If you enjoy working with people and have an interest in health and medicine, a promising career as a medical assistant is within your reach at Kaplan Career Institute–ICM campus. Medical assistants are often called upon to help patients feel at ease and explain the health care provider's instructions.
Due to the country's aging population, evolving trends in the health care industry, and scientific and technological advances being made worldwide, the need for skilled professionals in the medical field has never been greater. In fact, medical assistant is projected to be one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation over the 2004-2014 period.*
Focused Medical Assistant Education
The Kaplan Career Institute–ICM campus Medical Assistant Diploma program focuses on emerging employment trends, so you can graduate with skills specific to the needs of Pittsburgh's health care practitioners. Our medical assistant courses offer an innovative curriculum taught by faculty members who have professional experience in their fields. Prior to graduation, you will be required to complete an externship through which you can gain real-world job experience.
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
A medical assistant is an allied health professional whose main responsibility is to assist the physician and ensure that the work flow in the medical office is organized and efficient. At Kaplan Career Institute-ICM campus, you will receive medical assistant training to prepare you for a variety of administrative and clinical duties, which vary according to state law. You may be responsible for:
- Assisting in minor surgical procedures
- Administering injections
- Documenting and maintaining patient data
- Performing basic secretarial and transcription tasks
- Performing EKGs, venipuncture, and routine laboratory and diagnostic tests
- Preparing examining room instruments and equipment
- Recording vital signs
- Scheduling and receiving patients
Prepare for Certification Exams
This program helps eligible students prepare for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam sponsored by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).†
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition.
† However, the Institute cannot guarantee a student's eligibility either to take this exam or become certified. A student's eligibility may depend on his or her work experience, completion of high school (or its equivalent), not having a criminal record, meeting other licensure or certification requirements, or the program or Institute itself having appropriate accreditation or licensure. Externship sites may themselves require a criminal background check or medical examination.