Medical Assisting (Columbia, Montgomery, and Savannah)

In addition to general admission to the University, students should be able to meet the following technical standards for the Medical Assisting Program. 

1. Background Check:
   Students must complete a background check at their own expense using the agency identified by the MA Program Director. No other background checks will be accepted. The background check must be completed at least three weeks prior to the intended start date of the first MA Practicum clinical placement. Students with a positive background check will not be allowed to start AHS2098 Medical Assisting Practicum and will be referred to the MA Progression Committee. The MA program follows the College of Health Professions Background Check Policy and Substance Abuse and Screening Policy located in the South University Catalog (www.southuniversity.edu/admissions/academic-catalog). Applicants are not eligible for admittance into any portion of the MA program if they have a felony conviction, plea, or adjudication withheld, or any disqualifying misdemeanor, for which a pardon or exemption for disqualification has not been received, including but not limited to rape or sexual abuse or molestation, and abuse, endangerment, or neglect of a child, disabled person, or elderly person.
2. Drug Screen:
   Students must complete drug screen at their own expense using the agency identified by the MA Program Director. No other drug screens will be accepted. The screen must be completed at least three weeks prior to the intended start date of the first MA Practicum clinical placement. Students with a positive drug screen will not be allowed to start the MA Practicum and will be referred to the MA Progression Committee. The MA program follows the College of Health Professions Substance Abuse and Screening Policy located in the South University Catalog (http://www.southuniversity.edu/admissions/academic-catalog).
3. Technical Standards:
   Students must meet the technical standards, which describe the physical abilities and behavioral characteristics required of students for full participation and successful completion of the MA program, as well as to function as a fully qualified medical assistant after graduation. Prospective MA students should review these standards and determine if they have any limitations that may interfere with their ability to satisfy any of these requirements.

The technical standards are: 

• Sensory
  Medical Assisting students must be able to read charts, graphs, instrument scales and medication orders, prepare and maintain medical records, and use their senses of hearing and touch to recognize emergencies and to assess the patient's physical condition.
• Communication
  The Medical Assisting student must be able to read and write effectively in order to transmit information to all members of the healthcare team. The student must also be able to assess nonverbal communication and respond appropriately.
  Additional requirements include the ability to interview and record patient histories, provide patient care instructions, use correct telephone technique, collect, prioritize and convey information.
• Fine Motor Skills
  The Medical Assisting student must manifest all the fine motor skills necessary to safely and accurately use medical instruments and perform diagnostic and clinical procedures (e.g. obtaining the patient's blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, drawing blood and administering non-intravenous injections). The student must be able to perform basic secretarial skills, including using a keyboard and the operation of common office equipment. 
• Gross Motor Skills
  The Medical Assisting student must be able to support patients when ambulating, assist patients in and out of a wheelchair, and on and off an examination table. Students must be able to reach equipment and supplies and respond appropriately to emergency situations in a timely manner.
• Psychological Stability
  The Medical Assisting student must demonstrate the ability to handle difficult interpersonal situations in a calm and tactful manner. The student must also be able to maintain a composed, competent, and confident demeanor during emergency situations.

MA Clinical Practicum Policies 

1. Proof of Immunization:
   MA students are required to provide evidence of the initiation or completion of the Hepatitis B immunization series and current flu shot. The student must upload all original lab results and evidence of immunization through the background screening and compliance tracking agency identified by the MA Program at least three weeks prior to the intended start date of AHS2098 Medical Assisting Practicum. Additional vaccinations may be required by clinical sites. All associated fees are the responsibility of the student.
2. CPR/ First Aid and Physical Exam:
   Students must provide verification of a health care provider level CPR/First Aid certification at their own expense prior to the start of the AHS2098 Medical Assisting Practicum clinical courses in the technical phase of the MA program. A Physical Exam and tuberculosis assessment may be required by some clinical sites prior to the MA Practicum. All associated fees are the responsibility of the student.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.