Medical Assisting

The Medical Assisting Program at Bluegrass Community and Technical College offers a diploma program for the medical assisting student. Our school currently offers an Associate Degree in Applied Science, which the medical assisting student can pursue as long as they meet required test scores prior to admission. Additional options include: Medical Office Clinical Assistant Certificate, Medical Office Administrative Assistant Certificate, and Medical Office Insurance Billing and Coding Certificate.

The Medical Assisting program prepares the graduate to become an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in the administrative office, the examining room, and the physician’s laboratory. Individuals in this unique position will be involved in many of the following tasks:

• Administrative: schedule and receive patients, perform telephone and written communications, and arrange hospital admissions.
• Clerical: manage medical records, process insurance forms, keep office financial records, and maintain inventory.
• Patient Care: prepare patient for examination, record medical histories, take vital signs, chart patient information, administer medications and injections, and provide patient instruction and education.
• Office Laboratory: draw blood and prepare other specimens for examination, perform electrocardiograms, assist with x-ray procedures, sterilize instruments, and perform basic laboratory tests.

The Medical Assistant is a vital liaison between the doctor and the patient and plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment. The many different roles assumed in this profession assure a fast moving and challenging career.

Accreditation and Certification

“The Bluegrass Community and Technical College Leestown Campus’ Diploma Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

1351 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33758
(727) 210-2350

Graduates of this program must meet eligibility requirements for taking the national certification examination in medical assisting by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Upon passing the certification examination, the students may use the credential CMA (AAMA) following their name with all rights and privileges. For further information regarding certification requirements or questions regarding the medical assisting profession contact:

American Association of Medical Assistants

20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1575
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (800) 228-2262
Fax: (312) 899-1259
E-Mail: Certification Department certification@aama-ntl.org
Web: www.aama-ntl.org

For more information regarding the medical assisting program and certification requirements contact:

Bluegrass Community and Technical College
164 Opportunity Way
Lexington, KY 40511-2623
(859) 246-6200

Admission Requirements

1. Submit a completed application indicating Medical Assisting as program choice.
2. You must meet the admissions requirements of the college. This information is available in the Admissions Office.
3. Schedule an appointment with the program advisor prior to enrolling in course work. 
4. Program admission will be based on successful completion of prerequisite courses.
5. Complete all pre-requisite courses with a “C” or above by the fall semester of each academic year. The fall semester is the beginning of the specific medical assisting course offerings. All pre-requisites must be completed before the fall semester in order to continue in the medical assisting program.
6. Students will be notified by letter if selected for the program.
7. Once admitted to the program, the following health requirements must
   be provided to the program director by the end of February during the
   last semester of the program. This information is required prior to
   Clinical externship (eight week rotation from March through early May).
   a. Copy of MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) or titre (laboratory test) for MMR.
   b. Copy of proof of TB skin test (good for 1 year from date given)
   c. Copy of proof of tetanus toxoid within the last 10 years or signed waiver
   d. Hepatitis B vaccine or signed waiver.
8. The student must provide a copy to their advisor of the following
   requirements for admission to the program:
   a. Copy of all college transcripts. It must be an official transcript if transferring credit from another institution.
   b. Acceptable ACT or COMPASS scores for the AAS degree, diploma, and/or certificates as follows:

Associate Degree Requirements

Required COMPASS Scores:

Reading: 81
Writing: 70
Math: 30 (for Applied Math/Business Math)
54 (College Algebra)

Required ACT Scores:

Reading: 18**
Writing: 18
Math: 21 (for College Algebra)
19 (Business Math)

**Student ACT scores lower than 18 must take COMPASS in order to be placed.

Diploma and Certificate Requirements

Required COMPASS Scores:

Reading: 76
Writing: 57
Math (Pre-Algebra): 34

Required ACT Scores:

Composite Score: 16

Program Placement

In the event that the number of applicants exceeds maximum capacity, a college admission committee will determine student selection. Students will be notified by letter regarding admission into the Medical Assisting program. Each college will determine the admission committee membership.

Please note that admission to the Medical Assisting program is not based on a selective admissions process at this time. We may elect to choose a selective admissions process for future academic years.

Please click on the following link to view requirements for the AAS, diploma and certificate programs in the medical assisting profession: Medical Assisting Program Plan