Medical Assisting Associate's Degree
View courses and cost per credit for our Medical Assisting Associate's degree. Medical Assisting courses, course names, and cost per credit may vary by location. Download your state-specific catalog for more information.
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Medical Assisting Associate's Degree Course List
Major and Core Courses
Computer Applications and Business Systems Concepts
This course teaches students basic to advanced computer concepts and skills, including creating and modifying Word documents, designing databases, spreadsheet creation and analysis, using the Internet and E-Commerce tools, and creating presentations with enhanced features and web tools. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: D132 |
Career Development
This course is designed to study the personal and professional characteristics necessary for obtaining and maintaining suitable employment. The student will assemble a complete job-seeking portfolio including his/her resume and references, letters of application and appreciation, documentation of work and educational history, and demonstration of skills through examples of student work. The course includes an in-depth study of self-marketing approaches, job interviewing techniques and professionalism as well as participation in a mock interview. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: E242 |
Structure and Function of the Human Body
This course provides a working knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. A general introduction to cells and tissues is followed by study of the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems. The student is introduced to the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G150 |
Customer Service in Healthcare
This will prepare students to deliver outstanding customer service in a healthcare setting by providing them with an understanding of the factors that influence the perceptions of external and internal customers. Topics covered in this course include; the psychology of patients, customer service in a diverse world, listening skills and effective communication techniques. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: M100 |
Medical Terminology
This is a basic medical vocabulary-building course. An emphasis will be placed on the most common medical terms based on prefixes and suffixes, Latin and Greek origins, and anatomic roots denoting body structures. All body systems will be covered with a focus on word parts, terms built from word parts, abbreviations, and basic disease and surgical terms. Students will be expected to focus on spelling and pronunciation. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: M120 |
Medical Law and Ethics
A study of the United States legal system and court process with emphasis on legal and ethical issues within the healthcare environment. Fraud and abuse, patient privacy and confidentiality, and professional practice law and ethics will be covered. The course will include a project that is specific to the student's program of study. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: M230 |
Pathophysiology
Students will learn basic concepts and terminology related to diseases and disorders of the human body. Focus is on the structure, nature, causes, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology and treatment of common diseases of selected human body systems. Prerequisite: Human Anatomy and Physiology I or Structure and Function of the Human Body | Course ID: M232 |
Electronic Health Records and Medical Office Procedures
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the administrative duties performed in the medical office. Concepts covered include: preparing, filing and maintaining medical records; knowledge of the various types of health insurance coverage, coding and reimbursement; confidentiality and guidelines for releasing health information; and effective oral and written communication skills. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: M270 |
Introduction to Medical Assisting
This course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the Medical Assisting profession and the skills necessary to be successful both in the Medical Assisting program and profession. During this course, students will complete a Programmatic Orientation and be exposed to basic Medical Assisting skills such as professionalism, vital signs and CPR/First Aid. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: MA102 |
Clinical Skills I
In this course students will begin their study of the essential and basic core of front-office and back-office medical-assisting skills. They will learn the basics of the medical-assisting profession, and will master knowledge and skills including communication and technology, patient centered care, safety and emergency plans, patient assessments and encounters, medical documentation, medication administration, asepsis and infection control, vital signs, and diagnostic procedures. They will follow applied-learning approaches to all skill-development and performance objectives. Pre or Co-requisites: Human Anatomy and Physiology I; Medical Terminology; Attendance of Programmatic Orientation in first quarter | Course ID: MA110 |
Pharmacology for the Allied Health Professional
This course is designed for a variety of allied health programs requiring an understanding of pharmacology. It attempts to present a basic rationale for understanding current drug therapy. This course presents drugs according to their therapeutic applications. Pertinent physiology and related diseases are reviewed before the pharmacology of the drug is discussed. The approach by body system in this course serves to provide the necessary background information and to refresh the student's memory of previously learned material through which the therapeutic action of the drugs can be clearly understood. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology; Human Anatomy and Physiology I, or Structure and Function of the Human Body | Course ID: MA135 |
Clinical Skills II
