Columbia Basin College Medical Assistant Pasco, Washington

The Medical Assistant Program focuses on teaching a range of essential skills, including laboratory services, electronic medical record management, injections, medical procedure assistance, office administration, and patient care in ambulatory settings.

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Skills Taught:

• Performing laboratory services
• Updating electronic medical records
• Administering injections
• Assisting with medical procedures
• Office administration skills
• Clinical and patient care skills
• Entry-level administrative and clinical skills in ambulatory care setting

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Program Features:

• Three quarters of coursework followed by a 198-hour unpaid externship
• Achieved an 87.5% exam passage rate in 2020
• High placement rate of graduates in the community
• Graduates receive higher wages compared to other regional programs
• Nationally accredited by CAAHEP
• Information sessions available to address program queries
• Prepares students for medical assistant certification
• Requires a background check and drug screen
• Provides preparation for national certification exams through the American Association of Medical Assistants
• Credentialing with the Washington State Department of Health
• Pathway for further education in nursing or applied business
• Faculty comprises certified medical assistants, administrative staff, and a physician medical director.

The Medical Assistant program at Columbia Basin College consists of three quarters of coursework followed by a 198-hour unpaid externship with a local employer.

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public institution located in Pasco, Washington, with a total enrollment of 6,745 students. Established in 1955, CBC offers a range of programs, including applied bachelor degrees, associate degrees, one-year certificates, and basic skills courses. 

It is one of the few designated Hispanic Serving Institutions in the state, with Hispanic students comprising over 40 percent of the student population.