GTCC Fall 2020 Medical Assisting Program Admission Packet Created July 2019 pg. 6
A student who enrolls in first-semester classes for the program and withdraws from the program or is dropped from the program
that semester must complete the entire program admission process if he/she wishes to apply for a future program entry. If
applicable to the program, ranking point deductions will apply for future applications to the same program.
The GTCC Health Sciences Limited Entry Process is not to be regarded as a contract between GTCC and students. GTCC reserves the right to
change any provisions or requirements with adequate notice and minimum disruption to students.
Important Notes to Health Science Program Applicants
Program faculty reserve the right to revise or change course requirements in accordance with applicable state laws, college
requirements, accreditation standards, and/or at the discretion of the faculty. By accepting admission into the program, the
students agrees to at all times abide by the program requirements and procedures as set forth in the Student Handbook and the
respective course syllabus issued at the beginning of each term for each course. The student is bound by such requirements and
procedures regardless of whether they were established before or after the date of enrollment in the program. Changes made after
the publication of the Handbook will be posted as an addendum to the Handbook.
Most programs require students to have a criminal background check, a drug screen, and an OIG review (Office of Inspector General)
upon admission. Healthcare agencies that are utilized for clinical and/or internship experiences require this evaluation. If a student
is denied agency access due to a positive check or screening, the students may not be able to complete the clinical education
experiences, which will result in the inability to continue in the health science program. Screening may also be required after
graduation by examination boards, state licensing boards, and employing agencies. Pending the outcome, a graduate may be
disqualified from examination eligibility, state licensure, and/or employment.
Students must achieve a GPA of 2.0 or better in order to graduate. Students who receive a grade of “D” in a general education
course (other than BIO or CHM) can graduate as long as their GPA is at least 2.0. However, a grade of “D” in a general education
course will not transfer to another institution, nor will GTCC accept a grade of “D” for credit from another institution. Students must
achieve a “C” or better in BIO, CHM, and program major courses. Students who do not achieve a “C” or better in these courses will
be suspended from the program.
Technical Standards & Essential Functions
Introduction
This section introduces the nonacademic standards, skills, and performance requirements expected of every student in the Medical Assisting
program. It is essential for all students entering the program to understand that these requirements are necessary for the satisfactory completion
of all aspects of the curriculum and development of professional attributes for graduation. Reading these standards carefully along with a realistic
assessment of your own personality, interests, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses will ensure that you end up in a program and career path that is
a good fit for you.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for available jobs in the field of medical assisting is 29%. This is mainly due to growth of
aging adults in our society. Overall, this is much faster growth rate than other jobs, which is 7%.
Most Medical Assistants work in physician offices, urgent care facilities and outpatient clinics. They typically work 8 hour days unless in an urgent
care where they may work 12 hour shifts. Beginning wages range from $12 - $15/hour depending on education and previous experience.
Medical Assistants are the right hand of the provider. They not only assist in bringing back patients, conducting patient interviews and performing
skills such as venipuncture and injections, they also keep the provider on time, educate patients and work with the patients, families and other
healthcare people. Each item of information that the medical assistant gets from the patient helps the provider make a better diagnosis. Being
detail-oriented and having the ability to stay on task are two key skills that a medical assistant must possess.
Skills fundamental to the Medical Assisting program include the following (with or without reasonable accommodation):
Communication
Students will be expected to:
• Interpret procedure manuals, medical records and electronic data
• Record items such as numbers, reports and documentation on patient charts.
• Manage electronic health records
• Explain treatment procedures
• Adapt communication to the individual’s needs in both face to face and automated situations
• Communicate effectively in written, verbal and electronic formats
