Medical Assisting Program Information

The graduate of the Medical Assistant program is a professional, multi-skilled person dedicated to assisting in patient care management, primarily in a physician's office. The practitioner performs administrative and clinical duties and may manage emergency situations, facilities and/or personnel. Competence in the field also requires that a medical assistant display professionalism, communicate effectively and provide instruction to patients. A required externship under the direct supervision of a physician provides valuable on-the-job experience.

Medical Assisting Program AAMA Required Statement

The graduate of the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and the Generalist Technical Certificate (GEN-TC) Medical Assisting Program are multiskilled professionals ready to become part of the health care team. These graduates are cross trained to provide more than one function or discipline. These combined functions can be found in a broad spectrum of health-related jobs, ranging in complexity, including both clinical and administrative skills.

Graduates of the AAS and GEN-TC are prepared to take the national exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The American Association of Medical Assistants Certifying Board (AAMA CB) awards the CMA credential after successful completion of the exam. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), in collaboration with the Curriculum Review Board (CRB) of the AAMA Endowment (a committee on accreditation of CAAHEP), accredits medical assisting programs.

Additional administrative and clinical specialties are available within the program’s umbrella that may be added to the above AAS and GEN-TC or taken independently for the skill. These additional functions may be of a higher, lower or parallel level but are not intended to prepare the student for the CMA credential or as an entry level medical assistant.

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on accreditation of Allied Health Programs upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of The American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
     35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970
     Chicago, IL 60602-2208
     (312) 553-935

For more information, contact Kathy Plankenhorn at 1-800-659-4562 x 1164 or 765-966-2656 x 1164 (if outside of Indiana).