Students will continue their study of the essential and basic core of back-office medical assisting skills. They will master knowledge and skills including patient examination and assessment, performing electrocardiography, performing venipuncture, performing medication administration, minor surgical procedures, procedures for medical emergencies, first aid and CPR, and behaviors influencing health. They will also learn basic steps for finding employment and advancing in their careers. Students will follow applied-learning approaches to all skill development and performance objectives. Prerequisite: Clinical Skills I Pre- or Co-requisite: Human Anatomy and Physiology II | Course ID: MA145 |
Laboratory Skills for Medical Assisting
In this course students will study medical laboratory procedures and techniques that are significant to medical and laboratory assistants and other healthcare professionals. They will learn about laboratory equipment and safety, and issues of patient confidentiality. They will learn to collect specimen samples by venipuncture and patient instruction and perform laboratory procedures including urinalysis and hematology, chemistry, immunology, and microbiology testing. Prerequisite: Clinical Skills II Pre- or Co-requisite: Pathophysiology | Course ID: MA225 |
Radiography Skills
A comprehensive study for limited scope of practice in radiography. Skills and processes covered will be: radiation protection, equipment operation and quality control, image production and evaluation, and patient care and education, along with radiographic procedure modules that will cover each anatomic region. The course is designed to prepare students for the examination for Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography and possible employment as an X-ray operator. Prerequisite: Human Anatomy and Physiology II | Course ID: MA250 |
Medical Assistant Externship
In conjunction with a Medical Assisting Capstone, students will complete 240 hours of a Medical Assisting training experience in a physician’s office/clinic or medical center. While on the clinical site, the extern will perform medical-assisting job duties in both the front-office administrative and the back-office clinical areas, in order to develop on-the-job learning skills. Under no circumstances will the student extern receive pay for the externship hours worked. Prerequisites: Completed series of Hepatitis B immunizations; Completion of a 2-Step Mantoux screening test within 6 months of starting externship; Completion of all immunizations or verifications of immunity required by program and site; Successful completion of background check (clear background check obtained); Attendance at Rasmussen College Externship meeting held by Program Coordinator; Attendance at externship site orientation (if required by site); Successful completion of all Medical Assisting core courses except Career Development and Seminar courses; Approval of Medical Assisting Program Coordinator | Course ID: MA265 |
Medical Assisting Capstone
In conjunction with the Medical Assisting Externship (MA265), students will complete an online Medical Assisting Capstone course. In this course, students will learn job-search techniques and skills for entry-level medical assistants as well as share and learn from their externship experiences with the class. Students will also prepare to sit for a Medical Assisting credential examination during this course (either he CMA or RMA depending on campus accreditation status). Prerequisite: none Co-requisite Medical Assisting Externship | Course ID: MA285 |
General Education Courses
English Composition (Required course)
English Composition
This course is designed to guide students in understanding the writing process and developing their ability to write and express ideas in an organized, unified, and coherent manner. Students will produce college-level writing that reflects awareness of rhetorical strategies, writing purpose, student voice, and appropriate grammar, punctuation, and usage skills. Through reading, writing, discussion, research, and collaboration, students will practice effective writing and apply course concepts. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Foundation coursework or placement determined by Rasmussen College entrance placement exam score | Course ID: G124 |
Communication (Select 1 course)
English Composition 2
This course builds on students' understanding of the writing process through an exploration of various writing strategies and research. Students will analyze readings and apply critical reading and writing skills. This course will develop argumentative writing and application of research. Prerequisite: English Composition | Course ID: G126A |
Introduction to Communication
The course will introduce students to basic models and theories of the communication process. Students will learn about a variety of elements involved in communication. They will also explore how factors such as race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and gender influence communication. Students will focus on developing an awareness of the effects of various types of communication on themselves and others. They will also develop practical skills for improving their ability to communicate in personal, social and professional contexts. Specific topics will include perception, self-concept, verbal and nonverbal communication, effective listening and communicating in culturally diverse settings. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Foundation coursework or placement determined by Rasmussen College entrance placement exam score | Course ID: G141 |
Oral Communication
This course will present students with a broad understanding of communication in a variety of contexts. Students will learn the processes and strategies of oral communication by exploring speech anxiety, audience analysis, and organizational speech patterns. Students will research, use supporting materials, and use effective language to develop and present a narrative, informative and persuasive speech. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G227 |
Humanities (Select 2 courses)
Humanities
This course investigates human creative achievement. It is designed to increase the student's understanding and appreciation of cultural literacy and the pursuit of humanitarian goals. Representative disciplines may include art, music, literature, architecture, drama, and philosophy. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G125 |
Film Appreciation
