Health Professions
Medical Assisting
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Students in Medical Assisting are trained in front office administrative skills and back office clinical skills to assist healthcare practitioners in administering to the needs of patients. Students gain skills in scheduling, medical office accounting systems, medical coding and billing, transcription, phone triage and are trained to assist with medical examinations and treatment and to work as a team member in the medical office environment. Students learn to take medical histories and obtain vital signs, give medications and injections (under supervision), draw blood, perform diagnostic tests and office laboratory procedures, sterilize instruments and maintain equipment. Additionally, medical assisting students are exposed to the principles of medical ethics and medical legal issues facing health care providers. Students successfully completing the program are awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree.
Students interested in the Medical Assisting program first enroll as Associate of Arts (General Studies) students. Students then take prerequisite general education courses while exploring personal interests and aptitudes with the assistance of advisors who are experts in the health care fields.
Students entering the Medical Assisting program must have earned a “C” or better in all the AA prerequisite courses listed below. A course may be attempted a maximum of two times. As some courses are offered fall or spring semester only, it is important to obtain advising with the Program Director each semester prior to registering for the next semester. Students may apply for either autumn or spring semester program admission.
Upon award of the A.A.S. degree in Medical Assisting, students are eligible to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) national registration exam administered by the American Medical Technologists upon completion of the program. Students are responsible for filing required forms, associated fees, and grade transcripts.
See additional program information. (Adobe Acrobat required)
| Length of Program: | 4 Semesters |
| Award Upon Graduation: | Associate of Applied Science Degree |
| Entry Times: | Fall Semester and Spring Semester |
Students must successfully complete prerequisite courses prior to entering the Medical Assisting Program. A prerequisite course may be attempted a maximum of two (2) times.
Contact Information
- Anne Delany - Program Director
Email: Anne.Delaney@umontana.edu
Phone: 406-243-7809
- Enrollment Services / Admissions Office
Email: COTAdmissions@umontana.edu
Phone: 406-243-7882 / 800-542-6882
FAX: 406-243-7899