Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5214
Curriculum Code: 1967.MOA
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division
Pre-Admission Requirements: Successful completion of developmental English and math, college-level anatomy & physiology with lab, and medical terminology (or proficiency exam)
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Physician Offices and other Healthcare Facilities
Program Description
The Medical Assisting program at SUNY Erie is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), and the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery has increased the demand for competent Certified Medical Assistants. Certified Medical Assistants are versatile allied health professionals who perform the clinical and administrative cognitive objectives, psychomotor competencies and affective behaviors as identified by the CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for Medical Assisting Educational Programs and the MAERB Core Curriculum Competency Requirements in a variety of healthcare settings in the contemporary healthcare community.
Upon successful program completion, graduates apply to take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) national certification examination, and graduates passing this Certified Medical Assistant exam may use the credential CMA (AAMA). In addition to being accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the CMA (AAMA) Certification Program is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), making the CMA (AAMA) Certification Program one of ten (10) healthcare certifications and the only medical assisting certification program with international recognition. Many graduates of the Medical Assisting AAS Program are employed by their SUNY Erie affiliated ambulatory care site upon completion of this practicum experience, while other students gain employment at various healthcare facilities upon or soon after graduation.
Clinical medical assisting courses are conducted in our simulated on-campus medical assisting skills laboratory classroom, equipped with modern supplies and equipment that mirrors the contemporary healthcare environment to provide instruction, demonstration and competency evaluations that assess student learning. Although clinical duties may vary by healthcare facility and depending on what is allowed by state laws, instruction ranges from recording medical histories and vital signs to preparing patients for examinations and assisting physicians during patient assessments. Students are also prepared to collect laboratory specimens and perform CLIA-waived hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, immunology and microbiology tests, properly dispose of bio-hazardous material and medical sharps waste, and sterilize medical instruments. Other clinical skills include phlebotomy and capillary punctures, electrocardiography, spirometry, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid procedures. Medical Assisting students also complete training in Blood Borne Pathogens and Infection Control, Laboratory Safety, and HIPAA and OSHA compliance.
The administrative portion of this program focuses on building a professional vocabulary of medical terminology, and understanding medical law and ethics for healthcare professionals, including healthcare competency, equity, cultural competence and patient navigator concepts. Additionally, a foundation is built for navigating the MEDENT Electronic Health Record (EHR) Practice Management System to learn the standards and features of an EHR system, appointment scheduling, administrative and financial processes for the medical practice, physician office coding and reimbursement procedures including ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS II, managed care, revenue cycles and remittance advices.
In their final semester of the Medical Assisting AAS degree program at SUNY Erie Community College, students participate in a supervised practicum experience of at least 160 contact hours in an assigned SUNY Erie affiliated healthcare setting, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of the MAERB Core Curriculum Competency Requirements in applying clinical and administrative skills acquired throughout the duration of the Medical Assisting program in a practical setting to bridge the gap between student and allied healthcare professional and provide an opportunity for professional interaction with other members of the healthcare team.
In addition to coursework and externship experiences designed to build clinical and administrative skills specific to medical assisting, the program curricula includes general education core courses in basic communication, English, humanities, mathematics, natural and social science, and equips students with 28 General Education credits, a broad base of information and the necessary skill set to successfully continue their education in a related allied health field and/or apply credits toward another degree. This includes a pathways transfer program articulation agreement in Allied Health with SUNY Empire State College, whereby graduates of the SUNY Erie Medical Assisting AAS program qualify for direct admission into the Allied Health BS degree program. SUNY Empire also offers a combined baccalaureate/master’s program that provides an accelerated path to a BS in Allied Health and MBA in Healthcare Leadership.
The goal of the Medical Assisting AAS program is to produce graduates who possess the necessary knowledge of contemporary patient-centered healthcare practices and the necessary clinical and administrative skills to be an effective Certified Medical Assistant. Through participation in various classroom, laboratory and externship experiences, students are able to demonstrate competency in program objectives through project-based assessments, competency evaluations, assignments, quizzes, tests and exams that map to required CAAHEP and MAERB standards and requirements, and include variations of questions commonly asked on the national CMA (AAMA) certification exam.
