What is Medical Assisting?
Are you interested in working in the health care industry? You may be interested in a career as a Medical Assistant. A Medical Assistant is an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in the administrative office (including knowledge in electronic medical records and paper-based records), the examining room and the physician office laboratory. The Medical Assistant, also a liaison between the doctor and the patient, is of vital importance to the success of the medical practice. An individual in this versatile career may perform the following clinical duties according to state law:
- Taking medical histories and recording vital signs
- Performing electrocardiograms and venipunctures
- Administering injections and immunizations
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients for examination
- Assisting the physician during examinations
Students will be prepared to take the Registered Medical Assistant national certification examination through the American Medical Technologists upon graduation.
Why choose Medical Assisting?
Hear first hand from some medical assistants at Cincinnati Children's Hospital!
What are my career options?
Medical Assistant find employment in physician offices, outpatient clinics, and other ambulatory health care facilities. As health care continues to expand, the demand for medical assistants is growing much faster than the average for all other occupations.
- St. Elizabeth Physicians
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center
- The Christ Hospital
- UC Health
- The Urology Group
- Seven Hills
- Tri-Health
- Private Practices
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
| Medical Assisting - AAS: 60-67 Total credit hours | Academic Plan |
| Medical Assisting - Certificate: 38-44 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | Academic Plan |
| Phlebotomist - Certificate: 4-9 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | Academic Plan |
Phlebotomist - A Phlebotomy Technician (Phlebotomist) is an integral member of a medical laboratory team whose primary function is the collection of blood samples from patients by venipuncture or micro-techniques. The Phlebotomist facilitates the collection and transportation of laboratory specimens and is often the patient's only contact with the medical laboratory. The need to assure quality and patient safety requires strict professional behavior and standards of practice for Phlebotomists. Phlebotomists must be accurate, work well under pressure and communicate effectively. They must be able to calm and comfort patients throughout the procedure. They must follow safety precautions to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Students will be prepared to take the Registered Phlebotomy Technician national certification examination through the American Medical Technologists upon graduation. For more specific information about the program and clinical documents required send us an email.
Certification Exam Outcomes
| Year | Gateway Students | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 89% | 81% |
| 2018 | 100% | 79% |
| 2019 | 100% | 84% |
| 2020 | 87% | 77% |
| 2021 | 100% | 73% |
| Year | Gateway Students | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 96% | 87% |
| 2018 | 91% | 85.2% |
| 2019 | 90% | 86% |
| 2020 | 92% | 83% |
| 2021 | 100% | 81% |
Additional Information
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status. You can earn a medical assisting certificate in one year.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
