Medical Assisting: Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Associate of Applied Science Medical Assisting program at National American University prepares students from diverse backgrounds to perform entry-level administrative and clinical functions in outpatient healthcare settings.  The university responds to the needs and expectations of the ever-changing healthcare environment including physicians, the public, employers, graduates, students, faculty, and nationally accepted standards of roles and functions. Through a student-centered competency-based curriculum, NAU utilizes cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains to prepare students for a career within the scope of specific training and state law.

Program Goals

The program will:

• Prepare learners to attain university core abilities and program learning outcomes by utilizing performance-based curriculum in a caring and supportive learning environment.
• Prepare learners in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behaviors) learning domains to become competent entry level medical assistants.
• Measure and assess student learning and implement improvements, as needed, to ensure high quality academic programs and services.
• Prepare learners to create plans for the pursuit of further studies, continuing professional development activities, membership in professional and community organizations, and a life of learning.
• Confirm that faculty members meet university qualifications guidelines, utilize effective and innovative teaching methods that promote academic excellence, and pursue opportunities for professional development.
• Monitor the needs of the program's community of interest and maintain the currency and relevancy of program curriculum through regular faculty and advisory committee meetings and academic program reviews.
• Achieve and maintain specialized program accreditation.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

• Demonstrate entry-level skills, knowledge and behavior competence in content and administrative and clinical functions and procedures, including general operational functions, as defined by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs Standards and Guidelines for Medical Assisting Educational Programs.
• Apply fundamental principles, regulations and statutes for performing within legal and ethical boundaries.
• Create a plan for becoming a certified medical assistant, membership in professional organizations, and continuing education.