A career in Medical Assisting can provide personal fulfillment and build professional experience while working alongside physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, other medical assistants and various additional allied health professionals to become valued members of the allied healthcare team. Medical Assistants who prefer providing direct patient care may wish to pursue further education in nursing or other patient-facing healthcare careers, while those who prefer the administrative aspects of this field may seek to advance their career in health information management, health informatics and cybersecurity, or healthcare administration.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 18% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. On average, approximately 104,400 new medical assisting job openings are projected for each of the next ten years to replace workers who transfer to different occupations, exit the labor force and/or retire. Additionally, the growth of the aging population will continue to increase the demand for preventive medical services provided by physicians. As a result, physicians are expected to hire more medical assistants to perform routine clinical and administrative tasks, allowing physicians to see more patients.
Admission Criteria include:
- high school degree or HSE (High School Equivalency)
- completion of all developmental English and math courses
- completion of BI 147 and BI 148 (or equivalent courses) within the past 5 years achieving a minimum grade of C-
- completion of MA 115 (or proficiency exam) achieving a minimum grade of C
- minimum college GPA of 2.5 within the last 5 years (if applicable) OR minimum high school average of 85%
Progression
Students must maintain a minimum grade of C in all Medical Assisting (MA) courses and a minimum grade of C- in all other required courses. If minimal grades are not attained or if the student has withdrawn (W) from the course, a second failure in a repeated course (a grade below a C in MA courses; or grade below a C- in all other required courses), or a second withdrawal (W) from that course will result in dismissal from the Medical Assisting Program. All courses may be repeated only once.
Because of the critical nature of the profession, deviations from professional conduct may adversely affect the patient’s well-being. Therefore, the department reserves the right to immediately remove the student from didactic, laboratory and clinical course work and/or dismiss that student from the program if the department determines that the student has acted in an unprofessional manner or if the student is unable to provide safe clinical practices.
Off-Campus Participation
This program requires students to participate in college sponsored off-site activities. According to SUNY policy #3200 (Admissions of Persons with Prior Felony Convictions), SUNY Erie must inquire if a student has a prior felony conviction before the student can participate in any college sponsored off-site activity. Screening may be completed at tinyurl.com/ErieBoxedOut.
Note: Failure to complete this screening will affect the completion of the Medical Assisting program and a felony conviction may impede a student from completing degree requirements, such as the practicum experience component required for degree completion and the ability to sit for the CMA (AAMA) examination.
Department Notes
- Lab coats must be worn and all safety protocol followed in all clinical and laboratory courses.
- Students are responsible for providing transportation to off-campus clinical sites assigned for the practicum experience to observe and/or perform clinical and administrative skills for 160 hours in a practical setting.
- Student accident insurance is available and highly recommended for part-time students.
- Students who have previously taken a medical terminology course at another institution or who have had experience working in the medical field, may elect to schedule a proficiency test to obtain credit for Medical Terminology I (MA 115) and/ or Medical Terminology II (MA 125). Upon successful passing of the Medical Terminology I (MA 115) proficiency test, the student may elect to take the Medical Terminology II (MA 125) proficiency test. Any interested student should email the Department Chair at sylviab@ecc.edu to schedule an appointment to take the exam. Note: Students MUST take the proficiency tests PRIOR to attending the respective courses.
- MA courses are integrated and sequenced in a specific manner to enable students to attain program competencies.
Graduation Requirements
- once accepted into the program, students must complete all Medical Assisting courses within a four-year time period
- for graduation, students must have an overall GPA of 2.0 and a minimum grade of C in all Medical Assisting courses
- upon completing all required coursework for the Medical Assisting program, students must apply for graduation at www.ecc.edu/graduate
- earning an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Medical Assisting does not constitute certification
- the issuance of an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Medical Assisting is not contingent upon passage of any external certification examination
- graduates of the Medical Assisting Program are eligible to sit for the national Certified Medical Assistant examination sponsored by the American Association of Medical Assistants; upon passing the certification examination, students will hold the CMA (AAMA) credential
Technical Standards
Medical Assistants are patient-facing healthcare professionals, and in addition to presenting to the public in a courteous, pleasant and well-groomed manner to place patients at ease and explain physician instructions, they must also possess the physical and mental standards required to effectively accomplish the skills and behaviors needed to achieve the educational goals of the program.
Duties assigned to medical assistants require a reasonable level of physical strength, manual dexterity and visual acuity in order to successfully perform required competencies. Medical assistants are often called upon to multi-task and may have to handle several responsibilities at once.
In order for students to achieve the essential functions of the Medical Assisting profession, the Medical Assisting student must meet the following technical standards:
- Visual Acuity: The Medical Assisting student must be able to read charts and graphs, discriminate colors, read instrument scales, observe microscopic materials and record results.
