The UAA Medical Assisting program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Medical Assisting, as well as preparation for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination, and an Occupational Endorsement Certificate 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