Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assistant

The Brown College Associate of Applied Science Medical Assistant program is designed to help prepare students to assist medical providers by performing administrative duties and basic clinical duties in an office and/or medical center. Students are required to complete a supervised clinical externship at a medical facility that includes competencies, logs and evaluations completed by the student.

Brown's AAS Medical Assistant program covers a variety of subjects, including medical practice, medical law and ethics, medical communications, medical records, insurance, patient preparation and basic laboratory procedures and tests. Graduates will be expected to:

  • Perform clerical functions.
  • Perform bookkeeping procedures.
  • Process insurance claims.
  • Perform fundamental clinical procedures.
  • Perform specimen collection.
  • Perform diagnostic testing.
  • Provide patient care.
  • Perform professional communications.
  • Adhere to legal concepts.
  • Provide patient instructions.
  • Perform clinical operational functions.
  • Demonstrate employability skills.

Courses in Brown's AAS Medical Assistant Program provides students with the technical and practical training necessary to pursue opportunities in a variety of health system settings, including medical offices, hospitals, clinics and skilled-care facilities.  Classes are led by instructors, many with real-world working experience in the healthcare industry.

  • In Safety in the Healthcare Environment, coursework addresses employee and patient safety concerns in the healthcare environment. First aid training, CPR, vital signs, medical office emergencies, OSHA, MSDS, blood borne pathogens, medical/surgical asepsis, minor surgery instrumentation and set-up, suturing and personal protective equipment are among topics taught and practiced.
  • In Clinical Procedures, students examine clinical procedures common to the medical office, including preparing and positioning patients, determining height and weight, documenting patient histories, setting up and using equipment, and assisting with general and specialty examinations. Focus will be on practical skill development and adherence to OSHA and PPE guidelines.
  • In Medical Laboratory Procedures, students are introduced to essential laboratory assisting skills, with a focus on microbiology and urinalysis. Students will practice techniques used to collect and analyze bacterial specimens and urine samples, including the physical, chemical and microscopic examination of urine and streptococci testing and plating.

Other core requirements in this program include:

  • Medical Law and Ethics
  • Healthcare Computer Applications
  • Medical Terminology - All Body Systems
  • Health Information Technology
  • Health Records, Coding, and Reimbursement
  • Anatomy and Physiology: Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Blood
  • Anatomy and Physiology: Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary
  • Anatomy and Physiology: Endocrine, Reproductive, Nutrition
  • Anatomy and Physiology: Musculoskeletal, Nervous, Integumentary
  • College Success
  • Electrocadiography
  • Pharmacology
  • Hematology
  • Medical Office Administration
  • Medical Assistant Clinical Review
  • Medical Assistant Externship

Course curriculum is subject to change.

The Medical Assistant program at Brown College – Brooklyn Campus is programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Therefore, graduates of the program are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examinations offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Graduates are able to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) examination offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). These credentials are nationally recognized voluntary certifications that could enhance employment opportunities. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Brown College, Brooklyn Center campus but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Brown College Brooklyn Center cannot guarantee that graduates of the program will be eligible to take certification or registration exams at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

The Medical Assistant program at Brown College – Mendota Heights campus is programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Therefore, graduates of the program are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examinations offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Graduates are able to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) examination offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). These credentials are nationally recognized voluntary certifications that could enhance employment opportunities. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Brown College, Mendota Heights campus but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Brown College, Mendota Heights campus cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification or registration exams at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

Prospective areas for entry-level career opportunities for students who successfully complete the Brown College AAS Medical Assistant program include:

  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Office Manager
  • Medical Receptionist
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Front Office Administration