Jun 28, 2017
College of the Mainland instructor Cheryl Bordwine assists students in the college’s Medical Assistant Program. Students in fall 2017 will have the option of earning an associate degree in addition to a certificate.
College of the Mainland instructor Cheryl Bordwine assists students in the college’s Medical Assistant Program. Students in fall 2017 will have the option of earning an associate degree in addition to a certificate.

College of the Mainland will be offering a new medical assistant associate degree in Fall 2017 in addition to the medical assistant certificate for students looking to further their careers in the field.

“This is exciting news for all students as it will help them seek higher positions within the industry. Feedback from the students led us to pursue offering the degree,” said Cheryl Bordwine, program coordinator. 

Often the first friendly face seen by patients, medical assistants guide patients throughout a clinic or hospital visit. Taking vital signs, helping complete paperwork, recording patients’ symptoms and administering medication are among their varied roles.

The COM Medical Assistant Program assists students in preparing for national certification, either through the American Association of Certified Medical Assistants or the American Medical Technology Association.

The profession is expected to grow much faster than average. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $30,590 in May 2015, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

In hands-on classes students will learn anatomy and physiology, human disease and pathophysiology, medical terminology, medical insurance, medical law, pharmacology and administration of medicine, clinical procedures and laboratory procedures.

Students are in demand immediately after graduation in hospitals, offices and clinics.

COM’s program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).

For more information, visit www.com.edu/medical-assistant or call 409-933-8644.