Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Medical Assisting is a 16-month program designed to prepare students for immediate employment in clinical and administrative medical assisting roles. The program requires completion of 60.5 credit hours and is offered at the Tampa campus and several other locations in Florida. Courses can also be taken in Spanish. Graduates are qualified to take multiple certification exams that boost employability in medical assisting.
Program Overview
The Associate of Science in Medical Assisting at Keiser University in Tampa trains students to become skilled medical assistants, ready to directly support physicians and healthcare teams. The program blends practical hands-on learning with academic coursework, preparing students to carry out clinical tasks like patient care, minor surgical support, administering injections, drawing blood, conducting basic lab tests, performing X-rays, and taking ECGs.
In addition, students develop administrative capabilities, learning to manage patient records, handle appointment scheduling, patient communication, and insurance billing and claims processing.
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Program Mission and Goals
Keiser University aims to provide rigorous, high-quality training in medical assisting. Graduates will be equipped with comprehensive knowledge, technical proficiency, and professional behaviors essential for entry-level medical assisting positions. The program specifically prepares students to take and pass various professional certification exams, significantly enhancing their career prospects.
The main objectives include:
- Mastering a wide range of clinical tasks.
- Preparing students for employment as medical assistants.
- Developing strong administrative skills.
- Readiness for multiple credentialing exams.
Curriculum Breakdown
Students must complete 36.5 credit hours in major medical assisting courses, along with 24 credit hours in general education.
Core Medical Assisting Courses Include:
- Clinical Procedures (3.5 credits)
- Medical Terminology (1.5 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology (6 credits)
- Radiography (6 credits)
- Laboratory Procedures I and II (4 credits each)
- Medical Office Management (4.5 credits)
- Two Externships (3.5 credits each)
Courses marked with an asterisk must be completed with at least a “C” grade before starting externships.
General Education Requirements Include:
- Behavioral Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Sociology)
- Communications (Speech)
- Computers (Introduction to Computers)
- English Composition
- Humanities (Literature)
- Mathematics (Intermediate Algebra)
- Natural Sciences (General Biology, Environmental Science)
Clinical Externships
Externships are a crucial part of this program. They provide students with real-world experience in medical facilities, allowing them to practice clinical and administrative skills learned in class. Students must successfully complete all coursework and pass an assessment exam before beginning the second externship.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the major courses requires:
- Meeting medical assisting technical standards.
- Completion of a scheduled Program Assessment Examination before starting Externship II.
Program Performance and Outcomes
Keiser University’s Medical Assisting program has strong performance metrics that reflect positively on its graduates:
- Credentialing exam pass rate averages 84.73%.
- Job placement rate for graduates is 91.79%, with most students quickly finding employment in related healthcare roles or advancing their education.
- Employer satisfaction rate consistently at 100% based on employer feedback.
- Graduate satisfaction also maintains a steady 100% approval rating.
These statistics underscore the effectiveness of the program in preparing students for professional success.
Tuition and Costs
Tuition fees at Keiser University are structured per semester and based on credit load. For full-time students (12-17.99 credits), the rate per semester is approximately $11,928. Additional initial fees include a one-time application fee ($55) and registration fee ($145).
Students may also incur extra costs associated with the medical assisting program, including:
- Drug screening and vaccines: approximately $50-$150
- Background check: around $60
- Specialized training certifications (e.g., EKG, BLS, HIPAA, Prevention of Medical Errors): each ranging from $15.95 to $60
Costs related to textbooks and supplies are estimated at up to $2,000 per semester.
Occupational Considerations
Potential students should be aware that medical assisting involves specific occupational risks, such as exposure to bodily fluids or hazardous materials. The program provides training to manage these risks, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to practice safely.
Language Flexibility
One unique feature of the Keiser program is that it is available in Spanish. This may significantly benefit bilingual students or those who prefer instruction in Spanish, helping ensure accessibility to a broader range of applicants.
Certification Opportunities
Upon program completion, students become eligible to take credentialing exams recognized nationwide, including:
- CMA (Certified Medical Assistant)
- RMA (Registered Medical Assistant)
- NCMA (National Certified Medical Assistant)
- CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant)
- CMAC (Clinical Medical Assistant Certification)
Passing these exams can greatly increase graduates’ competitiveness and earning potential in the medical assisting field.
Location and Availability
Keiser University’s medical assisting program is conveniently offered at numerous campuses across Florida, including Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and West Palm Beach, among others. This extensive campus availability ensures students can access training near their preferred location.
Who Should Consider This School
Keiser University’s Medical Assisting program is ideal for students looking for a structured and comprehensive training experience that offers clear career pathways. Those seeking bilingual instruction or preferring a balance of clinical and administrative skills will particularly benefit. The school’s excellent employer satisfaction and job placement rates also make it an attractive choice for career-focused students.
Category | Details |
Cost | $11,928 per semester (full-time), plus one-time fees and variable textbook/supply costs |
Duration | Approximately 16 months |
Class Schedules | Full-time; varies by campus; in-person with some online components |
Online Classes? | Partial (some components may be online) |
Requirements | Must meet medical assisting technical standards and take Program Assessment before externship |
Address | 5002 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33634 |
Phone | (813) 885-4900 |
[email protected] | |
Website | https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/medical-assisting-as/ |
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