Launch your career in a high-demand health care occupation. Medical assistants help
health care providers deliver patient care by performing a variety of clinical and
administrative procedures.
The UAA Medical Assisting program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Medical Assisting, Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Medical Assisting, as well as preparation for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination, and
an OEC in Medical Office Coding. Students will build the skills to become a versatile entry-level medical assistant.
Students learn to perform clinical procedures such as drawing blood and removing sutures,
as well as administrative tasks such as medical coding and preparing financial reports.
They will also build communication skills for working with patients and health care
providers.
Medical assistants are multi-skilled allied health professionals who work primarily
in ambulatory settings such as medical offices and clinics. The responsibilities of
medical assistants vary, depending on whether they work in a clinic, hospital, large
group practice, or small private office.
Medical assistants work under the supervision of physicians in their offices or other
medical settings. Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical duties to
help the health care delivery setting run smoothly. They answer telephones, greet
patients, fill out insurance forms, schedule appointments, prepare and maintain medical
records, and manage practice finances. The clinical duties of a medical assistant
may include taking patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients for procedures,
collecting and processing specimens, and preparing and administering medications as
directed by the physician.
Alumni satisfaction rate of 100% according to the 2023 UAA Medical Assisting Annual Report Form.
An in-demand job field with a 100% job placement rate, according to the 2023 UAA Medical
Assisting Annual Report Form, and strong potential for future occupational growth.
Learn from experienced healthcare professionals, such as UAA alumni and other allied
health professionals who support you in and out of the classroom.
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board.
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) have launched a new partnership to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthen Alaska’s workforce.
The University of Alaska Anchorage and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium are teaming up to help train more Alaskans for careers in health care.
Dr. Jay Butler, dean of the University of Alaska Anchorage College of Health and former CDC deputy director for infectious diseases, emphasizes evidence-based public health responses and the importance of preparedness during emerging infectious disease outbreaks.
College of Health Dean and former CDC deputy director for infectious diseases, Dr. Jay Butler, serves as an infectious disease expert source discussing the public health implications of the 2026 Ebola outbreak and response efforts.