Medical Assisting (MA)
The associate program in medical assisting at Mountain State University comprises general studies in the humanities, business, and natural sciences along with preparation for clinical and administrative health care positions.
The medical assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Why MSU for Medical Assisting?
- Scope of study. Graduates from the medical assisting program will be prepared to complete such tasks as reception, appointment scheduling, medical coding and transcribing, computer use, taking patient histories, taking and recording vital signs, medication administration, assisting the physician with minor procedures, venipuncture, and giving injections.
- Small class size. The program offers approximately a 20:1 student/teacher ratio.
- Student organization. Medical assisting students at MSU are members of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and participate in the MSU Student Chapter's various events throughout the year. Our MSU AAMA chapter has participated in blood drives, health fairs, and health-related community events.
- Flexibility. The medical assisting program is offered in its entirety both traditionally (in-seat on the Beckley campus only) and online. Many courses in the program are also offered through independent study (correspondence). Traditionally, the program begins in the fall semester of each year; however, students can also enter the program in the spring and summer semesters. In the online delivery modality, students can enter the program every 8 weeks. In the Independent Study modality, students may take courses every four months. Students MUST contact their program advisor before registering for classes in any modality.
- Special opportunities for enlisted personnel. The MA program at MSU was one of the first in the U.S. to partner with the U.S. Army to offer medical assisting to enlisted personnel so that they could build on what they had learned in the armed forces and ultimately receive an A.S. degree in Medical Assisting from MSU. We have several military personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces who are currently taking MA through this effort.
Career Opportunities
According to national labor statistics, medical assisting is the fastest-growing allied health profession in the United States. In addition to a variety of employment opportunities in both clinical and administrative settings, medical assisting students have the benefit of a degree they can build upon. Many MSU medical assisting graduates further their education with a bachelor's degree in nursing, office administration, or management, or in our master's-level physician assistant program.