Become a Registered Medical Assistant in Less Than Six Months!
Our Next RMA Class Starts on August 26th, 2024
Location:
Lebanon Academic Center
15 Hanover Street, Lebanon, NH 03766 | 603-443-4200
Medical Assistants are in high demand. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2018 to 2028 – much faster than the average for all occupations.
This 22 week non-credit hybrid program* is a combination of in-person and online courses. Campus meetings are 1 day a week during this semester, Wednesdays 8:30am-3:00pm, the remainder of the course is online. Education includes completing 560 didactic hybrid hours in 18 weeks followed by a 160 hour practicum in a clinical setting. Students passing the program will be eligible to sit for the AMT (American Medical Technologists) RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) Examination.
The AMT RMA Credential allows a program graduate to immediately obtain employment as a Medical Assistant without starting at a training wage.
Funding available through NH SNAP Employment and Training.
*Note: This non-credit program is not financial aid eligible for FAFSA funding. Please apply to the scholarship and grant opportunities listed. Some are specific for NH and VT residents – or current place of employment.
There are 12 seats available in this co-hort. Obtaining a course seat requires having secured funding in place.
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties which vary at medical practices depending on location, size, specialty, and state law.
Clinical Duties (may include, but not limited to):
- Taking medical histories
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Assisting the physician during examinations
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
- Performing basic laboratory tests
- Instructing patients about medication and special diets
- Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
- Transmitting prescription refills as directed
- Phlebotomy
- Taking electrocardiograms
- Wound care and changing dressings
Administrative Duties (may include, but not limited to):
- Using computer applications
- Answering telephones
- Welcoming patients
- Updating and filing patient medical records
- Coding and filling out insurance forms
- Scheduling appointments
- Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
- Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping
Choosing an Accredited College Program
Most employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have graduated from an accredited college medical assisting program. It is a wise decision to choose a school program that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Getting Certified
Employers prefer to hire medical assistants who are certified by a certifying body, such as American Medical Technologists (AMT). Choosing a certifying body is just as important as choosing a school or medical assisting program. When you choose a certification that is rigorous and practical, you are showing employers and patients that they can trust your skills and knowledge.
To get certified through AMT, you must meet certain eligibility criteria as a “route” to certification and pass an exam. These routes include graduation from an accredited college program. Those who meet the requirements have an excellent chance of passing the certification exam.
AMT provides certification to medical assistants who, upon passing the exam, become members of the AMT professional association and can use the designation Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) after their names. AMT certification is a national certification and is not limited to specific states..
The AMT Difference
A credential you can be proud of.
Built on Credibility
We have the accreditation to back our certifications.
Established in 1939
AMT has the reputation that surpasses other certification agencies.
Preferred by Employers
Many employers only recognize and support AMT certified members.
Rigorous Standards
Rely on strict eligibility requirements and leading exam development.
Program Specific Requirements
We Are Seeking:
- Candidates who have a desire to work in the medical field,
- Candidates who will commit to an intense six month program.
Eligible Students Shall:
- Be a minimum age of 18 years old,
- Possess a high school diploma, GED, or HiSet,
- Comply with RVCC’s application procedures,
- Submit a completed application,
- Interview with medical assisting program director,
- Prior to attending clinical, students will be required to submit immunizations record, drug screen and a criminal background check. More information will be provided the first week of class.
- Obtain AHA BLS Certification.
Obtaining your AHA Basic Life Support CPR Certificate. Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support – American Heart Association BLS is offered at no charge for all RVCC students. The web-based program is through RQI 1 Stop. Students will need to complete the online didactic portion of the program, then come to RVCC to complete the manikin portion of the program.
Other in-state options:
Communication Standards:
The following are examples of the competencies and skills a student in the Medical Assistant Program would be required to possess in order to successfully complete the program and have a career in the field. The examples used are not all inclusive.
Critical thinking: The medical assisting student must possess critical thinking skills sufficient for clinical judgment. For example, the student must be able to use critical thinking as a basis for identifying/resolving patient problems, apply knowledge from lecture, laboratory, and clinical areas, as well as utilize basic mathematical skills.
Interpersonal skills: The medical assisting student should possess interpersonal skills sufficient to interact with co-workers, patients, families, and individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. For example, the student should be able to establish rapport with patients, families, and colleagues.
Communication: The medical assisting student must possess communication skills sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written format. Communication abilities including speech, hearing, reading, writing, language skills and computer literacy are required. For example: Collect and document assessment data. Explain treatment procedures. Obtain and disseminate information relevant to patient care and work duties.
Mobility: The medical assisting student should possess physical skills sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces. For example: The student must be able to move around in-patient rooms, work spaces, and treatment areas. Administer CPR. Transfer patients from stretchers and wheelchairs to exam table and back.
Motor skills: The medical assisting student should possess gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide safe and effective care. For example, the student must be able to use equipment, administer injections, and other assigned duties under the supervision of the physician.
Hearing: The medical assisting student should possess auditory skills sufficient to monitor and observe health needs. For example, the student must be able to hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, cries for help, and vital signs.
