Academic Programs

Medical Assisting

Program Options

  • Certificate Program

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What does a Medical Assistant do?

    A Medical Assistant is a multi-skilled health practitioner who performs administrative and clinical procedures.

  2. What are the administrative procedures performed by a Medical Assistant?

    Administrative duties include scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, performing basic secretarial skills and medical transcription, handling telephone calls and writing correspondence, servicing as a liaison between the physician and other individuals, and managing practice finances.

  3. What are the clinical procedures performed by a Medical Assistant?

    Clinical duties include asepsis and infection control, taking patient histories and vital signs, performing first aid and CPR, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests, and preparing and administering medications as directed by the physician.

  4. What characteristics do I need to become a Medical Assistant?

    You must enjoy working as part of a team with all types of people, possess good critical thinking skills, and be able to pay attention to detail. You need the ability to identify with and understand another person's feelings. Also, willingness to learn, flexibility, self-motivation, professionalism and sound judgment are other important traits.

  5. Where do Medical Assistants work?

    Medical assistants work primarily in ambulatory settings such as medical offices and clinics. Health practitioners such as chiropractors, optometrists and podiatrists employ Medical Assistants. Also, Medical Assistants are needed in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

  6. What is the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)?

    It is the association devoted exclusively to maintain the professional standards for the Medical Assisting profession. The AAMA is responsible for awarding the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential.

  7. How much money will I earn as a Medical Assistant?

    According to the American Association of Medical Assistants the median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of medical assistants in 2000 were as follows: Offices and clinics of medical doctors $23,610, Hospitals, $22,950, Health and allied services, not elsewhere classified $22,860, Offices of osteopathic physicians, $21,420, Offices of other health practitioners, $20,860.

  8. How can I become a CMA?

    You must graduate from an accredited Medical Assisting program. You must also successfully pass the certification examination.

  9. Is Schoolcraft College’s Medical Assisting program accredited?

    Yes, Schoolcraft College’s program is accredited and the graduates are eligible to sit for the certification examination. Graduation from an accredited program helps your career, as it shows that you have completed a program that meets nationally accepted standards.

  10. Is certification required to practice as a Medical Assistant?

    Certification is not required to practice, but your career options will be greater if you become a CMA. The credential of Certified Medical Assistant signifies a professional achievement as a Medical Assistant. The credential is widely recognized in the healthcare field.

  11. Does the Schoolcraft College Medical Assisting Program provide an externship?

    Yes. Schoolcraft College offers an externship, which is called MA 195, Office Practicum. The externship is structured to provide practical experience in qualified physicians’ offices, accredited hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

  12. What other types of courses are required to become a Medical Assistant?

    The Schoolcraft College curriculum will include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, psychology, communications, medical assisting administrative and medical assisting clinical procedures.

  13. Does Schoolcraft College offer a part-time schedule to complete the program?

    Yes, a student can develop a schedule to complete the program on a part-time basis. It is recommended you read the catalog to determine prerequisites and that you make an appointment with counseling, prior to registering classes.

  14. How do I enroll in the Medical Assisting Program?

    Please contact the Admissions & Enrollment Center.

Professional Affiliations

  • American Association of Medical Assistants

Related Websites

Medical Assisting Program Office

Radcliff Center, room RC475
Department Head: Patricia A. Rubio, RHIA
Secretary: Theresa Krawczyk
Telephone: (734) 462-4400 ext. 6007
Fax: (734) 462-4775
Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm
Schoolcraft College - Subcontent

Additional Resources