Riverland Community College

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical Assistants are key players in healthcare, primarily working in settings like medical offices and clinics. They support physicians by performing both clinical and administrative tasks, making healthcare more efficient and patient-friendly.

What Will You Learn?

The journey to becoming a Medical Assistant includes a one-year diploma program, spanning three semesters, covering:

• Body Structure & Function: Understanding the human body and medical terminology.
• Clinical Procedures: Hands-on skills for patient care.
• Disease Conditions: Knowledge of various health conditions.
• Laboratory Procedures: Conducting basic lab tests and managing specimens.
• Medical Assistant Business Practices: The ins and outs of medical office administration.

Key Skills Gained

• Clinical: From taking vital signs to assisting in medical procedures, you'll learn to support patient care directly.
• Laboratory: Skills include preparing lab specimens, performing simple tests, and ensuring equipment sterilization.
• Administrative: You'll handle tasks such as managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and dealing with billing.

Career Prospects

Demand & Growth

• The demand for Medical Assistants is high, with significant growth expected.
• An estimated 14,507 new positions will open from 2018 to 2028 due to growth and the need for replacements.

Work Environment

Medical Assistants are found in various healthcare settings, including:

• Clinics and outpatient centers
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Schools

Becoming a Medical Assistant

Program Requirements

• Background Check: A Department of Human Services (DHS) background study is required for enrollment.
• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Mission Statement

The program aims to prepare competent, ethical, and compassionate medical assistants ready to contribute to healthcare.

Financial Support

• Various scholarships are available to support your education, including the Richard and Carol Young Scholarship and the Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea Scholarship.

Next Steps

Eager to learn more or ready to take the first step? For further details or to request program-specific materials, fill out our request form or schedule an appointment to visit campus.

Last Updated: April 9, 2024