complete the CMA (AAMA) exam prior to graduation. Graduation is not
dependent on passing the exam on the first attempt. It is the student’s responsibility to pay for the initial CMA
exam attempt as well as any subsequent attempts. Students will sign up for the exam during the spring
semester. The cost is $125 for students.
Grounds for denial of eligibility for the CMA (AAMA) credential, or for discipline of the CMA (AAMA)1
include:
1. Obtaining or attempting to obtain certification, or recertification of the CMA (AAMA) credential, by
fraud or deception.
2. Knowingly assisting another to obtain or attempt to obtain certification or recertification by fraud or
deception.
3. Misstatement of material fact or failure to make a statement of material fact in application for certification or recertification.
4. Falsifying information required for admission to the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification
Examination, impersonating another examinee, or falsifying education or credentials.
5. Copying answers, permitting another to copy answers, or providing or receiving unauthorized advice
about examination content during the CMA (AAMA) Exam.
6. Unauthorized possession or distribution of examination materials, including copying and reproducing
examination questions and problems.
7. Found guilty of a felony, or pleaded guilty to a felony. However, the Certifying Board may grant a
waiver based upon mitigating circumstances, which may include, but need not be limited to the
following:
 The age at which the crime was committed
 The circumstances surrounding the crime
 The nature of the crime committed
 The length of time since the conviction
 The individual’s criminal history since the conviction
 The individual’s current employment references
 The individual’s character references
 Other evidence demonstrating the ability of the individual to perform the professional
responsibilities competently, and evidence that the individual does not pose a threat to the health
or safety of patients.
8. Violation of any laws relating to medical assisting practice.
9. The possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances
10. Other evidence demonstrating the ability of the individual to perform the professional responsibilities
competently, and evidence that the individual does not pose a threat to the health or safety of patients.
11. Violation of any laws relating to medical assisting practice.
12. The possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances or drugs in any way other than for
legitimate or therapeutic purposes, or the addiction to or diversion of controlled substances or drugs
(including alcohol), the violation of any drug law, or prescribing controlled substances for oneself.
13. Violation of any policies, procedures, and regulations of the American Association of Medical
Assistants Certifying Board, including regulations governing the use of the CMA (AAMA) credential.
14. Violation of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Code of Ethics.
15. Failure to cooperate reasonably with the investigation of a disciplinary matter.
AAMA Disciplinary Standards and Procedures for the CMA (AAMA), July 10, 2009. http://www.aamantl.org/resources/library/disciplinary06.pdf.
1
IV. CONDUCT
1. All medical assisting students are expected to meet the criteria contained in the Code of Conduct in the
Handbook of Craven Community College (www.cravencc.edu/student/coc.rtf) in addition to conducting
themselves with the courtesy and dignity customary of the medical assisting profession.
2. All cell phones, pagers, or other communication devices must be turned off during class time.
3. Medical Assisting is a profession dealing with human life; therefore, unprofessional conduct such as
stealing, cheating (which includes cheating on tests, quizzes or any written work), as well as the use of
alcohol or drugs while on college property is prohibited and will result in a grade of “F” for the final
course grade.
4. Medical Assisting students shall address one another, their instructors, patients, and facility staff
members appropriately. 5. Students are expected to dress neatly and appropriately for classes and other school functions.
6. Students are expected to be prepared for class/lab each day. This includes completion of any reading,
written, etc. assignments assigned prior to class.
7. All medical assisting students will follow OSHA standards in the classroom/labs for the Medical
Assisting program. These standards can be found at:
http://osha.gov/SLTC/healthcarefacilities/index.html. Current OSHA standards will be discussed in
class as they pertain to the subject being taught or the lab specific activity. However, it is the
responsibility of the student to read these guidelines prior to lab content being introduced.
V. ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to be in class on time and are expected to attend all classes, laboratory periods, and
clinical sessions. Ninety percent (90%) attendance is required in all MED classes/labs. In non-medical
assisting classes, a student must attend a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of total class hours, laboratory hours
and clinical and shop sessions for each course in order to receive a passing grade. Only excused absences will
be accepted. The instructor and the Medical Assisting Program Coordinator must approve excused absences.
