Medical Assisting and Basic X-Ray Technician

Objective

Changes in the healthcare field have created a need for professionally trained individuals who can perform both medical assisting tasks and basic x-ray operation in a physician’s office or other non-hospital healthcare settings. The Medical Assisting and Basic X-ray Technician program has been designed to meet such a unique need in the health care industry. The diploma program starts with general knowledge required by allied health professions and then focuses on the fundamental knowledge and skills expected of a typical medical assistant who is also able to perform basic or limited scope X-ray operations. The program offers a carefully designed set of courses that train students in administrative and clinical skills to support a physician. Additionally, students in the program also learn to perform limited scope x-ray operations. The objective of the program is to prepare students for seeking entry-level employment as a medical assistant who is also able to perform limited scope x-ray operation tasks.

Description

This program primarily prepares students with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform administrative and clinical tasks of a Medical Assistant in a medical setting. As an added component, the program also trains students on principles and skills for limited scope x-ray operation such as positioning the skeletal system and chest in preparation for limited scope x-ray procedures. Students learn to accurately position patients and ensure that quality diagnostic images are produced. The Medical Assistant and Basic X-ray Technician program graduate is often expected to multitask in any physician’s office or clinic by assisting with vital signs or other typical back-office procedures and/or administrative office procedures including electronic health record management. When the need arises, he or she is also able to perform limited scope x-ray procedures for a diverse population of patients.

Externship

An externship course is included in this program to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations in a healthcare setting. Students are required to complete the externship hours and other related learning activities prior to graduation. Students are not paid for work performed on the externship site.

Credentialing Exams

Graduates of this program are eligible to take the National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. They are also eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination for the Limited Scope or Practice in Radiography.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared to seek entry-level employment in positions such as: Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Limited Scope Medical X-Ray Technician, and Limited Scope X-ray Machine Operator.