• Demonstrate knowledge of foundational theory in clinical and administrative standards as it applies to the Medical Assistant’s scope of practice.
• Apply law and ethics to the medical assisting scope of practice and patient care.

• Perform clinical and administrative skills accurately and consistently.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage workflow given varied patient scenarios and clinical situations.

• Recognize the medical needs of diverse populations; demonstrate cultural competence and appropriate communication with patients and the healthcare team.
• Model the qualities of valued healthcare team professionals.

• Interpret health record documentation using knowledge of anatomy and physiology, disease process, pharmacology, and medical terminology to accurately assign diagnostic and/or procedural codes, including modifiers, according to current coding and reporting requirements to optimize reimbursement.
• Utilize ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding manuals to correctly code diagnoses, services, procedures, supplies, materials, injections, and durable medical equipment.
• Accurately perform administrative tasks, including bookkeeping procedures and completion of clerical and operational forms.
• Demonstrate an understanding of managed care and other health insurance types and specify how they differ from traditional billing methods of private medical practice.
• Accurately prepare UB-04 and CMS-1500 claim forms for submission in a manner that will minimize rejection by insurance companies.

• Accurately and precisely, interpret and fill prescriptions from start to finish.
• Explain the top 200 drugs including brand to generic, classification and associated disease states.
• Perform sterile and non-sterile compounding procedures safely and to industry requirements.
• Practice ethically and within the laws governing pharmacy practice both nationally and in Washington State.
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of standards for pharmacy waste management practices, safety, and controlled substance handling.

Step 1: Apply to Skagit Valley College

• New Students
  • Apply Online: Apply Here
  • Take Placement Assessments: Placement Info
  • Complete New Student Registration: New Student Registration
• Returning Students
  • If you've been away for more than 2 years: Reapply Here
  • If you've been away for less than 2 years: Reactivation Info

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Step 2: Contact a Program Advisor to Create Your Education Plan

Choose the advisor based on your program of interest:

Medical Assistant AAS/Certificate

• Brianna Sommer — Brianna.sommer@skagit.edu
• Tami Mattox — Tami.mattox@skagit.edu

Medical Billing and Coding AAS/Certificate

• Carolyn Dorothy — Carolyn.dorothy@skagit.edu

Pharmacy Technician Certificate

• Brianna Sommer — Brianna.sommer@skagit.edu

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Step 3: Complete the Allied Health Application

• Download the Application: Allied Health Application (DOCX)
• Email the Completed Application to: Samantha Sopher 

Prerequisite courses in the structure and function of the human body, basic medical terminology, computers skills, and CPR for Healthcare Professionals may be required for admission to some programs. Please consult the individual program planning sheets or an adviser for more information.

Medical facilities require immunizations for all personnel who interface with patients. Students participating in practicum experiences require the same immunizations. The immunization cost is the responsibility of the student. Immunizations must be completed before registering for certain courses or applying for a practicum. The following are required for participation in most Health Care programs – students will be advised which immunizations (if any) are required for their particular program:

• Negative TB test or chest X-ray (1 every 12 months)
• Tetanus/diphtheria vaccination (within last 10 years)
• 2 MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccination or positive titer
• Hepatitis B vaccination (series of 3 immunizations)

Additional immunizations may be required if recommended by instructor or required by practicum placement:

• Flu Vaccine
• Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)
• Varicella Vaccine
• Rabies Vaccine (Veterinary Assistant program only)

The Medical Assistant program includes a required practicum experience. Practicum’s are at medical facilities which may involve travel to various regions of Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish, and Island counties. All students accepted into the practicum experience must have reliable transportation. All experiences will be under the supervision of personnel at the medical facilities. Students will not be allowed to choose their practicum site. The department chair selects the facilities used for practicum sites and places qualified students. Each student is evaluated for Practicum readiness according to the Allied Health Student Handbook guidelines (Student Evaluation section).

View AHE Practicum Requirements

Students planning to enter any of the healthcare professions are advised that as a health care provider they are at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Tasks and procedures performed by the healthcare professional involve risks classified by the Center for Disease Control in the following way:

• Category I – Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply.
• Category II – Activities performed without blood exposure but exposure may occur in emergencies.
• Category III – Task/activity does not entail predictable or unpredictable exposure to blood.