Laker Nation News

Lake Land College, along with the Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs) of American Medical Technologists (AMT), will be observing National Medical Assistants Recognition Week (NMARW), October 16-20.

Since 1984, RMAs and others in the healthcare community have honored the vital role and the professional excellence that medical assistants provide in the delivery of healthcare to patients. The 2017 theme, “Medical Assistants, Outstanding Skills. Outstanding Care” emphasizes their commitment as a vital member of the healthcare team.

This fall marks the first class of students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at Lake Land College. The program offers two options to train for a growing field within the rapidly expanding healthcare industry. In this program students are trained in both administrative and clinical duties.

Lake Land College’s Medical Assistant is a special admission program with specific criteria. Students can choose from a two-year associate degree or a one-year certificate program.

The medical assistant field is expected to grow by 23 percent through 2024, much faster than the average occupation according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. (bls.gov)

“This is a great field for someone who is interested in working in the healthcare field. The position offers professionals an opportunity to both complete administrative duties in an office setting, while interacting on a personal basis with patients,” Molly Yeske, MS, CCMA, medical assistant instructor/ program director, said.

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who combines clinical and administrative responsibilities to assist in all aspects of medical practice in a physician office, hospital, clinic, government agency, or laboratory. Clinical functions include: taking vital signs, charting patient information, recording medical histories, performing routine tests, and applying dressings. Administrative duties include: scheduling appointments, billing and maintaining patient files.

“Medical assistants provide an invaluable service to both the patient and the healthcare providers in the community. We recognize their dedication to the profession and to the industry.” says Christopher A. Damon, JD., executive director of AMT.

To learn more about the medical assistant program at Lake Land College, contact Yeske, MS, CCMA, medical assistant instructor/ program director at 217-234-5055 or myeske@lakelandcollege.edu.

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