- Speech and Hearing: The Medical Assisting student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively in order to assess both verbal and non-verbal communication and share information with other members of the health care team.
- Observation and Communication: The Medical Assisting student must possess the ability to communicate effectively and read, write and use the English language to communicate detailed information verbally and in writing with individual patients, families, visitors and other members of the healthcare team and complete required medico-legal documentation. Additionally, students must functionally use all senses: vision, touch, hearing, and smell which are essential in assessing patients and maintaining safety.
- Sensory/ Motor Functions: The Medical Assisting student must possess the physical strength and stamina necessary to execute the clinical and administrative tasks delegated to medical assistants, such as obtaining and recording vital signs, manipulating instruments and equipment, preparing patients for physician examination, collecting specimens, performing clinical procedures such as phlebotomy or CLIA-waived laboratory tests, transferring patients, and responding to emergency situations.
- Psychological Stability: The Medical Assisting student must demonstrate the emotional health required for full utilization of the applicant’s intellectual abilities. The student must be able to handle stress and take appropriate actions when emergency situations arise.
- Affective Behaviors: In addition to meeting the safety and technical requirements of the program, Medical Assisting students must also possess emotional stability and flexibility to develop the ability to think critically, exercise sound judgment, function effectively in stressful situations, accept constructive criticism, adapt to change, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate appropriate behavior toward patients and other members of the healthcare team
Occupational Risks
The occupational risks associated with working as a medical assistant include incidental exposure to blood-borne pathogens and biological hazards, ergonomic hazards from lifting, supporting and moving patients and repetitive tasks, and workplace violence.
Academic Grievance Process
Students can resolve grievances of academic decisions by following the processes outlined in the Student Grievance of Academic Decision Policy.
Accreditation
The Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th Street North, #7709
Seminole FL 33775-7709
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
Health Science Division Student Health Report Form
The Commission on Accreditation of Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accreditation guidelines require that a procedure be established for determining that the health status of an applicant or student will permit them to meet the essential physical functions and technical standards of the program without posing any public health threat to affiliated communities of interest.
In compliance with this provision, and in addition to the student health form needed for admission to the College retained in the Student Health Office, a separate Health Science Division Student Health Report Form is required of all applicants after acceptance to the program and prior to placement at college sponsored external clinical rotation experiences, including MA 223: MA Practicum Experience. The Health Science Division Student Health Report Form provides evidence of a recent medical examination, demonstrating that matriculating students are in good physical and mental health, capable of completing course requirements and have received the following required screening and immunizations:
- most recent negative PDD (Purified Protein Derivative) Mantoux test (MUST be within a year)
*students with a history of positive TB exposure must have a negative chest x-ray within two years
- COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) Vaccination (MUST provide vaccine record with BOTH dates for two-dose series or date of single-dose vaccine and proof of booster within 30 days of eligibility)
- BOTH dates for MMR (Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella); (or positive titer results)
- BOTH dates for Varicella Vaccine (Chicken Pox); (or positive titer results)
- date of most recent Tetanus Vaccine (MUST be within 10 years)
- most recent Influenza Vaccine (MUST be within a year)
- all THREE dates for Hepatitis B Vaccine (or positive titer results, or declination form)
All screening and immunization documentation must include the name of whom and address where the vaccine was ordered and/or administered as well as the date of vaccination.
A Health Science Division Student Health Report Form completed in full and signed by a physician or other qualified representative of the physician office must be received by the instructor prior to the first day of class for MA 221. Only after all complete, signed Health Science Division Student Health Report Forms have been received, can placement at affiliated clinical rotation sites be requested or considered. Students who are not in compliance or who submit incomplete or otherwise unacceptable physical exam reports will not be eligible to participate in the Medical Assisting Practicum Experience and will not be eligible for graduation or certification.
Licensure Compliance Statement
The SUNY Erie Community College Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), and its curricula and program of study meets current CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines, MAERB Core Curriculum competency requirements, and has been approved by the State University of New York (SUNY) and New York State Education Department (NYSED) to award an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) with a major in Medical Assisting. MAERB is a Committee on Accreditation (CoA) of the CAAHEP.
Upon successful program completion, graduates apply to take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) national certification examination and graduates passing this Certified Medical Assistant exam may use the credential CMA (AAMA). In addition to being accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the CMA (AAMA) Certification Program is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), making the CMA (AAMA) Certification Program one of ten (10) healthcare certifications and the only medical assisting certification program with international recognition.
