Whatcom offers the following degree and certificate:
Degree:
 Associate in Science (AS) - Medical Assisting
Certificate:
 Medical Assisting

 

Note: Core course requirements are listed alphabetically, not in the order they should be taken. Core medical assisting classes must be taken in the prescribed sequence.

Prerequisites

Planning prerequisite courses can be complicated. Without all of the information or a plan, you risk wasting your time and money. After attending an information session, schedule an appointment with your advisor to help you plan a sequence of courses for your unique circumstances. If you intend to take any non-core medical assisting program courses somewhere other than WCC, check with an academic advisor regarding the transferability.

A minimum grade of C (2.0 GPA) or “S” is required in each prerequisite and general education course. Applicants with higher grades will have a higher consideration for acceptance. In particular, note the following competencies and other considerations that are required prior to entering the medical assisting degree or certificate program:

  • Placement into MATH 98 or above, or completion of MATH 96* or above. Math assessments are available by appointment. Call the Entry and Advising Center at 360.383.3080 or the Testing Center at 360.383.3050 to schedule an appointment.
    • *Note: MATH 96 is no longer offered; however, it satisfies this prerequisite for students who have already successfully completed it with a minimum grade of C (2.0 GPA).
  • ENGL& 101, English Composition 1 (or equivalent)
  • MA 113, Introduction to Medical Computing or BIS 101, Introduction to Business Computing
  • CMST& 210, Interpersonal Communications or CMST 145, Introduction to Organizational Communication
  • MA 101, Medical Terminology

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Associate in Science (AS) - Medical Assisting

The medical assisting degree prepares students to perform a broad range of administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of a physician/provider in a doctor's office or other medical setting.

Course requirements (effective fall 2015)

 Prerequisites Credits
 Placement into MATH 98 or above or completion of MATH 96 or above; and completion of prerequisite courses required prior to enrolling in core requirements.
  
 ENGL& 101
  English Composition I (CM)
  5
 MA 113
  Introduction to Medical Computing
  3
 or BIS 101
  Introduction to Business Computing
  
 CMST& 210
  Interpersonal Communication (HR)
  3 or 5
 or CMST 145
  Introduction to Organizational Communication (HR)
  
 MA 101
  Medical Terminology
  2
 Subtotal  13-15
 Core Requirements (courses are listed alphabetically)
  Credits
 MA 108
  Medical Law and Ethics
  2
 MA 119
  Medical Insurances and Finances (CP)
  4
 MA 120
  Clinical Procedures I
  6
 MA 121
  Clinical Procedures II
  6
 MA 122
  Communications in Health Care Systems (HR)
  4
 MA 123
  The Medical Office and Electronic Records
  5
 MA 124
  Computerized Medical Billing
  3
 MA 127
  Clinical Anatomy and Pathophysiology I
  6
 MA 128
  Clinical Anatomy and Pathophysiology II
  6
 MA 131
  Clinical Procedures III
  3
 MA 135
  Medical Procedural Coding
  3
 MA 136
  Pharmacology (CP)
  4
 MA 137
  Pharmacology Lab
  2
 MA 140
  Practicum  6
 MA 142
  Practicum Seminar
  2
 MA 155
  Medical Diagnostic Coding
  3
 Subtotal  65
 General Education Requirements / Related Instruction  Credits
 Any MATH course numbered 100 or above
  5
 or BUSAD 100
  Business Math (CP)
  
 or Any college level course designated as Computation on the Related Instruction list (CP)
  
 ELECTIVES - Any college level courses numbered 100 or above
  7
 Subtotal  12
 Total  90-92

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Certificate - Medical Assisting

The medical assisting certificate prepares students to perform a broad range of administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of a physician/provider in a doctor's office or other medical setting.

Course requirements (effective fall 2012)

Prerequisites Credits
Placement into MATH 98 or above or completion of MATH 96 or above; and completion of prerequisite courses required prior to enrolling in core requirements.
ENGL& 101
 English Composition I (CM)
 5
MA 113
 Introduction to Medical Computing
 3
or BIS 101
 Introduction to Business Computing
CMST& 210
 Interpersonal Communication (HR)
 3 or 5
or CMST 145
 Introduction to Organizational Communication (HR)
MA 101
 Medical Terminology
 2
Subtotal 13-15
Core Requirements (courses are listed alphabetically)
 Credits
MA 108
 Medical Law and Ethics
 2
MA 119
 Medical Insurances and Finances (CP)
 4
MA 120
 Clinical Procedures I
 6
MA 121
 Clinical Procedures II
 6
MA 122
 Communications in Health Care Systems (HR)
 4
MA 123
 The Medical Office and Electronic Records
 5
MA 124
 Computerized Medical Billing
 3
MA 127
 Clinical Anatomy and Pathophysiology I
 6
MA 128
 Clinical Anatomy and Pathophysiology II
 6
MA 131
 Clinical Procedures III
 3
MA 135
 Medical Procedural Coding
 3
MA 136
 Pharmacology (CP)
 4
MA 137
 Pharmacology Lab
 2
MA 140
 Practicum 6
MA 142
 Practicum Seminar
 2
MA 155
 Medical Diagnostic Coding
 3
Subtotal 65
Total 78-80

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