Recommendation: Make sure to document all absences with your instructor. This is your responsibility, not
your instructor’s. A scheduled doctor’s appointment is not considered an excused absence.
Tardiness: Any three (3) instances of tardiness in a given class will constitute one class hour of absence. A
tardy is defined as arriving to class 1-14 minutes after scheduled instruction time has begun. The clock in the
classroom or lab will be the reference for time. Anyone arriving later than 15 minutes after schedule instruction
time has begun will be counted absence for the day. It is your responsibility to make sure your instructor has
changed an absence to a tardy (after the class has ended) on a day you arrive late to class.
Lab: Students will be assigned lab duty days during the semester on a rotating basis. These students will be
responsible for gathering any needed materials from the lab room that will be needed to complete the day’s labs.
NO OPEN TOE OR OPEN HEEL SHOES ALLOWED IN LAB. They will also be responsible for making sure
all materials are put up and locked up after labs are done. Individual students are responsible for their own
cleanup. Failure to clean up after yourself will ultimately affect your final grade in the course.
Externship: Students are expected to attend 100% of externship. Proficiency of medical assisting skills is
strongly linked to externship attendance; therefore, there will be zero tolerance of externship absences within
the Medical Assisting program at Craven Community College. Extenuating circumstances will be dealt with on
a case-by-case basis and an absence (or a tardy) must be approved by the Medical Assisting Program
Coordinator. Students who are hospitalized or too ill to attend clinical must present written documentation to the
Medical Assisting Program Coordinator and Dean of Health Programs and appeal for an excused absence.
Excused absences will be made up in the form of labs, case studies or other written work assigned and approved
by the Lead Instructor for that course. If a student becomes ill during clinical practice, she/he should notify the
instructor and proceed as directed. Students needing to seek medical treatment should seek the services of their
personal physician. All costs incurred are the responsibility of the student. The College assumes no
responsibility for illness or injuries; therefore, the student is encouraged to maintain personal health and
hospitalization insurance. If a student arrives at externship visibly ill, the facility may send that student home
and will notify the Program Coordinator. The student who is sent home will receive an excused absence and
will be required to complete an alternate assignment.
In the event a student must be absent from clinical, proper notification must be made to the clinical facility (to
the appropriate supervisors). It is the student’s responsibility to contact the externship facility at least one (1)
hour prior to the scheduled assignment. Students should obtain the name of the person they speak with. The
student should also leave a message on the program coordinator’s office telephone.
Students may not leave the externship site for any reason prior to the scheduled departure time unless approval
is obtained from the program coordinator.
VI. ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING
Test Policy: Students are responsible for taking tests as scheduled. All tests will be posted in advance and
taken in Moodle or during class time. No makeup tests will be allowed. Waiting until the last minute and then
encountering problems will not be excused. It is the student’s responsibility to assure they have an adequate
internet connection. If you have any question about your internet connection, it is advised you take your test at
the Academic Skills Center (ASC) on campus.
Important: A student arriving late to class on test/exam day will not be allowed to take the test and will
receive a zero for the test/exam grade.
Dosage Calculation Quizzes: Introduction to dosage calculations will be covered in MED 272 and MED 140
during the spring semesters. Dosage calculation quizzes will be a required component of these courses.
Students are responsible for studying and practicing the concepts taught. There will be milestone dosage
calculation quizzes throughout the fall and spring semesters. Ultimately, students must obtain 90% on each
dosage calculation sections. Students will not be able to progress through the quizzes until 90% is obtained on
the previous quiz. All work must be written out. No calculators are allowed.
Assignments: MOODLE-our e-learning software platform- will be used for all MED courses whether classes
are seated or online, if the instructor so chooses. It is his/her discretion. Assignments (in Moodle) are to be
typed and submitted via the appropriate MOODLE course. Any assigned papers are to be typed, double
spaced, and formatted in either APA or MLA format. 2 All sources used are to be documented in the
bibliography.
2
For assistance with APA and MLA format, consult Perdue Online Writing lab at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Class: No late assignments will be accepted.
Clinical: Clinical assignments are due as designated in externship. Assignments will not be accepted late.
