Contact Information:
Kim Brennan
Coordinator/Instructor
brennank@bartonccc.edu
(620) 792-9326
or Jane Howard, Executive Director of Business, Technology & Community Education howardj@bartonccc.edu
(620)792-9208
Life Challenge Moves Larned's Thomson to Medical Assistant Career - click here to read more.
Medical Assistant
What is a Medical Assistant?
The medical assistant is a professional, multi-skilled individual trained to assist physicians, work in a medical clinic and some areas of the hospital or laboratory. Students learn to measure and record vital signs, take medical histories, administer medications, sterilize instruments, assist with minor office surgeries, and handle emergencies. Students also learn to obtain blood samples, perform routine office laboratory procedures and electrocardiograms, and instruct patients in preparation for x-ray and laboratory procedures. In the administrative area, students learn to schedule and receive patients, handle telephone calls, type correspondence, reports, manuscripts, perform medical transcription, process insurance forms, handle office accounts, fees, and collections.
Occupational Outlook
In the year 2000, Kansas employed 2,750 medical assistants. That number is projected to grow to 4,620 by the year 2010, making medical assistants the fastest growing occupation over the next 4 years.
Course Offerings
The Medical Assistant program at Barton offers a 68 credit-hour Associate in Applied Science degree program. The courses are comprised of general education, administrative, and clinical courses. Because the majority of the students in this program are working adults, the program offers classes available in a evening hybrid (50% online and 50% in the classroom) format or online. During the final semester, students will also complete an internship in an ambulatory health care setting.
