60 Credits AAS3364, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
The Medical Assisting program will prepare you to perform a wide variety of clinical duties, including rooming patients, obtaining vital signs, assisting with patient procedures, and performing laboratory testing and x-rays within the clinical setting. Students may have the opportunity to perform administrative duties which could include maintaining medical records, coding and billing medical insurance, scheduling appointments, arranging admissions, and managing the medical office. As a Medical Assistant, students will be classified as allied health practitioners working in any of a number of different ambulatory care facilities.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 60 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $12,867
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $12,867 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (13 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
HC1000 Medical Terminology (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the language of medicine that is used in the health care profession. The student will learn to spell, pronounce, define, and interpret medical terminology related to body structure, disease, diagnosis, and treatment. (Prerequisites: None)
HC1914 Anatomy & Physiology/Disease Conditions I (4 credits)
This course is designed to provide two approaches to assist the student in learning about the human body. The first is in developing a basic understanding of the normal structure and function of the human body and secondly to discuss disease processes that affect each body system. (Prerequisite: HC 1000)
HC1924 Anatomy & Physiology Disease Conditions II (4 credits)
This course is a continuation of HC 1914 Anatomy/Physiology/Disease Conditions I with emphasis on the pathophysiology of the human body. The student will apply previous knowledge in medical terminology and structure and function of the human body. This course prepares the student in understanding the abnormalities and diseases the affect the organs and organs systems. (Prerequisites: HC 1914, 1000)
HC1550 Electronic Health Records (2 credits)
With the implementation of the electronic health record in today's healthcare environment, it's essential for students entering the healthcare field to understand this technology and how it relates to work in the industry. This course is designed as an introduction to the history of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and concepts behind the structure of electronic medical recording systems. Additionally, it will provide students the opportunity to use multiple functions of an educational electronic health record. (Prerequisites: None)
HC2025 Culturally Competent Care (3 credits)
Intended for students pursuing healthcare careers, this course explores the cross-cultural interactions of healthcare professionals and patients of various cultural, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and otherwise diverse populations, helping students to understand the importance of the cultural dimensions of the communities in which they live and work. This course prepares students to apply cultural competency to their practice in healthcare professions.
FCS105 Nutrition and Healthy Living (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of basic principles of nutrition. Topics include contemporary issues such as food labeling, dieting practices, eating disorders, fitness, malnutrition, and nutrition throughout the life cycle. This course also focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary for the development and enhancement of a healthy lifestyle throughout the life span. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.)
OTEC1001 Computer Software for College (2 credits)
This course covers basic information about computer hardware and software and the use of computer software as a business productivity tool. Students will be given introductory training on a Windows operating system and the common business applications of word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation graphics. This course is designed to equip the student with knowledge of hardware and software applications. This course will cover the business application software that will be used in more advanced courses. (Prerequisites: Basic computer skills or Computer Basic class; mouse proficiency, keyboarding skill of 25 words per minute)
MA1020 Medical Office Procedures (3 credits)
This course will review administrative duties that are performed by a medical assistant. Emphasis will be on clerical functions, bookkeeping procedures, insurance claims, professional communications, medical coding, legal concepts, medical office operational functions including written and electronic. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into one of the following programs: Medical Assisting, Health Unit Coordinator, or Administrative Office Specialist - Medical)
MA2000 Pharmacology for Medical Assistants (3 credits)
In this course, students will learn topics essential for the Medical Assistant to thoroughly understand drug sources, herbs, and supplements, legislation relating to drugs, drug references, and drug classifications. Students will also gain knowledge in basic principles for administering different types of medications and the universal precautions and standards related to the role of a Medical Assistant. Prerequisites HC 1000 and HC 1914 and MA 2010.
