Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting (AAS-MA)
Prepare for a Career in Clinical and Administrative Healthcare Support
The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting (AAS-MA) Program at NWSC prepares students for entry-level careers in healthcare settings including physicians’ offices, clinics, urgent care centers, specialty practices, and hospitals. Medical assistants are essential members of the healthcare team who provide both clinical and administrative support under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals.
This program is designed for both new students entering the healthcare field and graduates of NWSC’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program who wish to advance their education and career opportunities. The curriculum builds a strong foundation in clinical procedures, administrative healthcare operations, patient care, and medical office management.
Students gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare competencies such as vital signs measurement, patient intake, clinical assisting procedures, laboratory specimen collection, appointment scheduling, medical records management, billing support, and professional communication within healthcare environments.
Emphasis is placed on patient-centered care, professionalism, medical ethics, legal responsibilities, and effective communication with patients and healthcare teams.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree.
Program Snapshot
Detail | Information |
Credential Awarded | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting |
Total Credit Hours | 64 Credit Hours |
Duration | Designed to Be Completed in 5 Semester or Within 2 Years |
Format | On Campus with Day, Evening, and Weekend Classes |
Program Start | Enrollments every Fall, Winter, and Summer Terms |
Program Overview
The AAS in Medical Assisting Program prepares students to function as multi-skilled healthcare professionals capable of performing both clinical and administrative duties in a variety of healthcare environments.
Students develop competencies in patient intake and vital signs recording; clinical assisting procedures and patient preparation; basic laboratory specimen collection and testing support; medication administration assistance; medical office administration and scheduling; electronic and paper medical records management; billing, coding correspondence, and healthcare documentation; medical ethics, legal principles, and professional conduct; and healthcare communication and patient interaction.
The program integrates classroom instruction, laboratory training, and externship experience to ensure students are prepared for real-world healthcare practice.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes general education coursework and specialized medical assisting courses designed to prepare students for entry-level healthcare careers.
General Education Coursework
Students complete coursework in English composition and communication, speech communication, mathematics, psychology and sociology, humanities and fine arts, and biological sciences. These courses strengthen critical thinking, communication, cultural awareness, and foundational scientific knowledge essential for healthcare practice.
Core Medical Assisting Coursework
Course Code | Course Name |
BIO 104 | Medical Terminology |
BIO 201 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I |
BIO 202 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II |
HS 200 | Introduction to Healthcare |
MA 110 | Medical Law & Ethics |
MA 111 | Administrative Medical Assisting I |
MA 112 | Administrative Medical Assisting II |
MA 113 | Clinical Medical Assisting I |
MA 114 | Clinical Medical Assisting II |
MA 117 | Medical Assisting Externship |
Externship Training
The Medical Assisting externship provides supervised hands-on experience in a real healthcare environment. Students apply clinical and administrative skills under professional supervision.
Externship training strengthens:
- Clinical competency
- Patient communication skills
- Professional behavior and ethics
- Healthcare workflow understanding
- Administrative efficiency
- Career readiness
Medical Assistant Certificate Transfer Credit Pathway
Graduates of NWSC’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program may be eligible to transfer previously completed coursework into the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting (AAS-MA) Program. This pathway supports academic progression, reduces duplication of coursework, and allows students to build upon previously completed clinical and administrative training. Contact your advisor to learn more.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Students in the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting Program may apply for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) from work experience to MA 117/Medical Assistant Externship. To learn more, contact the Dean of Academic & Student Affairs.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the AAS in Medical Assisting Program will be able to:
- Serve as a multifunctional member of the healthcare team by providing valuable service and support.
- Utilize administrative and clinical competencies to assist in procedures.
- Utilize competencies in a variety of healthcare settings, including but not limited to doctors’ offices, laboratories, free-standing clinics, and hospitals.
- Apply legal and ethical concepts to the medical practice.
- Join the workforce as a trained multi-skilled professional who can fulfill many roles in a modern-day healthcare environment and allow the training to open unique opportunities for advancement in any area of healthcare (continuing education), professional growth, and personal satisfaction.
- Understand diverse perspectives and communicate professionally with all members of the healthcare team and patients.
Occupational Objectives
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in healthcare settings such as:
- Medical Assistant
- Clinical Assistant
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Secretary
- Front Office Healthcare Support Specialist
- Clinical Support Technician
Employment opportunities are commonly found in:
- Physician offices
- Outpatient clinics
- Specialty medical practices
- Urgent care centers
- Hospital departments
- Group healthcare facilities
Admission Requirements
General Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Minimum high school CGPA of 2.0 or minimum transfer CGPA of 2.5
- Provisional acceptance may be provided to students who do not meet the minimum CGPA requirements. Contact the Admissions Representative for more information.
- Proof of vaccination
- Background check
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the AAS in Medical Assisting Program, students must:
- Complete a minimum of 64 credit hours
- Complete 30 general education credit hours
- Complete 34 core program credit hours
- Successfully complete the externship requirement
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Complete the final 12 credit hours at NWSC if transferring from another accredited institution
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our Admissions Team is here to help you explore the AAS-MA program, guide you through the enrollment process, and support you every step of the way as you start your career in healthcare.