Program to combine lecture, externship for fast-track learning
KENNESAW, Ga. (Aug. 22, 2013) – As healthcare careers continue to be in high demand, training is more important than ever. A new Medical Assisting Certificateprogram at KSU’s College of Continuing and Professional Education will prepare students to enter the healthcare industry with a competitive edge.
KSU’s program begins Oct. 14, 2013, and ends Dec. 11, 2014. Successful completion of the course will prepare students to perform clinical and administrative tasks in the offices of physicians, chiropractors and other health practitioners while taking patient medical histories, checking vital signs, performing laboratory tests and administering injections.
Andrea Cochran, KSU’s Medical Assisting program manager, said this program provides accelerated training and a clinical externship for a well-rounded educational experience.
“This program covers a broad base of skills,” Cochran said. “With our program, you won’t have to register each quarter or take extra classes. Our fast-track program focuses on the student and medical training skills. We also offer evening classes to fit busy daytime schedules.”
The classroom component of the program includes lecture mixed with hands-on training. Students will learn how to capture vital signs and measurements, perform venipunctures, laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, and assist with examinations and procedures. After completing the classroom coursework, students will participate in an offsite clinical externship at multiple locations.
Instructors for the Medical Assisting Certificate program are all healthcare professionals with a total of 95 years of experience. One of those instructors, Kathy Barnett, RN, said, “Medical assisting is a very rewarding field. Georgia is among the 10 states with the most medical assisting jobs available. There is a high demand for this job in the state.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 31% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The certificate program is also a step in preparing for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam. Overall, the college’s graduates boast a 94% passing rate on national certification exams, 16 points higher than the state average, in a variety of subject areas.
The cost for the Medical Assisting Certificate program is $7,999. This program qualifies for a payment plan option, and post-9/11 veterans are eligible for VA Education Benefits.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalency, working knowledge of computers, and Internet and computer access. A skills assessment will also be administered, and all students must pass a background check and drug test.
“KSU’s continuing education has a proven record of success. They have proven themselves as leaders in the community,” Barnett said. “Employers are really seeking students at KSU because of its reputation.”
For more information on the Medical Assisting Certificate program, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/healthcare, email cehealthcare@kennesaw.edu or call 770-423-6765.