Medical Assistant
- Technical Diploma
Program Number:
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As a medical assistant (MA), you would be an indispensable member of a healthcare team, directly assisting a physician or RN. This program prepares you for an active role in providing care-assisting with examinations, carrying out select medical and diagnostic procedures, collecting specimens, and performing routine laboratory tests.
The program focuses on laboratory and clinical procedures, insurance and finance, medical terminology, and skills to keep a medical office running smoothly. You'll also get valuable on-the-job experience. Graduates become medical assistants, laboratory assistants, phlebotomists, insurance clerks, and electrocardiogram technicians in a variety of medical settings.
Read our blog to get a glimpse into a day in the life of a Medical Assistant [1].
For information about Western’s Medical Assistant program retention and pass rates, please click here [2].
To view the Medical Assistant program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [3].
Medical Assistant 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 101 |
| Graduates Responding | 47 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 28 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 1 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 15 |
| Not in Labor Market | 18 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 7 | 5 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 27 | 45 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $18.73 | $18.38 |
| Hourly Wage Range | $17.96-$20.00 | $17.22-$20.00 |
| Average Annual Salary |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Medical Assistant/Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Assistant, Medical Assistant
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- Perform medical office administrative functions
- Provide patient care in accordance with regulations, policies, laws, and patient rights
- Perform medical laboratory procedures
- Demonstrate professionalism in a healthcare setting
- Demonstrate safety and emergency practices in a healthcare setting
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
Application:
Application Fee:
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Program Specific Requirements
To enroll in the Medical Assistant program, first apply for admission to the College, then electronically sign the program's Technical Standards and complete a background check. You can find links to these documents below.
- Medical Assistant Technical Standards [4]
- Background Check [5]
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
Software and Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [8].
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [9].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [10] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [11]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [12].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [13] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [14]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Accreditation
The Medical Assistant program at Western Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org [15]), upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs
9355 – 113th St. N. #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org [16]
Additional Information
Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the documents/links below:
- Program Retention and Pass Rates [2]
- Supplemental Information [17]
- Occupational Risks [18]
- Advanced Placement [19]
- Transfer of Credits [20]
- Credits for Prior Learning [21]
Program Contact
Julie Czaplewski
Program Chair, Medical Assistant
608-789-6175
CzaplewskiJ@westerntc.edu [22]
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [23] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [24] self-service portal for academic planning.