MA2010 Laboratory Skills for Medical Assistants (3 credits)
This course is designed to teach laboratory fundamentals of medical assisting in a clinical office setting. Students will learn aspects of standard precautions, laboratory safety, venipuncture, collection of patient specimens, perform CLIA waived laboratory testing along with identification of infectious agents. (Prerequisites: None)
MA2015 Clinical Skills I (3 credits)
This course introduces skills utilized in a clinical setting for Medical Assistants. Using primary care as the framework students will apply their critical thinking skills and skills for assisting with health exams, obtaining vital signs, assisting with procedures and treatments within the ambulatory care setting. Infection control techniques will be studied and sued in the clinical setting. The student will discuss the MA role in emergency preparedness and use first aid procedures. (Corequisites: MA 2010)
MA2020 Clinical Skills II (3 credits)
This course builds on the skills obtained in Clinical Skills I for Medical Assistants. Using medical specialties as the framework students will utilize their critical thinking skills to learn specific health testing, procedures and treatments in medical specialty departments within the ambulatory care setting (Prerequisites: MA 2015)
MA2040 Medical Assistant Internship (5 credits)
Students will engage in a non paid medical assisting internship within an ambulatory health care setting. In actual work situations, students will perform administrative and clinical competencies. Administrative competencies may include and are not limited to, clerical functions, performing bookkeeping tasks and scheduling appointments. Clinical competencies may include and are not limited to, specimen collection, diagnostic testing and patient care. Students will participate in mandatory campus meetings where the student will learn job search and interview techniques along with participation in test preparation for their National Certification Exam. (Prerequisites: MA 2000, 2020)
Health Care Core Foundations (3 Credits)
Complete 3 credits of HC 1525
HC1525 Health Care Core Foundations (1 - 4 credits)
This variable credit course will focus on the requirements needed by healthcare professionals to effectively work in a variety of healthcare settings and explore workplace skills such as accountability and responsibility, workplace behavior, approaches to assist clients, and expectations of teams and team members. This course provides a framework for healthcare workers to interact with diverse clients and staff, including belief systems, cultural practices, and respect and sensitivity to cultural, gender, and age issues. Identifying elements of communication and how those elements can develop into effective communication within the healthcare setting is a key focus, as well as learning when and how to utilize those skills in challenging situations. Health care ethics will be addressed and target ethical decision-making and personal and professional values. Legal issues in healthcare will round out the course, concentrating on healthcare laws and social media in healthcare. Healthcare safety and standards precautions will be incorporated, as well as personal wellness for the healthcare professional. This variable credit course was designed as a part of the Minnesota Health Care Core Curriculum. (Prerequisites: None)
Required Arts and Sciences (5 Courses)
To complete an AAS degree, students must complete 16 MNTC credits from 3 of the 10 MNTC goal areas. The following required courses:
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
PHIL150 Medical Ethics (3 credits)
This course examines the moral problems confronting medical providers and surveys the broader field of bioethics. After providing a general introduction to ethical concepts and theories, it focuses on specific issues relating to the American health care system, including access to care, inequality, obesity, reproductive rights, end-of-life care, disability, organ transplantation, and alternative medicine. Emphasis is placed on practical application of moral principles and critical analysis of case studies. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Areas 6-Humanities/Fine Arts and 9 - Ethical/Civic Responsibility)
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
PSYC110 Lifespan Psychology (3 credits)
This is an introductory course examining human development across the lifespan, with emphasis on normal physical, cognitive, and social development. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5 - History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, MNTC 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC 7b - Race/Power/Justice)
OR
COMM130 Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
The focus of intercultural communication is to develop and improve the knowledge needed to understand culture, communication, how culture influences communication, and the process of communication between people from different cultures or co-cultures. The course also focuses on practicing the skills needed for effective intercultural interactions. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Areas 7a - Human Diversity, Goal Area 8 - Global Perspectives)
HUM100 Critical Thinking (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the importance of critical thinking in our culture today. Students will be provided with methods of critical thinking as well as relevant topics on which to practice their skills. (Prerequisites: Must have a score of 78 or higher on the Reading portion of the Accuplacer test or completion of READ 0080 and READ 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C or higher) (MNTC 2: Critical Thinking)
OR
CRTK100 Critical Thinking (3 credits)
This course helps students acquire and develop critical thinking skills. Focused on the practical application of the principles of good reasoning, it encourages them to cultivate cognitive virtues such as consistency, self-awareness, open-mindedness, fairness, and intellectual humility. Students will be taught how to: recognize (and make) good arguments, identify (and avoid) logical fallacies and cognitive biases, articulate ideas in a clear and precise way, understand the significance and limits of the scientific method, and critically evaluate sources in the media. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC: 2 Critical Thinking)
OR
PHIL100 Ethics in Society (3 credits)
This course studies the foundations for moral beliefs and values and the part they play in practical ethical judgments. After providing a general introduction to moral concepts and theories, the course covers a wide range of social problems through an analysis of power, privilege, and justice. The class is organized by overarching themes of race, social class, gender, and global concerns and addresses issues involving criminal justice, economic inequality, gender differences, and sexuality. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Area 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC Goal Area 7b - Race/Power/Justice, MNTC Goal Area 9 - Ethical/Civic Resp)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
