Associate of Science, Medical Assisting

OVERVIEW
Outstanding job prospects, a professional work environment, advancement opportunities—the benefits of a medical assisting career are clear. With the health care industry continuing to expand, medical facilities throughout the country are in need of knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate medical assistants. Medical assistants have a great amount of variety in their jobs and are cross-trained to perform many administrative and clinical duties. Whether it’s answering the phone, scheduling patients, drawing blood work, or assisting the physician with complicated procedures, medical assistants keep the office pace smooth and steady while wearing many different hats. Medical assistants are instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the doctor’s office and often explain the physician’s instructions. If you have good communication skills and are often appreciated for your caring manner, then you might be well suited for a career in medical assisting. QVCC’s Medical Assisting program includes a clinical externship designed to give you comprehensive real-world work experience.

The Associate of Science in Medical Assisting degree is 60 credits and many students are able to complete the program in 2.5 years.

CAREER OUTLOOK
Our graduates have obtained employment in over 25 different medical facilities in Northeast Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Employment is expected to grow, and the Department of Labor projects that it will be one of the fasting growing occupations from 2018 to 2026.

Many graduates from this program have chosen to continue their studies post-graduation. Some options include:

• Obtained nursing degrees (Both ASN and BSN);
• Transferred to Eastern Connecticut State University and obtained degrees in: social work, biology, and education;
• Applied to physician assistant programs.