Students will study different elements, forms, techniques and styles of film and will learn a critical approach to film and the motion picture industry. Students will critique films and filmmakers through various approaches and assessments that demonstrate analysis, interpretation, and evaluation skills as well as fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of film as an art form. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G145 |
Art Appreciation
Students will examine the historical, social, and technological factors that contribute to understanding the function and meaning of art in this course. Using a global and thematic approach, students will be introduced to the basic elements of art, while learning about a full range of media used to make art, and the fundamental concepts of art criticism. Western and non-Western art is represented, with a strong emphasis on a global perspective in relation to culture, communication, politics, and economics. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G147 |
Creative Writing
This course will develop the student's talents in creative writing. Various forms of writing will be studied, such as short stories, novels, poems, plays and non-fiction. Works by students and others will be critiqued. Students will also develop editorial skills so that each writer may revise and improve his/her work. Students will compose a minimum of 6000 words over the course of the program. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Foundation coursework or placement determined by Rasmussen College entrance placement exam score | Course ID: G201 |
Introduction to Critical Thinking
A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in a traditional, language-centered context rather than a symbolic context. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements. Logical analysis is applied to concrete problems dealing with our knowledge of reality. Prerequisite: English Composition | Course ID: G224 |
Introduction to Literature
This course offers an introduction to the most common literary genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and literary non-fiction. Students will study the basic elements of each genre, learn how to compare genres, become familiar with sample texts that illustrate the particularities of each genre, and practice the skills of analyzing and writing about literary texts. Reading and analysis of texts will include a variety of literary forms and periods. Students will engage in approaches to determine literary meaning, form, and value. Prerequisite: none [English Composition recommended] | Course ID: G230 |
Conversational Spanish
This course focuses on common words and phrases students need to develop a working vocabulary which will enable them to communicate with Spanish-speaking individuals in their personal and professional lives. Although oral communication is stressed, included is an overview of Spanish grammar, phonetic pronunciation and Hispanic culture. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G238 |
Math/Natural Sciences (Select 2 courses)
Structure and Function of the Human Body
This course provides a working knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. A general introduction to cells and tissues is followed by study of the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems. The student is introduced to the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G150 |
Scientific Literacy
In this course students will explore the role that science plays in the world. Students will survey different natural sciences such as: biology, health sciences, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology; as well as analyze specific case studies from these fields. Throughout the course students will develop their scientific reasoning skills. They will learn about the scientific method as well as how to detect common fallacies and misuses of science. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G152 |
General Education Mathematics
This course introduces students to topics from modern mathematics that are relevant to everyday life and not typically covered in the standard college math sequence. Students will be exposed to a variety of mathematical tools from diverse branches of mathematics. They will utilize these tools to solve interesting real-world problems. Topics may include, but are not limited to, game theory, graph theory, the mathematics of growth, applications of geometry, probability, and statistics. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Foundation coursework or placement determined by Rasmussen College entrance placement exam score | Course ID: G180 |
Introduction to Human Biology
Students will explore fundamental concepts of human biology. They will examine cell structure and function, body systems, and biochemistry. They will also learn basic concepts of genetics and evolution. Students will explore the relationship of human populations and the ecosystem. Students will complete laboratory exercise coordinated with course content. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G215 |
College Algebra
This course provides students with the skills to achieve mastery of algebraic terminology and applications including, but not limited to, real number operations, variables, polynomials, integer exponents, graphs, factoring, quadratic equations, and word problems. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Foundation coursework or placement determined by Rasmussen College entrance placement exam score | Course ID: G233 |
Introduction to Astronomy
Examines astronomical phenomena and concepts, including the solar system, stars and galaxies, planetary motions, atoms and radiation, and the origin and evolution of the universe. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G239 |
Introduction to Geology
Examines basic geologic principles from a physical or historical perspective. Includes such topics as the formation of rocks and minerals; internal and external processes modifying the earth's surface and phenomena; and the evolutionary history of the earth, including its life forms, oceans and atmosphere. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G245 |
Social Sciences (*Required, select 1 additional course)
Introduction to Sociology