Visual: The medical assisting student should possess visual skills sufficient for physical assessment, performance of medical office/clinical procedures, and maintenance of environmental safety. For example: The student must be able to observe patient responses, see a change in skin color, read a scale on a syringe, monitor vital signs, read patient records, and observe color involved specimen testing. Read small print on syringes, vials, dials, gauges, and other similar instruments.
Olfactory: The medical assisting student should possess the ability to perform medical office/clinical procedures. For example: Distinguish various drugs, liquids, and chemicals.
Tactile: The medical assisting student should possess tactile skills sufficient to assist physician in a physical assessment. For example, the student must be able to palpate a pulse and veins for venipuncture.
Emotional stability and mental alertness: The medical assisting student should present themselves in a calm and efficient manner in high stress/pressure situations with patients, staff, supervisors, and colleagues.
Weight-bearing: The medical assisting student should possess the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds on a weekly or daily basis. For example, the student must be able to position and transfer patients.
Cognitive skills: The medical assisting student must possess the ability to organize responsibilities, make decisions, and make accurate mathematical calculations. For example, the student must be able to evaluate patient complaints.
Occupational exposure: The medical assisting student should possess the ability to protect self and others by implementing appropriate precautions due to possible exposure to communicable disease and/or body fluids, toxic substances, and medicinal preparations. For example, the student may encounter a patient with Hepatitis B or AIDS and must be able to use standard precautions. When a health problem occurs that results in multiple absences from class, lab, or clinical or injury impedes meeting the performance standards for a period of time, the medical assisting student is required to bring documentation from the physician or other healthcare provider noting the student can safely resume activities in the program. This documentation will be used to help determine if the student can return to class, lab, and/or clinical course requirements.
Schedule:
Online Modules:
- Start date: Monday, August 26th
- End date (16 weeks, including phlebotomy section): Wednesday, December 18th
RVCC Lebanon Academic Center Clinical Lab Skills (In-Person, Wednesdays 8:30am-3:00pm)
- Start date: Wednesday, August 28th
- End date (16 weeks, including phlebotomy section): Wednesday, December 18th
Followed by a 160-hour clinical practicum at an area healthcare provider.
Followed by a 160-hour clinical practicum.
Tuition
Note: This non-credit program is not financial aid eligible for FAFSA funding. Please apply to the scholarship and grant opportunities listed. Some are specific for NH and VT residents, or current place of employment.
Tuition for this program is $6,500 which includes books. We have several scholarships available to help students pay for this program.
Tuition Assistance
Applicants to the RVCC MA Program may qualify for up to $6,500.00 in tuition assistance through the WIOA program.
- WIOA training funding details and eligibility requirements.
All NH Residents – Please be sure to reach out for this WIOA assistance. For information on the enrollment process and to schedule a meeting with an SNHS Career Navigator, please call 603-647-4470 ext. 8047 or email [email protected]
How To Apply:
- To schedule a meeting with a WIOA Employment Counselor, please call your local NH Works office Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm. WIOA services are available statewide in all twelve NH Works offices.
Vermont Residents – VSCA’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) counselors can help you set up your educational goals, access college and career training services, explore financial aid options and fill out financial aid applications. To schedule an appointment, you can email Ran Wang at [email protected] or call 877-961-4369 to set up a time to talk with an EOC counselor.
Questions?
Any applicant with any financial aid questions may contact Dan Osborn at RVCC.
Dan Osborn
Coordinator of Workforce Development
River Valley Community College
1 College Place, Claremont, NH 03743
- Phone: 603-542-7744 Ext 5347
- Email: [email protected]
Program of Study:
A student that successfully finishes the MA Program will earn 9 college credits from RVCC and may transfer them to other certificate or degree programs.
Additionally, if a student has previously passed any of these courses with a minimum grade of C, through RVCC– they will not be required to complete or pay for this module in the non-credit program.
- Medical Terminology
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- Medical Office Practice I & II or Medical Office Practice
Course Modules:
- Clinical and Lab Procedures, including Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology and Phlebotomy
- Medical Terminology
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- Medical Office Practice
Schedule:
Online Modules:
- Start date: Monday, August 26th
- End date (16 weeks, including phlebotomy section): Wednesday, December 18th
RVCC Lebanon Academic Center Clinical Lab Skills (In-Person, Wednesdays 8:30am-3:00pm)
- Start date: Wednesday, August 28th
- End date (16 weeks, including phlebotomy section): Wednesday, December 18th
Followed by a 160-hour clinical practicum at an area healthcare provider.
Followed by a 160-hour clinical practicum.
Program Goals
The goal of the Medical Assistant Program is to prepare students for entry level employment, national registration, and a successful career.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Medical Assistant Program will:
- Be immediately eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam.
- Begin employment as an entry level Medical Assistant – without the need of a training wage.
- Function capably in the areas of competence for Medical Assistants.
- Recognize and respond effectively to verbal, nonverbal, and written communications and display a professional manner and image, communicating effectively with clients and members of the health care team.
- Perform medical assisting administrative and clinical procedures competently and within legal and ethical boundaries in the scope of practice for Medical Assistants.
