Medical Assisting Frequently Asked Questions

17. Why should I attend your program?

1. The Medical Assisting diploma program was offered for the first time at Wake Technical Community College in August of 1987. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (CRB-AAMAE). CAAHEP, 35 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, Phone 312-553-9355. Completion of our program allows you to sit for the national certification exam (CMA) upon graduation. We have knowledgeable dedicated instructors who advise and mentor our students through-out the curriculum.

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17. Am I guaranteed a job?

1. Wake Technical Community College does not guarantee you a job; however, Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in the Health Care industry. The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) has medical assisting listed in the “Fastest growing occupations, 2004-2014". http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab21.htm

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17. What's the starting salary for a Medical Assistant in the Triangle?

1. Currently medical assistants the Raleigh area are earning between $10 to $12 an hour. The BLS lists the medical assisting salaries, in the low category for its 2004 median annual earnings which is: $20,185 to $28,589.

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17. What does a Medical Assistant do?

1. Medical assistants are described as "multiskilled allied health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings, such as physicians' offices, clinics, and group practices, performing administrative and clinical procedures."

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17. What are the responsibilities of a Medical Assistant?

1. Duties vary from office to office depending on location, size and specialty.
   • Administrative duties may include...
   • Using computer applications
   • Answering telephones
   • Greeting patients
   • Updating and filing patient medical records
   • Coding and filling out insurance forms
   • Scheduling appointments
   • Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
   • Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping
   • Clinical duties vary by state, but may include...
   • Taking medical histories
   • Explaining treatment procedures to patients
   • Preparing patients for examination
   • Assisting the physician during the exam
   • Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
   • Performing basic laboratory tests
   • Instructing patients about medication and special diets
   • Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
   • Authorizing prescription refills as directed
   • Drawing blood
   • Taking electrocardiograms
   • Removing sutures and changing dressings

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17. Where does a Medical Assistant work?

1. Medical assistants are employed in ambulatory settings, such as physicians' offices, clinics, and group practices.

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17. What degree will I earn?

1. Wake Technical Community College's graduates can earn a diploma and can continue on for a degree.

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17. Is it better to have a degree or diploma?

1. A Medical Assisting degree is not necessarily the key to better pay or faster promotions. Doctors' main concern is to have a Medical Assistant who can do the job well. Having your CMA is also an important issue that many doctors look for when hiring. By successfully completing the diploma program, you are eligible to take the credential exam through the AAMA. However, a Medical Assistant with a degree has the advantage when it comes to additional education. Some of the classes you have completed with a degree can be transferred and applied to a higher degree at certain colleges.

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17. Am I eligible for any type of certification or licensure after graduation?

1. Upon completion of the diploma program, you are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assisting Exam (CMA) which is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) www.aama-ntl.org "How to become a CMA".

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17. Are there requirements to start the Medical Assisting classes?

1. Any student interested in beginning classes at Wake Technical Community College must meet admissions requirements first. The Medical Assisting program begins clinical classes in both the Spring and Fall semesters. We encourage students to apply early to give you time to submit transcripts and apply for financial aid (if needed). Acceptance into the Medical Assisting clinical classes is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

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17. Is this programs eligible for any form of Financial Aid?

1. Financial aid is money (grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships) provided by various agencies (federal, local governments, colleges, community organizations, private corporations and individuals) to help students meet the cost of attending college. The Medical Assisting program is eligible for financial aid.  Consult with a Financial Aid Advisor for additional information.

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17. I'm interested in starting the Medical Assisting program. What is my next step?

1. If you have any additional questions about the Medical Assisting program you should contact Shelley St. Aubin, Admissions Counselor at 919-747-0102 or sjstaubi@waketech.edu.. To obtain an application, schedule placement tests, or for other administrative services contact the Office of Admissions and Advising at 919-866-5500.

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