Medical Assisting
The Medical Assisting curriculum prepares multi-skilled health care professionals to be qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures.
Course work includes scheduling appointments, coding and processing insurance accounts, billing, collections, medical transcription, computer operations, assisting with examinations/treatments, performing routine laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, supervised medication administration, and ethical/legal issues associated with patient care.
Advanced credits can be awarded toward an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting. Individuals desiring a career in Medical Assisting should, if possible, take biology, mathematics, keyboarding, and computer courses before entering the program. Students are admitted to the Medical Assisting program for the fall and spring semesters.
Visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website for specific information about potential positions and wages in medical assisting employment.
Medical Assisting (A45400)
Degree Awarded
The college awards a degree in Medical Assisting upon completing the degree requirements.
Admissions
- Complete a Central Piedmont admissions application.
- Submit high school transcripts and any college transcripts (if applicable).
- Take required placement tests.
- Complete any necessary Developmental classes with a “C” or better.
- Students are selected to enter the program. Upon acceptance and enrollment in the program, students must take all courses in the scheduled sequence. Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
- Submit a physical examination (including a drug screen) documenting the ability to complete all program requirements
Notes
- ACA 122 College Transfer Success is highly recommended before or with entrance in the Medical Assisting program.
- Progression in this program is dependent on satisfying course prerequisites, co-requisites and maintaining a grade of “C” or better for all courses in the curriculum.
- Students must have current CPR Certification prior to the Practicum (MED 260).
- In addition to tuition, lab fees and textbooks, this program has additional costs that include uniforms, lab coats, personal protective equipment, physical examination including immunizations and drug screening and a Central Piedmont Medical Assisting pin.
- In order to participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students may be required to submit results of a NC state or national criminal background check at their own expense. As a condition of program admission, students may be required to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.
Contact Information
The Medical Assisting program is in the Outpatient and Simulation Division. For more information, visit the Medical Assisting Program website. If further information is needed, contact the program chair at 704.330.6482.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| MED 110 | Orientation to Medical Assisting | 1.0 |
| MED 116 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology | 4.0 |
| MED 118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| MED 122 | Medical Terminology II | 3.0 |
| MED 130 | Administrative Office Procedures I | 2.0 |
| MED 131 | Administrative Office Procedures II | 2.0 |
| MED 140 | Examining Room Procedures I | 5.0 |
| MED 150 | Laboratory Procedures I | 5.0 |
| MED 240 | Examining Room Procedures II | 5.0 |
| MED 260 | MED Clinical Practicum | 5.0 |
| MED 262 | Clinical Perspectives | 1.0 |
| MED 272 | Drug Therapy | 3.0 |
| BUS 135 | Principles of Supervision | 3.0 |
| MED 232 | Medical Insurance Coding | 2.0 |
| or MED 274 | Diet Therapy/Nutrition | |
| or BIO 155 | Nutrition | |
| or ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | |
| or HCI 120 | Medical Communication | |
| Take 3 credits from the following | 3.0 | |
| Symptomatology AAS degree choice | ||
| Medical Transcription Medical Scribe Certificate only | ||
| Electronic Medical Records I Medical Scribe Certificate only | ||
| Total Credits | 64 | |
Medical Assisting Diploma (D45400)
Diploma Awarded
The college awards a diploma in Medical Assisting upon completing the diploma requirements. Graduates of this CAAHEP Accredited program may apply to take the certification examination administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Credits from this program can be applied toward requirements for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting.
Graduates of CAAHEP accredited medical assisting programs may be eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certification Examination to become Certified Medical Assistants. Employment opportunities include physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, health departments and hospitals.
Admissions
- Complete a Central Piedmont admissions application.
- Submit high school transcripts and any college transcripts (if applicable).
- Take required placement tests.
- Complete any necessary Developmental classes with a “C” or better.
- Students must be selected to enter the program. Upon acceptance and enrollment in the program, students must take all courses in the scheduled sequence.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
- A physical examination (including a drug screen) documenting the applicant’s ability to complete all program requirements is required
- Students entering or re-entering the MED program must successfully re-take any MED courses taken five or more years prior to the entry or re-entry point.
Program Accreditation
The Medical Assisting Diploma Program on Central Campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, caahep.org, upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355-113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, Email: mail@caahep.org, Phone: 727.210.2350.
Notes
- ACA 122 College Transfer Success is highly recommended before or with entrance in the Medical Assisting program.
- Progression in this program is dependent on satisfying course prerequisites, co-requisites and maintaining a grade of “C” or better for all courses in the curriculum.
- Students must have current CPR Certification prior to the Practicum (MED 260).
- In addition to tuition, lab fees and textbooks, this program has additional costs that include uniforms, lab coats, personal protective equipment, physical examination including immunizations and drug screening, application fees for sitting for the Certification Exam and a Central Piedmont Medical Assisting pin.