Program Competencies
Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting, the graduate will be able to:
- describe the structure, function, organization, and common pathologies of the human body with regard to nutrition, infection control and blood-borne pathogens;
- perform administrative skills; including identifying styles and types of applied communications as they relate to medical documentation and computer applications, and maintain records of Accounts Receivable/Payable and supply inventories;
- create and organize electronic medical records in a practice management system, record and retrieve simulated patient data, schedule appointments, create healthcare communication and correspondence, and bill office procedures using proper procedural and diagnostic coding for third party reimbursement;
- recognize the legal implications and ethical considerations of personal and professional ethics regarding the delivery of healthcare;
- demonstrate knowledge of basic and applied mathematics for managing medical business practices and finances, as well as measuring patients and recording vital signs and administering medication;
- perform clinical skills; including phlebotomy, electrocardiography, pulmonary function testing, capillary puncture, and obtaining specimens to perform CLIA waived testing;
- perform professional level CPR skills and first aid procedures for bleeding control, fractures, seizures, shock, syncope, and diabetic patients; and
- demonstrate the necessary cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domain standards and apply appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities consistent with acceptable professional conduct standards while performing clinical and administrative medical assisting procedures, including quality assurance practices in healthcare.
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is granted to each student who successfully achieves all required cognitive objectives, psychomotor competencies, and affective behaviors as identified by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Standards and Guidelines and Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) Core Curriculum Competency Requirements for Medical Assisting Educational Programs and completes a supervised Practicum Experience of at least 160 contact hours in an assigned SUNY Erie affiliated healthcare setting, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of these educational competencies in the observation and/or performance of the clinical and administrative skills acquired throughout the duration of the Medical Assisting program in a practical application setting. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination sponsored by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Upon passing the certification examination, students will hold the CMA (AAMA)® credential.
The following tables indicate the CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination and Job Placement Outcomes over the past five (5) years:
CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination Outcomes
The Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) has established > 60% as the passing outcome threshold for the CMA examination. The chart below reflects the AAMA (CMA) Examination outcome results for SUNY Erie graduates from 2017-2021. Each year, from 2017-2021, the CMA Examination Pass Rate for SUNY Erie graduates is above the MAERB threshold. Furthermore, the five-year average CMA Examination pass rate for SUNY Erie graduates is 94%, which is well above the 60% MAERB passing outcome threshold.
|
CMA (AAMA) Examination Participation and Passage Rates
|
|
Graduation
Year
|
Total # Who Took
CMA (AAMA) Exam
|
Total # Passing
CMA (AAMA) Exam
|
SUNY Erie
CMA (AAMA) Exam
Passage Rates
|
| 2021 |
4 |
4 |
100$ |
|
2020
|
9
|
8
|
89%
|
|
2019
|
4
|
4
|
100%
|
|
2018
|
5
|
5
|
100%
|
|
2017
|
13
|
12
|
92%
|
|
Total
|
35
|
33
|
94%
|
|
Threshold:
|
60%
|
Medical Assisting Job Placement Outcomes
As of 2018, Positive Job Placement rates reflect the number of Medical Assisting graduates employed as a Medical Assistant or in a related field based on Calendar Year of Graduation. The Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) has established >60% as the job placement outcome threshold for all CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting Programs. The chart below reflects the SUNY Erie Medical Assisting Graduate Job Placement Rate for 2021 at 80% and the average positive placement rate over the past three years for SUNY Erie Medical Assisting graduates is 82.4%, both of which exceed the 60% MAERB threshold.
|
Medical Assisting Job Placement Outcomes
|
|
Year of
Graduation
|
Total Number
of SUNY Erie
MA Graduates
|
Number of Graduates
Employed as a Medical Assistant
or in a related field
|
Number of Graduates
continuing education
or enlisted in the military
|
Number of Graduates
with unknown job status
|
Positive
Placement
Rates
|
| 2021 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
80% |
|
2020
|
18
|
15
|
1
|
2
|
88.89%
|
|
2019
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
85.71%
|
|
2018
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
2
|
75%
|
|
Total
|
38
|
30
|
2
|
6
|
82.4%
|
|
Threshold:
|
60%
|
Scholarships
SUNY Erie offers scholarship opportunities through its Foundation; a complete listing of scholarship opportunities can be found on the college website at www.ecc.edu/about/foundation/index.html.
Additional Medical Assisting Program scholarship information for the Maxine Williams (AAMA) and Dorothy Ross (NYSSMA) scholarships is available from full-time Medical Assisting Faculty members.
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 62-63
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