A medical office assistant is an administrative professional responsible for providing day-to-day support in a medical front office. Responsibilities include scheduling appointments, greeting patients and collecting the necessary information, processing insurance claims, arranging referrals, maintaining supply inventory, and managing medical records while protecting patient health information.

The medical office support curriculum reflects a blend of specialized training and practical knowledge. The student is introduced to medical practice management software designed to streamline and automate administrative tasks in a healthcare setting. Other key components include medical terminology, medical law and ethics, and professional communication skills. Successful completion qualifies the student to take the National Certified Medical Office Assistant examination for industry-recognized certification.

This certificate provides a smooth path to the medical assistant program for the student wishing to move along a career ladder and earn multiple credentials by completing programs that have overlapping requirements.

Program Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 12

The Medical Assistant Certificate Program is designed to prepare the student to work as an essential member of the healthcare team in an outpatient setting. Duties vary depending upon the type of organization and state laws.

Medical assistants perform a combination of clinical procedures and administrative duties while working alongside physicians and other licensed health professionals. The student develops specialized knowledge and skills through classroom instruction and hands-on activities in the campus lab, as well as gaining practical experience providing direct patient care in a clinical environment under the supervision of a preceptor.

The program consists of 33 career-related credits that can be completed in two semesters. Completion of the program qualifies the student to test for industry-recognized certifications, including National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) and National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT). Additionally, the student will earn Basic Life Support Certification through the American Heart Association.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 33

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven career pathway whereby employers can recruit and develop a highly skilled workforce while providing on-the-job learning experiences for apprentices. The apprentice can advance their career and increase their long-term earning potential, while meeting the growing demand for certified healthcare workers.

The Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program is a collaboration between Central Wyoming College and the U.S. Department of Labor. Enrolled apprentices complete 20 college credits of career-related online coursework while gaining 2000 hours of employment at a registered healthcare facility providing direct patient care under the guidance of an experienced on-site mentor. The employer is responsible for evaluating technical skills and competencies and maintaining clinical progress records. The online classroom format offers convenience and flexibility, allowing the apprentice to balance work and education. Completion of the program qualifies the apprentice to test for industry certification as a National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA).

The apprentice must be 18-years of age or older, have a high school diploma or the equivalent, and be continuously employed by a registered apprenticeship sponsor.

Program Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 20

MEDA 1800: Phlebotomy Principles in Practice (3 credits)

Phlebotomy technicians are skilled healthcare workers who collect and prepare blood samples for lab analysis. Career opportunities include hospitals, medical labs, and healthcare clinics. Phlebotomists may also find employment in private home care settings, dialysis facilities, and blood donation centers.

A career in phlebotomy has a quick training period and a secure job market. This one-semester course uses a blended learning approach that combines online classroom instruction with hands-on activities in the campus lab. Topics include specimen collection, labeling vials, diagnostic testing, documenting lab results, and specimen storage and transport. Because phlebotomists collect blood and are at risk for exposure to a variety of diseases, an emphasis on universal precautions helps to ensure their safety and that of their patients.

Enrolled students have opportunities for applied experiences at community health fairs and in a hospital lab. To qualify for clinical placement, the student must be in good academic standing and undergo a background check and drug test. The student must also comply with the specified immunization requirements set forth by the assigned clinical agency.

Students who meet the minimum number of venipuncture and capillary collections qualify to take the phlebotomy technician certification exam administered by the National Center for Competency Testing for industry-recognized certification as a NCPT.

HLTK 1665: Electrocardiography Techniques (1 credit)

Whether you’re an experienced healthcare worker looking to expand your skillset, or wish to begin a new career working closely with patients and the healthcare team, enrolling in the EKG course is a step in the right direction.

EKG technicians are responsible for performing diagnostic tests using specialized equipment to assess heart rate and rhythm. EKG techs may be found in hospitals, medical clinics, and long-term care facilities. They are responsible for explaining the procedure to the patient, positioning the patient for testing, and attaching the electrodes and leads. The technician then monitors heart performance and the patient’s blood pressure, and determines whether the readouts from the EKG are accurate. Findings are reported to the ordering physician or healthcare provider.

This 1-credit course combines classroom instruction with hands-on activities in the campus lab. The student must be a United States high school graduate or hold equivalent credentials. Completion of the course qualifies the student to take the EKG technician certification examination administered by the National Center for Competency Testing.

NRST 1510: Nursing Assistant (4 credits)

A Certified Nursing Assistant is an individual who has successfully completed an approved training program and has passed the state certification examination. As a CNA, you will work under the supervision of a registered nurse or other licensed health professional to provide basic care to patients in a variety of settings. Nursing assistants are the primary caregivers in meeting the day-to-day needs of patients and play a significant role in relaying information about the condition of patients to members of the healthcare team.

Becoming a nursing assistant could be a stepping stone for continuing your education. CNAs have the opportunity to move up a career ladder to potentially higher-paying jobs such as a CNA II and medication aide. Most nursing assistant courses are four to six weeks in length and are not restricted to a semester-length schedule. It doesn’t take long to become a nursing assistant and you’ll continue to learn once you find employment.

This course combines online activities with hands-on skills practice in the campus lab, followed by 36 hours of direct patient care in a clinical setting under the supervision of an instructor. At times the clinical agency that provides training opportunities will offer employment to students who demonstrate ability.

Central Wyoming College follows the requirements established by our clinical partners, as well as Centers for Disease Control recommendations for immunizations for healthcare providers. Prior to the first clinical day, students must provide certain immunization records and submit to a background check and drug test.

Students who complete the course qualify to test for state certification. The certification exam is conducted monthly at various test sites throughout the state and is composed of a computerized knowledge exam and a skills demonstration test. Your instructor will review the application process and fee information. Successful completion of the nursing assistant course does not guarantee certification.

The CWC nursing assistant course is available to anyone 16 years of age or older. 

NRST 1550: Certified Nursing Assistant II (2 credits)

This course provides currently-licensed CNAs an opportunity to prepare for practice in an expanded role and to perform certain technical skills beyond basic CNA training. Students develop knowledge and skills through classroom instruction and hands-on activities in the campus lab. Emphasis is on sterile technique, wound care, IV catheter removal, urinary procedures, respiratory procedures, and feeding tube management.

Students must pass a comprehensive final exam and a practicum evaluation at the required level. Students who successfully complete the course are eligible to apply for CNA II certification through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Licensure candidates must pay a fee and may be required to provide documentation of 1500 hours of work as a CNA.

For more information, contact Stacey Stanek at 307-855-2226 or email sstanek@zzsghm.com. 

NRST 1600:  Medication Aide (4 credits)

If you have a current CNA II license and want to advance your career, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

The role of the medication aide is to give daily medications, either prescription or non-prescription, under the direction of a registered professional. The aide must administer the right medication in the indicated dosage at the correct time, record the dosage, and monitor the patient for adverse reactions.  

This 100-hour course consists of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Classroom instruction is taught in a blended learning delivery mode whereby online content is combined with hands-on activities in the campus lab. The student must pass a comprehensive final exam and a practicum evaluation at the required level. Successful completion of the course qualifies the student to take the National Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) administered by Pearson Vue to receive MA-C certification through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.

Not all states permit the use of medication aides and those that do vary widely in their training requirements and what medication aides are permitted to do. 

For more information, contact Stacey Stanek at 307-855-2226 or email sstanek@zzsghm.com.