Appeals: Students may appeal according to the College’s student appeal procedure. A copy of the procedure
can be found in the College’s current student handbook or can be requested from the Vice President of Student
Services. All appeals must be filed in a timely manner as specified by the College’s student appeal procedure.
VII. CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP
Clinical Conduct
1. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a dignified and socially acceptable manner at all times.
Use of profane or obscene language will not be permitted at any time.
2. Cell phones, pagers, or other communication devices may not be used while on duty at the clinical
facility.
3. Eating, drinking, or chewing gum during clinical practice will be allowed in designated areas only.
Smoking is not allowed during clinical hours as the lingering odor it emits is offensive to many patients.
4. Students are expected to remain in control of his/her emotions even under trying circumstances. A quiet
pleasant tone of voice is desirable.
5. Students must recognize and respect the confidentiality of patient information available to them and only
use this information in a strictly confidential manner for educational purposes.
6. Students who leave the clinical site without prior notifying the Program Coordinator will be dismissed
from the program and will be given an “F” for MED 260, MED 262 and MED 264. The student will not
be allowed to re-enter the program at Craven Community College.
Clinical Dress and Grooming
1. Students will need uniforms, and one name tag. A non-decorative watch with sweep second hand (not
digital) is a required accessory part of the uniform. Uniforms are purchased from the college bookstore.
The bookstore staff is aware of the requirements for the uniform and will be able to assist you. Other
items such as shoes, stethoscopes, sphygmomanometer and watch are available, but may be purchased
wherever desired. Stethoscopes, sphygmomanometer, and any personal items used in patient care must
be cleaned daily.
2. While in the clinical facilities, students will wear the appropriate student uniform designated for their
specific program. All apparel must be neat, clean, well-fitting, ironed and wrinkle-free. Underclothing
should not be visible through the uniform. No thongs are to be worn during externship. Shoes will be
clean. You are allowed to wear nursing clogs or tennis shoes of appropriate color and design, to be
approved by the Practicum Coordinator, prior to clinical externship.
3. The only jewelry allowed is a wedding band and/or engagement/wedding ring and one pair of small,
non-dangling stud earrings (one per lobe). Multiple earrings are not to be worn.
4. Body piercings (e.g., nose, lip, etc.) are not permitted; and tattoos must be covered during clinical duty.
5. Strongly-scented perfumes, cologne or body lotions are prohibited while on clinical duty.
6. The student's hairstyle must be professional in appearance and must be worn in a style off the uniform
collar, and should be secured to the head without ponytails, wisps or dangling hair. Extreme hairstyles
are not acceptable. Hair color must be within the natural color schemes of blond, brown, red, black and
grey. Artificial hair colors, e.g. orange, maroon, purple, blue, etc. are not acceptable. Mustaches and
beards must be kept short and neatly trimmed.
7. Make-up should be minimal and in good taste.
8. Fingernails should be natural, clean and cut so that they do not extend beyond the fingertips. Only clear
fingernail polish may be used. Artificial nails are prohibited.
Students considered being in noncompliance with the above conduct and/or dress code, based on the
judgment of any Medical Assisting Faculty member and/or clinical facility member, will be informed of
such noncompliance and relieved of clinical assignments until in compliance. The student will receive a
“U” for professional behavior for the day.
Malpractice Liability Insurance
Students are required to obtain malpractice liability insurance through the Craven Community College
Business Office by October 1 of the fall prior to the student’s externship. The current policy is a September
1 to August 31 policy, therefore: students purchase the malpractice insurance as necessary to maintain
coverage while enrolled in the program. Personal policies will not be accepted.
Needle stick or Injury to a Student
It is the student’s responsibility to report all incidents to the clinical supervisor and Medical Assisting
externship instructor immediately. The student will be responsible, with instructor and staff assistance, for
completing an incident report. The student and Externship instructor will submit written documentation of
the incident to the Dean of Health Programs.
If the student has not done so, wounds should be washed with soap and water. Mucous membranes should
be flushed with water.
