North Campus to Offer Medical Assistant Program
Published 03.06.2006
Beginning in April, Pennsylvania College of Technology's North Campus near Wellsboro will offer a nine-month program preparing students for a career in medical office/medical assisting.
The noncredit certificate program consists of classroom and laboratory instruction to prepare participants to perform general administrative, receptionist and basic clinical procedures in doctors' offices, clinics, medical facilities, dental and insurance offices, and human-service agencies. Medical assistants primarily work in outpatient settings, keeping offices and clinics running smoothly.
Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as the health-services industry expands. It is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States, due to technological advances in medicine and a growing and aging population.
This daytime course features 800 hours of instruction and a 160-hour externship beginning April 10 and ending Dec. 15. Students who complete the program will be eligible to take the Registered Medical Assistant certification exam offered by the American Medical Technologists, a nonprofit certification agency and professional membership association. The program was designed specifically for the North Campus by Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Penn College.
Applicants for the program must have a high school diploma or GED; a positive referral from a counselor, caseworker or medical professional; and evidence of good mental and physical health.
The North Campus, located three miles east of Wellsboro on Route 6, offers a variety of noncredit classes and programs for residents of the Northern Tier.
To request an admissions packet, or for more information, call (570) 724-7703 or send e-mail .