Medical Assisting AAS


The two-year program in medical assisting prepares students for work in a variety of healthcare settings. Functions may vary from facility to facility, but generally incorporate a mix of clinical and administrative responsibilities. Clinical duties may include: direct patient care, assisting with invasive and non-invasive procedures and administration of medications as directed by the physician. Administrative duties may include: scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing and coding information for insurance purposes and precertification’s for procedures and testing.

As a specific feature of the program, students complete an extensive externship in physician’s offices, clinics, hospitals and related health care facilities. Students are under the supervision of a physician during this experience.

Graduates are qualified to accept positions in medical offices, clinics, health maintenance organizations, insurance companies, hospitals, ambulatory care centers or any other healthcare entity where their broad skills are applicable.

Graduates are also qualified to sit for the National HealthCareer Association Certifications Exam. This certification is highly recommended.

Students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all required MAST courses in this program and an overall GPA of 2.0 within the institution.

Students are strongly advised and encouraged to follow the course sequence as listed in the college catalog. MAST courses are only offered in the semester listed.

To be eligible for admission into this program, students must:

  • Meet the general requirements for admission to New River Community and Technical College.
  • Acceptable background and drug screening.

For more information about this program, contact Angela Strickland at astrickland@newriver.edu or 304-929-5036.

Total Program Hours: 60




  1. Utilize critical thinking to deliver safe, effective care in diverse healthcare settings.
  2. Demonstrate legal and ethical accountability and professional conduct in practice.
  3. Identify the role of the Medical Assistant in various healthcare settings.
  4. Respect the rights of patients with differing values, cultures, beliefs, nationalities, and life-styles.
  5. Participate in and recognize that continuing education is a life-long process.
  6. Utilize therapeutic communication skills with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team.