- In order to participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students may be required to submit results of a NC state or national criminal background check at their own expense. As a condition of program admission, students may be required to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.
Contact Information
The Medical Assisting Program is in the Outpatient and Simulation Division. For more information, visit the Medical Assisting Program website. For further assistance, contact the program chair at 704.330.6482.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| MED 110 | Orientation to Medical Assisting | 1.0 |
| MED 118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| MED 122 | Medical Terminology II | 3.0 |
| MED 130 | Administrative Office Procedures I | 2.0 |
| MED 131 | Administrative Office Procedures II | 2.0 |
| MED 140 | Examining Room Procedures I | 5.0 |
| MED 150 | Laboratory Procedures I | 5.0 |
| MED 260 | MED Clinical Practicum | 5.0 |
| MED 116 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology | 4.0 |
| MED 262 | Clinical Perspectives | 1.0 |
| MED 240 | Examining Room Procedures II | 5.0 |
| MED 272 | Drug Therapy | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
Medical Assisting Certificates (C45400)
Health Sciences Certificate Specialization in Fundamentals in Medical Assisting (C45920-C1)
This certificate is also available to high school students enrolled in Career & College Promise.
| Major Requirements | ||
| HSC 110 | Orientation to Health Careers | 1.0 |
| HSC 140 | Transcultural Healthcare | 2.0 |
| HEA 112 | First Aid & CPR | 2.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| MED 110 | Orientation to Medical Assisting | 1.0 |
| MED 118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2.0 |
| MED 122 | Medical Terminology II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Medical Assisting Certificate Specialization in Medical Scribe (C45400-C4)
This certificate is offered to credentialed Medical Assistants only.
| Major Requirements | ||
| MED 232 | Medical Insurance Coding | 2.0 |
| MED 270 | Symptomatology | 3.0 |
| MED 134 | Medical Transcription | 3.0 |
| MED 183 | Electronic Medical Records I | 5.0 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Medical Assisting Certificate Specialization in Healthcare Interpreter (C45400-C5)
| Major Requirements | ||
| MED 110 | Orientation to Medical Assisting | 1.0 |
| MED 116 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology | 4.0 |
| MED 118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| HSC 140 | Transcultural Healthcare | 2.0 |
| HCI 120 | Medical Communication | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Medical Assisting Certificate with a Specialization in Administrative Duties (C45400-C6)
| Major Requirements | ||
| MED 110 | Orientation to Medical Assisting | 1.0 |
| MED 116 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology | 4.0 |
| MED 118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| MED 130 | Administrative Office Procedures I | 2.0 |
| MED 131 | Administrative Office Procedures II | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Medical Assisting Suggested Course Sequences
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
Medical Assisting Diploma (D45400)
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MED 116 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology | 4.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| MED 130 | Administrative Office Procedures I | 2.0 |
| MED 131 | Administrative Office Procedures II | 2.0 |
| MED 140 | Examining Room Procedures I | 5.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Term II | ||
| MED 110 | Orientation to Medical Assisting | 1.0 |
| MED 118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2.0 |
| MED 122 | Medical Terminology II | 3.0 |
| MED 150 | Laboratory Procedures I | 5.0 |
| MED 240 | Examining Room Procedures II | 5.0 |
| MED 272 | Drug Therapy | 3.0 |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Term III | ||
| MED 260 | MED Clinical Practicum | 5.0 |
| MED 262 | Clinical Perspectives | 1.0 |
| COM 110 or COM 231 | Introduction to Communication or Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
Medical Assisting Associate in Applied Science Degree (A45400)
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MED 116 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology | 4.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| MED 130 | Administrative Office Procedures I | 2.0 |
| MED 131 | Administrative Office Procedures II | 2.0 |
| MED 140 | Examining Room Procedures I | 5.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Term II | ||
| MED 110 | Orientation to Medical Assisting | 1.0 |
| MED 118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2.0 |
| MED 122 | Medical Terminology II | 3.0 |
| MED 150 | Laboratory Procedures I | 5.0 |
| MED 240 | Examining Room Procedures II | 5.0 |
| MED 272 | Drug Therapy | 3.0 |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Term III | ||
| MED 260 | MED Clinical Practicum | 5.0 |
| MED 262 | Clinical Perspectives | 1.0 |
| COM 110 or COM 231 | Introduction to Communication or Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Term IV | ||
| MED 270 | Symptomatology | 3.0 |
| BUS 135 | Principles of Supervision | 3.0 |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3.0 |
| MED 232 | Medical Insurance Coding or Diet Therapy/Nutrition or Nutrition or College Transfer Success or Medical Communication | 2.0 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 64 | |