The clinical supervisor and/or externship instructor will assess the student’s need for emergency assistance
and if necessary make arrangements for transport to the emergency room. Otherwise the student will be
responsible for making the decision to obtain medical care. If the student elects to receive medical care, the
student is responsible for any expenses incurred.
The externship facility will be responsible for having the source patient tested in the event of a needle stick
or exposure, and notifying the student if there are positive results.
Externship instructor is to notify:
 Practicum Coordinator
 Medical Assisting Program Coordinator
 Dean of Health Programs
Illness: If the student is physically ill, he/she may be allowed to go home if his/her condition conflicts with
patient, other student or co-worker safety; or removed from the classroom and/or clinical site and given an
alternate learning activity.
The Role and Rights of the Clinical Facility
In the administrative and clinical areas, the assigned preceptor or office manager will be responsible for
determining if a student is performing adequately in the administrative and/or clinical areas.
Clinical grades and summaries are given to enhance learning that will enable a student to better perform as
she/he grows in the medical assisting profession. A satisfactory evaluation indicates that the student
consistently meets clinical objectives as outlined in each individual course syllabus. The student who is
consistently unable to meet the clinical objectives as outlined in the individual course syllabi and the externship
evaluations will not be allowed to progress through the externship program and will receive a D or F for
externship.
If the student demonstrates inappropriate behavior at the clinical site, the facility’s administration has the right
to request the student to leave the premises and deny readmission to the premises, for the purpose of functioning
as a medical assisting student. Students denied readmission to a clinical facility will be unable to complete the
externship portion of the Medical Assisting program. Students unable to progress may withdraw if within the
College’s specified time frame or will be given an “F” for the course.
Clinical Conferences & Evaluation
If the student is unprepared for externship, on the first offense he/she will be assigned tasks to prepare
himself/herself for the externship assignment.
The student will be removed from the externship site, be scheduled for a conference with the clinical instructor,
Medical Assisting Program Coordinator and the Dean for Health Programs and receive a “U” for the day if the
student:
 Demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety issues or safety essential to medical assisting practice
 Exhibits behavior that causes the medical assisting faculty to suspect substance abuse
 Demonstrates problems in physical and/or emotional health that do not respond to appropriate treatment
and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time.
After considering relevant information and conferring with the student, Medical Assisting Program Coordinator
and externship instructor, the Dean for Health Programs will administer one of the following actions:
 Allow the student to return to the classroom and/or externship site.
 Outline in a contract with the student the specific requirements for the student to continue in the
program. Failure to adhere to any requirements set forth by this contract as determined by the Dean of
Health Programs will be grounds for dismissal.
 Dismiss the student from the program, after consultation with the Dean of Health Programs. The
circumstances leading to the decision to dismiss the student will be thoroughly documented by the
externship instructor and the Dean of Health Programs.
VIII. PROGRESSION
Technical Standards: Certain functional abilities are essential for the delivery of safe, effective medical
assisting care during clinical experience activities. The Medical Assisting faculty, utilizing clinical site
standards, has determined that certain technical standards are requisite for progression and graduation from the
Medical Assisting program.
1. Possesses the ability to walk, stand for long periods of time, stoop, reach, lift, and bend.
2. Possesses the ability to lift, turn, support, move, position and transport patients of all weights and ages
(newborns, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics).
3. Is able to access all patient bedsides and to respond immediately to an emergency situation anywhere in
the facility.
4. Is able to reach for, finger and handle records/reports in keying of data into a computer or EHR.
5. Possesses manual dexterity to render patient care.
6. Must be able to see and fully communicate (both orally and written) with patients, doctors, and other
employees either in person or over the telephone.
7. Works effectively with others demonstrating tact, discretion, and diplomacy. Must be able to maintain
calm, effective, and accurate performance in stressful situations.
8. Follows directions and performs assigned activities.
9. Capable of working varied schedules.
10. Must be able to work around blood and bodily fluids, and potentially infectious organisms.
Upon admission, a candidate who discloses a disability and requests accommodation will be asked to
provide documentation of his or her disability for the purpose of determining appropriate accommodations,
including modification to the program. The College will provide reasonable accommodations, but is not
required to make modification that would substantially alter the nature or requirements of the program or
provide auxiliary aids that present an undue burden to the College. To continue in the curriculum, the
candidate must be able to perform all the essential functions outlined in the Technical Standards either with
or without accommodation.
