North Campus to Offer Medical Office Assistant Program
Published 02.25.2005
Beginning in April, Pennsylvania College of Technology's North Campus near Wellsboro will offer a new seven-month program preparing students for a career in medical office assisting.
The noncredit program consists of classroom and laboratory instruction to prepare participants to perform general administrative, receptionist and basic clinical procedures in doctor's offices, clinics, medical facilities and human-service agencies. Medical office assistants primarily work in outpatient settings, keeping offices and clinics running smoothly.
Employment of medical office 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.
The daytime course features 800 hours of instruction and a 160-hour externship beginning April 25 and ending Dec. 9. Students completing the program will be eligible to take the Registered Medical Assistant certification exam offered by the Association of American Medical Technologists. The program was designed specifically for the North Campus by Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Penn College.
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.
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. To request a packet of information, contact the North Campusby phone(570) 724-7703 or e-mail.