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.
Grace Leu Burke, associate professor and program director of the Medical Laboratory Science program, brings a deep passion for research, diagnostic testing, and student mentorship to the classroom and beyond.
The School of Allied Health celebrates its summer graduates with a memorable pinning ceremony on July 27, 2023, at the Edward & Cathryn Rasmuson Hall of the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Like other animals in the wild, the big animals that roam Alaska’s largest city are carrying bacteria that cannot be killed by commonly used medicines.
The medical laboratory science (MLS) research team presents at the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Scientist conference.
Message from the Director
Thank you for your interest in the Medical Assisting program. Our primary aim is to
assist you in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to provide exceptional patient
care. The devoted faculty members, with their wealth of professional experience, are
dedicated to imparting practical insights, in addition to theoretical knowledge.
Our program is an affordable and inclusive option for students seeking to embark on
a healthcare career. Upon completing 29 credits, our Occupational Endorsement Certificate
enables you to take the esteemed CMA (AAMA)® examination. It is important to note
that the majority of our students receive job offers before graduation. We invite
you to join our upcoming student cohort and please feel free to reach out to me with
any questions about our program.