Hello again, davidlsmith-ga!
First off, thank you so much for reopening your question and directing
me to post my answer. That is very kind of you. When researchers and
customers alike view this question, we see a fine example of a
thoughtful customer (and a repeat customer as well), and that is
always appreciated here. Researchers and customers having good,
working relationships help to make this service a pleasant and
valuable experience for all. So, thank you.
Because this is a repost, I will repost your earlier question here for
reference:
ORIGINAL QUESTION:
I am looking for completely on-line courses leading to an "Associate's
Degree in Medical Assistants." This is for young women in the country
of Belize, not the U.S., but the degree could certainly be from a U.S.
accredited institution. The equivalent of a high-school diploma could
be required.
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For the sake of the clarity of the repost, I will break down the
question into parts and illustrate how Keiser College (e-campus) meets
all of your requirements.
“Completely online courses”
There are a number of colleges that offer online courses. The world of
virtual education is ever-growing. I started my research by doing a
search on Google, entering the keywords “medical assistant online.”
(://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=medical+assistant+online)
Several links connected me to lists of colleges offering online
degrees in a variety of fields. After checking a number of these types
of websites, one name appeared over and over again—that of Keiser
College. I list more colleges/programs at the end of this answer.
As we discussed back and forth in our clarifications, programs with
exclusively online coursework are available, but clinical hours are an
integral part of the education and training. You mentioned that these
young women would be able to complete those clinical hours under the
supervision of your brother, Wiley Smith, MD, who is a physician that
is licensed (board certified in family practice) in both Belize and
the United States. He is able to provide clinical supervision for the
program, and, so long as that satisfies the program, it is clearly
doable.
With regard to how clinical sites are established, the following is
from their website:
“Student will be required to locate and negotiate a clinical site for
their externship and clinical competencies. Once the student has
located a site and has a verbal commitment from the site, student will
be required to notify the Online Coordinator, so that the coordinator
can provide site with a validating checklist. The College will
require a completed and signed contract prior to the student beginning
core program. Students that are currently working in Internal Medicine
or Family Practice facility could be considered as a potential site.”
http://www.keisercollege.edu/ecampus/MA_degree_ol.htm#How%20is%20the%20program%20setup?
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An "Associate's Degree in Medical Assistants"
The degree is referred to, on their website, as “Associate of Science
Degree – Medical Assistant Online Degree”
The FAQ question, “How is the program set up?” is answered on their
site:
“Student will have 420 hours of online didactic instruction. Didactic
instruction will include online lecture, assignments, audio/visual
presentation, threaded discussion and examinations. Student will also
be required to complete 180 hours of clinical practicum. Clinical
practicum will include shadowing clinical practitioner, performing
clinical and laboratory procedures under the direct supervision of
clinical practitioner or physician. Clinical practicum will occur
during the second phase of student didactic instruction. Student will
be place at a clinical site for clinical practicum at a near by
medical facility close to home. At the successful completion of the
second phase, student will be allowed to go on to the third phase of
the program, which involves 320 hours of externship. Externship will
take place at student’s clinical site. Externship is designed to
simulate the working environment of a health care facility. “
http://www.keisercollege.edu/ecampus/MA_degree_ol.htm#Externship%20Requirements
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“A U.S. accredited institution”
From their website:
“ACCREDITATION: Keiser College is accredited by the Commission on
Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866
Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone 404-679-4501) to
award the Associate’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree”
http://www.keisercollege.edu
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“The equivalent of a high-school diploma could be required.”
One of the requirements for the course is a high school diploma or
equivalent (GED). In addition, according to their website, they also
require:
· High school diploma or GED
· Applicant shall be of good moral character
· Demonstrate evidence of good health
· Valid CPR
· 4 hour HIV/OSHA class*
* All students are required to have valid documentation before phase 2
of program
http://www.keisercollege.edu/ecampus/MA_degree_ol.htm#Externship%20Requirements
Their additional requirements have to do with documentation and
equipment and include:
· Student is required to submit two color passport photos
· Student must submit a notarized copy of drivers license
· Student must submit documentation of good health
· Student is required to submit proof of CPR certification and
HIV/OSHA certification before the start of the M.A. Phase II
· Video tape recorder
· Computer camera
=======================================================================
“This is for young women in the country of Belize, not the U.S.”
When requesting more information, the Keiser College website has a
note that those applying from countries outside of the US and Canada
should contact them directly for specific information. This is the one
caveat that needed to be addressed through personal communication
between the program and your brother, and, according to your post, it
is a match! That’s wonderful news!
To find out more about Keiser College and their online medical
assistant degree program, please refer to:
https://secure.elearners.com/kc_form.asp
(This is the form to request more information)
=======================================================================
Dr. Smith, you have confirmed that Keiser College is a match for you
and suits your needs. I am listing here a number of resources,
including another college that offers a similar program, in case that
may further assist you or give you more choice/selection.
St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants
http://www.medassistant.org/index.html
Another resource that you may find helpful is “Medical Assistant
Training Schools (this resource has a list of both local and online
resources)
http://www.medical-assistant-training-schools.org/medical-assistant-schools.htm
A website FOR medical assistants (a resource for learning and study)
http://www.medicalassistant.net/
I am glad to know that the information about Keiser College is what
you have been seeking. I’m also glad to know that it can be of benefit
to the young women in Belize, of whom you made mention in your
question. I hope that these other resources can add to what we’ve
already discussed in assisting you and your brother in your endeavors.
If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. Thank you again
for reposting your question. Your professionalism and kindness is not
going unnoticed.
Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga |
