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.
medical assisting
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.
WHY CHOOSE medical assisting AT UAA?
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.
NEWS & Stories
A poster by Medical Laboratory Science program director Grace Leu-Burke and her team has been selected as a Blue Ribbon Finalist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 2025 Annual Meeting. The poster, “Public health risk assessment from Cryptosporidium colonization in Alaskan urban wildlife,” explores the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, a microbial parasite that infects humans and animals and causes diarrhea.
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 program participates in the national 2022 ASCP Cell Bowl competition.
Thank you for your interest in the University of Alaska Anchorage Medical Assisting
(MA) or Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Medical Office Coding. Our programs prepare competent, compassionate, and ethical healthcare professionals
by providing students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to
succeed in today's healthcare environment. Through a combination of classroom instruction,
group engagement, and individual learning our students develop the skill sets needed
to support both patients and healthcare providers in a variety of medical settings.
Our programs serve students who are beginning their journey in healthcare, as well
as those seeking to expand their skills and advance their careers. The University
of Alaska Anchorage MA Program is an excellent choice for individuals who are passionate
about helping others and who want to build a strong foundation in a growing clinical
or administrative healthcare profession. The Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Medical Office Coding is a fitting choice
for those who want to start a career or expand their knowledge in outpatient medical
coding, insurance, or revenue cycle. Both programs hold students to rigorous standards. UAA partners with many local clinics to provide
MA students the best fit for their 240-hour practicum experience.
MA's and Certified Professional Coders (CPC) play an important role in delivering
quality patient care and helping healthcare teams function efficiently. For many,
working in healthcare is more than a career, it is a commitment to serving others
and meeting the needs of our community. We look forward to helping you take the first
step toward making a difference in the lives of patients and communities across Alaska!
Dr. Mia Young, DHA, MHA, BSHA, CMA, CRCR
Program Director, Allied Health, Medical Assisting Program
University of Alaska, Anchorage
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Contact Us
Phone: (907) 786-4346
Email: uaa_medicalassisting@alaska.edu
UAA School of Allied Health
Allied Health Sciences Building
3500 Seawolf Drive, AHS 148
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Mailing Address
UAA Medical Assisting
3211 Providence Drive, AHS 148
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