This course introduces students to basic sociology terms and concepts. Students will understand how to apply sociological concepts and theories and analyze the structure and relationships of social institutions and the process of social change. Students will explore a variety of topics of sociological interest, including socialization, social inequality, social movements, and the impact of technology and social change on society. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G142 |
Human Geography
This course will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G146 |
General Psychology
This course will provide students with a general understanding of basic methodologies, concepts, theories, and practices in contemporary psychology. Areas of investigation may include the goals and research methodologies of psychology, the science of the brain, theories of human development and intelligence, concepts of motivation and emotions, the science of sensation and perceptions, and the current practices pertaining to psychological disorders, therapies, and treatments. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G148* |
Technology and Society
Students will examine the relationships, benefits, historical significance, and effects technology has on society. This course will investigate the local, national and global impact of technology on both individual and global cultures. This course introduces students to basic diversity and technology terms and concepts. Students will examine the influences that emerging technologies have on diversity awareness, the digital divide, and intercultural knowledge. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G149 |
Understanding Cultures
This course is a comparative study of societies and cultures around the world and the cultures within the United States, focusing on the effects of ethnicity and race on African Americans, Latino, Asian American and Native Americans living in the United States. Topics include family, marriage, power, religion, values, inequality, social organization, language, social stratification, economic processes, conflicts and cultural and social change over time. Examples will be drawn from Africa, South America, North America, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G200 |
Macroeconomics
In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of macroeconomics, which deals with the economy as a whole. An overview of the American economy will be explored through a study of basic supply and demand analysis and a review of fiscal and monetary policy to phases of the business cycle. Unemployment, inflation, GDP, and policy decisions which affect the American economy at home and abroad will be covered. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G203 |
Microeconomics
Students will be introduced to the field of microeconomics in this course, including theories of production, determination of prices, and distribution of income in regulated and unregulated industries. Other topics may include industrial relations, monopolies, and comparative economic systems. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G204 |
American/U.S. National Government
This course presents the development and evolution of the American national government with emphasis on the structures and processes of our representative democracy, including its ties to culture, politics and policies, political parties, and state and local governments. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G242 |
United States History: 1900 to the Present
This course provides an overview of the history of the United States during the 20th century up until the present day. The political, social, and economic aspects of this time will be explored amid a variety of human cultures, values, and perspectives within the United States. Prerequisite: none | Course ID: G270 |
Foundation Courses
Reading and Writing Strategies
This course develops students' reading and writing skills in preparation for college-level coursework. Through review of grammar, punctuation, and the writing process, students will enhance their ability to compose sentences, paragraphs, and short essays. The study of active reading strategies will provide students with the tools necessary for comprehending collegiate level texts. Prerequisite: Placement determined by Rasmussen College entrance placement exam score | Course ID: B080 |
Practical Math
Mathematics is learned through communication. In this course, students will learn to communicate how problems are solved and how solving problems can be applied in real-world settings. Students will have opportunities to learn multiple problem solving strategies. This course also provides practice and skill problems. Prerequisite: Placement determined by Rasmussen College entrance placement exam score | Course ID: B087 |
Total Associate's Degree Credits
General Education Credits: 32
Major and Core Credits: 59
Total AAS Degree Credits: 91*
* Credit totals do not include Foundation Courses. Students must either demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in Foundation Courses through a Rasmussen College entrance placement exam or by successful completion of Foundation Courses.
Student Investment Disclosure
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Outcome
Our on-time completion and placement rates exceed the national averages of 22% and 74%, respectively. With our SUPPORT+ team members working one-on-one with you, including our student advisors and career services advisors, we help support your success. Contact a program manager to learn more about how you can become a Rasmussen College graduate.
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Loan and Financial Aid
Our SUPPORT+ team will help you complete your financial aid application and review your financial aid award letter. Contact a financial services advisor to discuss your individual needs and goals.
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Full-Time Tuition and Fees
The tuition shown is the full tuition cost and does not reflect scholarships, grants, loans, or any credit transfers-all of which can lower your tuition cost. Contact a program manager to discuss your unique situation and tuition costs for your degree.
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SOC Code
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) provides a representation of occupations for which graduates typically find employment
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) provides a representation of occupations for which graduates typically find employment
