Medical Assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to
work as a member of a health care team, performing a broad range of clinical and administrative
tasks under the supervision of a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.
Program graduates assist health care professionals in many aspects of medical practice,
including patient care management, administrative, and clinical procedures. Students
learn about the administrative duties of scheduling and receiving patients, preparing
and maintaining medical records, performing basic secretarial skills and medical transcription,
handling telephone calls, writing correspondence, serving as the liaison between the
physician and other individuals, and managing practice finances. The clinical phase
of the program is taught through intense training and hands-on application. Students
learn to perform clinical duties, including asepsis and infection control, taking
patient histories and vital signs, first aid and CPR, preparing patients for procedures,
assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing
specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests, administering injections, and preparing
and administering medications as directed by the physician.
Sample Career Options
Upon completion, Workforce degrees and/or certificates are intended to give students
the skills needed to move directly into employment. While these degrees are not intended
to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admission to Skagit
Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Management (BASM) degree or SVC’s Environmental Conservation, BAS (BAS-EC) and, in some cases, could transfer to other schools. If you are interested
in continuing your education by entering a bachelor’s degree program, please work
closely with your Academic Advisor and Department Chair.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most
up to date information.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most
up to date information.