The Medical Laboratory Office Assisting program prepares students for career opportunities which require knowledge of office, basic nursing and laboratory skills in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals. The MOA program is accredited by the Association of Medical Assistants. Well-balanced instruction in business skills and medical procedures enables the graduate to assist the physician in routine practice. The responsibilities of medical assistants vary, depending on whether they work in a clinic, hospital, large group practice, or small private office. Internships in area medical practices provide clinical experience in such procedures as obtaining patient histories, assisting in examinations and certain diagnostic testing, acquiring patient specimens, performing laboratory tests, processing and coding insurance, scheduling appointments for the physician, collecting payments, and patient education.
Internships are available only during day hours.
The student may be required to travel out of town for selected clinical experience. Assignment of clinical internship is based on availability of affiliated clinical facilities. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the certification exam for medical assistants given by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The Medical Laboratory Office Assisting curriculum provides the student with a general health care background which can be used as a stepping stone to other health care or administrative fields. The MOA can pursue nursing, medical laboratory technology, radiologic technology, respiratory care technology, word processing, medical transcription, or office systems technology.