HTI’s Medical Assisting program prepares you for entry-level positions as a medical assistant in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and clinics. The MED program is approved by the State of Hawaii Department of Education and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
The Medical Assisting Diploma program is offered as a 32 week full-time or 52 week part-time program. The program combines administrative skills of the front office and the hands-on skills of the back office. Students are prepared with the skills and knowledge in the area of office technology and procedures, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, pharmacology, diagnostic tests and procedures, and preparation for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. As part of the program, students will be required to obtain Healthcare provider CPR and First Aid certifications.
A four-week internship at a clinic, medical office, or hospital is also a part of the program. On completing the program, students will receive a Diploma in Medical Assisting allowing them to sit for the RMA exam. Students will be prepared for entry-level opportunities as medical assistants in doctors' offices, clinics, or hospitals.
What is the role of a Medical Assistant?
The exact duties of a Medical Assistant vary from office to office, depending on location, size, and medical specialty. In small practices, Medical Assistants are most often generalists who handle both clerical and clinical duties. In large organizations, Medical Assistants usually specialize in a particular area and work under the supervision of a department administrator.
Common Medical Assistant duties include:
- Taking medical histories, checking temperature and blood pressure
- Explaining treatments
- Preparing patients for and assisting the physician during an exam
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens and doing basic lab tests
- Telephoning prescriptions to pharmacies
- Answering phones and greeting patients
- Updating and filing patients' medical records
- Scheduling appointments and arranging tests, hospital admissions, and lab services
What is the job outlook?
As the healthcare industry expands to meet the needs of a growing and aging population, Medical Assistants have become increasingly visible. With physician care becoming more expensive and a national nursing shortage persisting, Medical Assistants have stepped into the gap. The demand for all types of medical professionals, including Medical Assistants, continues to grow.
