Admission Requirements
Application to the Medical Assisting Program requires the following steps:
- High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate
- Application and admission to Northeast Texas Community College
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematical skills through the THEA or TSI assessment or equivalent testing
- Completion of prerequisite courses including BCIS 1305, MDCA 1313, and MDCA 1205
- Submission of a complete application packet to the Medical Assisting program director during a designated filing period
Occupational Risks
Medical Assistants work directly with providers and patients, with the goal of providing healthcare and ensuring patient safety. However, it is also an occupation with much responsibility.
Working with the public in various healthcare environments, Medical Assistants along with other healthcare providers may be exposed to diverse diseases, hazards, and other occupational risks to include the following:
- Exposure to infectious diseases
- Sharps injuries
- Bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards
- Chemical and drug exposure
- Physical injuries and hazards from lifting, sitting and repetitive tasks
- Latex allergies
- Stress
There are protections set up with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and specifically, protections that are pertinent to the healthcare environment. OSHA has a series of standards that protect the safety of healthcare workers and patients. As an accredited medical assisting program, we are required to teach students about the hazards that they face on the job and the protocols that can be put into place to ensure a workplace culture that prioritizes safety.
