College of Applied and Technical Studies
www.kent.edu/cats

About This Program

The Medical Assisting undergraduate certificate provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this fast-growing field. The program blends flexible online coursework with in-person laboratory training and supervised clinical experiences, ensuring you build both strong foundational knowledge and practical, hands-on skills. With experienced faculty, hands-on training and a focus on real-world applications, you'll be prepared for a rewarding career as a medical assistant. Enroll now and take the first step toward a brighter future in healthcare. Read more...

Contact Information

• Katie Sanguedolce | kblaha@kent.edu |
  440-834-4187
• Speak with an Advisor
  • Ashtabula Campus
  • Geauga Campus
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Mostly online
• Location:
  • Ashtabula Campus
  • Geauga Campus

What does delivery mean?

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Accreditation

The Medical Assisting undergraduate certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (https://www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of MAERB.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

Transfer students or current Kent State students declaring the program must have a minimum 2.000 GPA for admission.

Prior to acceptance into the program, each applicant must meet with the program director to review program prerequisites and requirements.

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

¹

Students must be 18 years old or older prior to enrolling in the clinical practicum experience course.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum C grade required in all courses.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Identify, administer and document medications safely utilizing the six rights.
2. Collect and process and diagnostic specimens with appropriate documentation and follow up.
3. Apply current up-to-date quality control and safety principles in the workplace.
4. Skillfully perform and document routine clinical procedures.
5. Perform and document routine administrative procedures.
6. Effectively utilize verbal, nonverbal and written communication principles and skills in the workplace.
7. Maintain ethical and legal standards and maintain confidentiality and patient privacy.
8. Communicate with professionalism in the medical assistant role and function as a valued member of the health care team.
9. Effectively utilize the electronic health record for documentation and insurance purposes.
10. Identify medical law and regulatory guidelines as it pertains to the ambulatory setting.

Full Description

The Medical Assisting undergraduate certificate prepares graduates to gain knowledge needed for the national certification examinations. Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. They perform administrative and clinical duties in addition to serving as a patient liaison and a member of the Patient-Centered Medical Home team.

The program is delivered in a blended format, combining asynchronous and synchronous online learning with traditional in-person laboratory practice, competency validation and supervised practicum experiences, consistent with CAAHEP accreditation standards. This blended delivery approach integrates online didactic coursework with hands-on laboratory instruction and supervised clinical experiences to ensure students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The certificate's curriculum is guided by national standards and covers 12 content areas: anatomy and physiology, applied mathematics, infection control, nutrition, communication, administrative functions, basic practices finances, third-party reimbursement, procedural and diagnostic coding, legal implications, ethical considerations and protective practices.