Medical Assisting

Program Description

The Medical Assisting curriculum prepares students to become multi-skilled health care professionals qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures. While the majority of medical assistants work in physicians’ practices, their duties vary from office to office. In keeping with the needs of Craven County’s medical community, Craven’s program emphasizes clinical abilities and offers a 5-semester hour credit (SHC) practicum.

Coursework in the 44-45 SHC Diploma program and the 72-73 SHC Associate degree program includes instruction in scheduling appointments, coding and processing insurance accounts, billing, collections, electronic health records, and computer operations. Students also learn to assist with examinations and treatments within the clinical setting, perform routine laboratory procedures, phlebotomy, electrocardiography, and administer medication under supervision. Focus on ethical and legal issues associated with patient care is also emphasized.

The diploma curriculum includes study in anatomy and physiology, three SHC in English and courses in PC Literacy and CPR/First Aid.

The associate degree curriculum includes study in anatomy and physiology, six SHC in English, and courses in psychology and humanities/fine arts.

Craven Community College’s Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).

Admission Criteria

Selective admission into the D45400 (Diploma in Medical Assisting) and A45400 (Associate Degree in Medical Assisting), requires adherence to the program of study by successfully completing all courses as outlined for progression throughout the curriculum. Please refer to the Medical Assisting Handbook for admission, progression, and graduation requirements.

Admission to Craven Community College must be completed before applying for the Medical Assisting program.
Admission to the Medical Assisting program requires that students be high school graduates or have recognized equivalencies. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

• Math high school GPA must be 2.5 or higher within 10 years of enrollment at Craven CC or complete all developmental requisites to be eligible for MAT 110 & BIO 163.
• English high school GPA must be 2.5 or higher within 10 years of enrollment at Craven CC or complete all developmental requisites to be eligible for ENG 111.

Additional requirements for the practicum apply and students must see the Medical Assisting advisor for further details.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Perform administrative procedures in keeping with the ever-growing needs of the local medical community.
• Perform clinical and laboratory procedures in keeping with the ever-growing needs of the local community.
• Demonstrate competency in exam room procedures.
• Manage the economics of the medical office, incorporating supervisory experience.
• Take the CMA, RMA, or CCMA certification exams

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities are available in

• physicians’ offices
• health maintenance organizations
• health departments
• research facilities

Contact Information

Medical Assisting Program Director
252-638-1031

Health Programs Admission & Advising Coordinator
(252) 639-2025
healthcare@cravencc.edu