Requirements: The Medical Assisting program requires a minimum passing grade for all general
education courses of a 70 with the following remediation tools in place. Any student who falls below the
requirement of a 70 average at any point during the semester will be required to: 1) meet with the instructor of
the course to discuss an action plan, 2) review material and/or assignments one-on-one with the instructor, 3)
complete remediation assignments as directed by the instructor (may include additional/alternate lab sections of
the course to review material and remediate skills).
A 2.0 is the minimum cumulative grade point average required for progression within the medical
assisting program. Students must attain an 80 average in each MED course. See course syllabus for individual
course requirements.
**Medical Assisting students MUST earn an “A” or “B” in all core medical assisting (MED) courses.
Students who do not earn an “A” or “B” in a MED core course must repeat the course in which they were not
successful to progress in the curriculum. Multiple MED courses may not be repeated-one medical assisting
course may be repeated once. If a student is unsuccessful in more than one MED course, the student will be
dismissed from the program**.
**For all required support courses (general education) within the Medical Assisting curriculum, a
minimum grade of “C” must be obtained in order to progress through the Medical Assisting program**.
LETTER GRADING SYSTEM USED BY MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAMS
Letter
Numerical Equivalents
A
B
C
D (unable to progress)
F (Failing)
W
I
AU
90 – 100
80 – 89
70 – 79
60 – 69
Below 60
Withdrawal
Incomplete
Audit
Quality Points
Per Semester Hour
4
3
2
1
0
0
0
0
Medical Assisting Readmission (Re-entry) to Medical Assisting Program following withdrawal or failure
to meet course or curriculum requirements:
1. In order to be eligible for readmission, the student must have successfully completed MED 130.
Students who are unsuccessful anytime during MED 130 may re-apply to the medical assisting
program.
2. The student may be readmitted into the program once. Only one MED course may be repeated.
3. Readmission into the MA program is based on space availability and academic performance. In any
given semester, students applying for readmission will be rank-ordered based on their academic
performance and those students with the highest GPAs will be given priority for readmission.
4. When a former CCC medical assisting student applies for readmission, he/she must:
a. Consult with the Medical Assisting Program Coordinator and Chair of Allied Health
Programs.
b. Submit an application for readmission to the Medical Assisting Program Coordinator.
c. Be readmitted at the point within the program at which the student withdrew.
d. Be readmitted within two years of the withdrawal or dismissal.
e. Submit physical exams if records on file are more than two years old. Submit updated CPR,
immunization records, and an updated criminal background check with 10 panel drug screen.
f. Meet the current curriculum requirements at the time of readmission
Transfer Students
1. Applications for Transfer Admission into the Medical Assisting program will be accepted on a yearround basis. Students should consult with the Medical Assisting Program Coordinator regarding
medical assisting course transfer credit and with the Registrar’s Office regarding general education
course transfer credit. Selection for transfer admission will be based on meeting all admission criteria
and is subject to space availability in the desired program.
2. Course Transferability
a. General education course transferability is determined by the Admissions Office.
b. Medical Assisting course transferability is determined by the Medical Assisting Program
Coordinator and the Dean of Health Programs.
 The student must provide a transcript.
 Medical Assisting courses must be no more than three (3) years old.
 Content of a course must be comparable to a currently offered course.
 The student must provide syllabi or other documentation of medical assisting course content.
3. The student must meet all curriculum requirements at the time of admission.
4. The student must provide physical exam records, CPR documentation, obtain liability insurance and
complete a criminal background check.
IX. OTHER
Student Employment
Employment while pursuing a medical assisting education is at the student’s discretion. However,
employment responsibilities must not conflict with educational responsibilities. Students will not be
allowed to perform clinical rotations at sites in which they are employed.
Student Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the College and clinical facilities. Student
car-pools are the responsibility of the individual student and not the responsibility of the Department or the
College.
