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.
All transfer credit eligibility is determined through official transcript evaluation.
Eligible Transfer Courses
Upon review and approval, the following NWSC certificate-level courses may be applied toward the AAS in Medical Assisting degree requirements:
Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
BIO 104 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
BIO 201 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
BIO 202 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
MA 110 | Medical Law & Ethics | 3 |
MA 111 | Administrative Medical Assisting I | 4 |
MA 112 | Administrative Medical Assisting II | 4 |
MA 113 | Clinical Medical Assisting I | 5 |
MA 117 | Medical Assisting Externship | 3.5 |
Transfer Credit Policy Notes
- Only coursework completed in NWSC’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program is eligible for transfer.
- Coursework or certificates completed at other institutions are not eligible for transfer into the AAS-MA Program.
- All transfer credits are subject to official academic review and approval.
- Students must complete all remaining general education, core requirements, and graduation requirements to earn the degree.
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 do so, the student must complete an NWSC CPL Form, available from the Dean of Academic & Student Affairs. Students must explain how their life or professional experience is commensurate with each of the course learning outcomes. The explanation must be typed, double-spaced, and between 500-1000 words (not to exceed 1000 words). The student must also provide documentation of a minimum of four years of validated work experience within the last five years. Upon submission to the Dean, a member of the NWSC faculty will review and determine if the quality of the work proposed is equivalent to college-level learning.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Graduates of the AAS in Medical Assisting Program will be able to:
- Perform clinical and administrative duties in healthcare settings under supervision.
- Apply medical terminology, procedures, and clinical competencies accurately.
- Demonstrate proficiency in patient intake, vital signs, and clinical assisting tasks.
- Support laboratory procedures including specimen collection and processing.
- Maintain accurate and confidential medical records and documentation.
- Apply legal, ethical, and professional standards in healthcare practice.
- Communicate effectively with patients, providers, and healthcare teams.
- Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and patient-centered care.
- Function effectively in diverse healthcare environments.
- Apply foundational healthcare knowledge to support career advancement.
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.