Medical Assisting AAS Degree
The Medical Assisting Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at Red Rocks Community College offers an advanced pathway for students seeking to become Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) and prepare for further specialization in healthcare programs such as Radiologic Technology (Rad Tech) and Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). The AAS degree builds on the Medical Assisting Certificate by integrating additional general education and healthcare fundamentals coursework, equipping graduates with a broader skill set for leadership roles or advanced educational opportunities.
• Accreditation Excellence: The Medical Assisting Program at RRCC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), ensuring the highest educational standards. For more details, visit www.caahep.org. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs https://www.caahep.org. 9355 - 113th St. N. #7709 Seminole, FL 33775 Phone: (727) 210-2350.
• National Credentialing: Upon completion, students can sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) National Exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), earning a nationally recognized credential. For more information about the CMA credential, visit www.aama-ntl.org.
Program Requirements:
• Background Check & Health/Drug Screen: All program students must complete and pass a criminal background check and health/drug screen at their expense through the current approved RRCC background check and drug screen program. This must be completed early in the semester that precedes the internship.
• Immunizations & Health Forms: Students must provide proof of all required immunizations and submit a physician-signed approval/health form in their final semester. Proof of Hepatitis B immunization is required on day one of MAP 2038\2040 courses. (Further details on the requirements above will be given during the MAP 2038/2040 course).
• Required Supplies: Students must have a watch (not a smartwatch), a personal blood pressure cuff/stethoscope, and black scrubs for the program.
Stacked Certificate Option
The Stacked Certificate Option allows students to earn multiple certifications within the Medical Assisting program. By substituting specific coursework and completing an additional internship, students can achieve the following certifications:
• Medical Assisting Certificate
• Phlebotomy Certificate (requires an additional 135-hour internship)
• Medical Office Administration Certificate
Graduates who complete the Phlebotomy Certificate are eligible to sit for the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) National Certification Exam through the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Students interested in this option should meet with a Healthcare Pathway Advisor to ensure proper course planning. For more details about the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certification, visit AMT.
Suggested Course Planning Advisory:
• It is strongly suggested that all Medical Assistant students meet with a designated Healthcare Pathway Advisor PRIOR to registering for any MAP courses to avoid delays.
• The Medical Assistant program follows a sequential, cohort-based structure to meet accreditation requirements. All courses within the program must be taken in the designated order and completed consecutively. Students should plan accordingly to meet these requirements.
The Program Director must approve the sequencing of MAP classes outside of the set cohort schedule.
The Medical Assisting AAS degree allows students to advance their careers, gain multiple certifications, and seamlessly transition into advanced healthcare programs. With its comprehensive curriculum, interprofessional education opportunities, and strategic pathway alignment, this program prepares graduates for long-term success in the dynamic healthcare field.
Requirements
Required Courses
| COM 1260 | Communication in Healthcare | 3 |
| HPR 1008 | Law & Ethics for Health Prof | 2 |
| HPR 1040 | Comprehensive Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MAP 1010 | Medical Office Administration | 4 |
| MAP 2038 | Medical Assisting Laboratory | 4 |
| MAP 2040 | Medical Assist Clinical Skills | 4 |
| MAP 1050 | Pharmacology- Medical Assistants | 3 |
| MAP 1083 | Medical Assistant Internship | 5 |
| HWE 1050 | Human Nutrition | 3 |
| MAP 2069 | Review for Medical Assistant National Exam | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 32 |
General Education Courses
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: CO1 | 3 |
| MAT 1240 | Math for Liberal Arts: GT-MA1 | 4 |
| BIO 1111 | GenBio I: Molecular & Cellular Biology w/Lab: GT-SC1 | 5 |
| BIO 2101 | Human Anatomy & Phys I w/Lab: SC1 | 4 |
| BIO 2102 | Human Anatomy & Phys II w/Lab: SC1 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 20 |
And choose from any two of the following three areas for a total of 9 credits:
Arts & Humanities: ARA, ART, ASL, FRE, GER, HUM, ITA, JPN, LIT, MUS, PHI, RUS, SPA, THE (1000 and above)
Physical and Life Sciences: AST, BIO, CHE, ENV, GEY, MET, NRE, PHY, SCI (1000 and above)
Social and Behavioral Science: ARG, ANT, ECO, GEO, GIS, HIS, POS, PSY, SOC (1000 and above).
Plus
one additional course if necessary from any of the above areas.
General education courses may only apply to one category for graduation.
Total Credit Hours: 61