Medical Assistant: A.A.S.

Program Mission

The mission of the Medical Assistant A.A.S. degree is to prepare students with the skills and knowledge to become a Medical Assistant, the most versatile healthcare career in the field. With small class sizes and hands-on learning, students will gain the competence needed in administrative, clinical, and laboratory tasks, to obtain employment in a variety of medical offices immediately upon graduation. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam to earn the CMA credential. This program is designed for students who plan to enter the workforce immediately, for those looking to continue on to another competitive health science program, (like Nursing), or for those looking to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Manage and care for patients as individuals; recognize and attend to their needs
Recognize ethical and legal responsibilities
Perform a variety of clinical procedures
Perform a variety of administrative duties
Manage care of office property
Communicate effectively
Demonstrate professional characteristics

This program is deactivated and is no longer accepting new students.

Start your career with a degree in Medical Assisting at SUNY Broome.

The Medical Assisting Program at SUNY Broome Community College had a 90% job placement rate for the 2021 graduates.

The most versatile of health professionals, medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, medical centers, clinics, hospitals, laboratories and more. Our program will prepare you to do administrative, clinical and laboratory tasks, as well as give you firsthand experience in the work world.

Medical Assistants are trained to perform tasks in three major areas of the medical office: 1) administrative tasks, including medical transcription, insurance billing and coding, and medical record maintenance, 2) patient care tasks, including taking patient histories and vital signs, and 3) assisting with the performance of diagnostic procedures and treatments, and basic laboratory testing, including the collection and performance of waived laboratory tests. The Medical Assistant program includes an Externship Preparation Orientation period and a 12-week externship working experience in a physician’s office or other health care facility.

This program is designed for students planning to enter the workforce immediately, and for those looking to upgrade skills or change direction. It awards the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and prepares you for transfer to a four-year college if you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the CMA certification examination. Medical assistants can demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to professionalism by earning the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) credential.

Professionals perform procedures that impact patient care and safety. For this reason, although SUNY Broome is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution, it is important that every applicant meets certain technical standards (essential functions) to be able to engage in training activities that will not endanger students, faculty or patients.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Assisting job outlook for 2016-2026 is 29%, much faster than average for all occupations! The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients. The average salary is $31,540 per year. Job Opportunities should be excellent!

Program Notes

Personal characteristics that predict success in this program are good communication skills, have a caring manner, and have a desire to be involved in a truly rewarding profession.

Pre-requisites needed to enter into the Medical Assisting Program is as follows: Math Level 1 and Regents Biology. Medical Assisting admits students each fall semester. Learn more about the admissions process for Health Sciences programs.