X. PINNING CEREMONY
The pinning ceremony is formal recognition of the hard work and effort exerted by the students throughout the
Medical assisting program, and recognition of attainment of their final goal in completion of the Medical
Assisting program. The student is publicly awarded the pin which specifically represents their program of
medical assisting.
Participation in the pinning ceremony is optional, but students are strongly encouraged to enjoy this
acknowledgment. The specific arrangements for the pinning ceremony will be made during the summer
semester.
XI. OTHER EXPENSES Medical Assisting students should be aware of several expenses which will be incurred during the last semester
of the medical assisting program. Upon successful completion of the medical assisting diploma courses and
meeting all curriculum requirements, the student is eligible to apply for certification and to take the CMA
certification exam prior to graduation. The Medical Assisting program requires all students to take this exam
prior to completing their externship (approximately 1 month prior to completion). Any student not taking this
exam will receive a grade of “F” for MED 260 and will be unable to graduate from the Medical Assisting
Diploma program. In order to apply for the CMA certification exam students must download, complete and
submit the following CMA application.
Download the Candidate Application and Handbook for the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification
Examination at http://aama-ntl.org/resources/library/ExamApp.pdf. Instructions, documents requirements, and
fee-related information are on the forms. Review the information about application timelines and processing
carefully to help you determine the date by which you should mail your application. (http://www.aamantl.org/becomeCMA/apply_CMA.aspx)
INFORMED CONSENT FOR AUDIO/VIDEO OR PHOTGRAPHS FOR EDUCATIONAL
PURPOSES
Medical Assisting Program
Craven Community College
I, the undersigned, agree to audio/video or photographs for educational purposes or as promotional materials for
the Medical Assisting Program at Craven Community College. This permission will be in effect through the
duration of my participation as a student in the Medical Assisting Program at Craven Community College.
Signature: ___________________________________
Printed Name: ________________________________
Date: ___________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE SHEET FOR RECEIPT OF STUDENT MANUALS
This is to confirm that I, _____________________, received a copy of the following manuals:

Craven Community College Diploma and Associate Degree Medical Assistant Student
Handbook.
Date received___________ Signature___________________

Craven Community College MA Program Clinical Education Manual
Date received_____________Signature__________________
 Craven Community College MA Program Policy and Procedure Manual
I have been informed that the Policy & Procedure Manual is on line at the college website.
Date informed______________Signature____________________
INFORMED CONSENT TO BE A SUBJECT OR PATIENT SIMULATOR FOR A LABORATORY EXPERIENCE FOR THE MA PROGRAM AT CRAVEN COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
1. I the undersigned agree to be a subject or patient simulator in the laboratory practice
portion of the MA curriculum at Craven Community College (CCC).
2. I understand that the sole purpose of this experience is for education and instruction of
the MA students at CCC.
3. Students will conduct themselves as though they are in the clinical setting.
4. All volunteers will be treated with the same respect and courtesy as patients in the
clinical setting and will receive an explanation of the procedure to be done.
****I am a student in the MA program and agree to serve as a subject or patient simulator for
my classmates and instructors in the laboratory portion of the curriculum.
Name: ___________________________Date____________________________
This signature will remain active throughout my enrollment in the MA Program.
**** I am a student in the MA program and agree to serve as a subject or patient simulator for
my classmates and instructors in the laboratory portion of the curriculum with the exception of
the following:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Name: ___________________________Date_____________________________
This signature will remain active throughout my enrollment in the MA Program. I understand
that I do have the right to revoke my current decision and change it at any point within the
program.
**** I am a student in the MA program and decline to be a subject or patient simulator for my
classmates and instructors in the laboratory portion of the curriculum.
Name: ___________________________Date_____________________________
This signature will remain active throughout my enrollment in the MA Program. I understand
that I do have the right to revoke my current decision and change it at any point within the
program.
MA PROGRAM COMPLAINT FORM
Craven Community College
Medical Assistant Program
Date: _______________________________
Complainant: Name: ____________________________________________________________
Contact Info___________________________________________________________________
Description of Complaint: ______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Reviewers of Complaint and Date Reviewed: _________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Action (s) Taken (including any response to complainant) include date: ____________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Any Further Actions to/from Complainant or Program (include date): _____________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________