What can I do in medical assisting?
Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform routine administrative and clinical
tasks under the direct supervision of a physician. Their duties vary depending on
the specific size and specialty of the medical office. Medical assistants who specialize
and work in the administrative area of a medical office use computers, answer telephones,
greet patients, file and update medical records, complete insurance claim forms, arrange
hospital admissions and surgeries, handle correspondence, and perform billing and
bookkeeping for the medical practice. Medical assistants who specialize in the clinical
area enter medical histories into electronic health records, take vital signs, explain
treatment procedures to patients, prepare patients for examinations, assist physicians
with examinations, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, draw blood, and perform
basic laboratory tests. They also instruct patients with special needs and prepare
and administer medications as directed.
What characteristics and skills do I need to work in this field?
Medical assistants must have good communication skills, a caring manner, problem-solving
skills and the ability to demonstrate initiative and dependability. They must be able
to multi-task and respect the confidential nature of medical information.
Where can I work?
Medical assistants generally work in physician offices, outpatient clinics and urgent
care offices. A small percentage of medical assistants work in hospitals.
What does Trident Technical College offer?
Trident Technical College’s Medical Assisting program offers a diploma with hands-on
training and internships that prepare students to enter the workforce upon graduation.
It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
An associate degree is available upon completion of the diploma program.
Accreditation
The Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of
Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Educational Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355- 113th St. N. # 7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national AAMA certification examination,
to earn the CMA (AAMA) credential.
Program Outcomes published in compliance with MAERB policy 210.
Program Outcomes
| Year |
Exam Passage |
| 2024 |
90% |
| 2023 |
85.71% |
| 2022 |
92.86% |
| 2021 |
100% |
| 2020 |
92.31% |
| Five year Average |
92.59% |
Recommended Sequence of Course
A recommended course sequence is a structured plan to help students complete degree
requirements efficiently. Click here for the Medical Assisting associate degree sample program.
Medical Assisting, AAS - Career Outlook