Medical Assistant
ABHES Accredited* Two-Year Associate in Specialized Business (ASB) Degree Program
Available at the State College and Altoona Campuses
The Medical Assistant program at South Hills will prepare you to use both administrative and clinical skills in a medical setting. Students learn to perform tasks such as records management and billing, as well as clinical procedures ranging from collecting specimens to administering medication (as state law permits).
Our MA graduates work alongside physicians in a wide variety of settings, including: medical and surgical hospitals, medical offices and clinics, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, ambulatory care facilities, and professional schools. Other career opportunities include: electrocardiography technician, phlebotomist, and emergency department technician.
In order to be successful in this program, students must be comfortable working closely with people of all kinds, drawing blood, and handling lab specimens. Additionally, they must demonstrate integrity and respect and embrace change, growth, and learning.
* The Medical Assistant Associate in Specialized Business (ASB) Degree program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Upon successful completion of the MA program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Objectives and Skills
Through a comprehensive educational training program including attention to theory, practice, and application, students in the Medical Assistant program will develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes:
- To prepare the student to function competently at an entry level, principally in a physician’s office or clinic.
- To provide adequate information, demonstration, and practice of medical assistant administrative skills for the healthcare field to insure student competency in this area.
- To provide adequate information, demonstration, and practice of medical assistant clinical skills for the healthcare field to insure student competency in this area.
- To provide adequate information, demonstration, and practice of medical assistant laboratory skills for the healthcare field to insure student competency in this area.
- To provide an adequate foundation of knowledge in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, disease processes and conditions.
- To provide an adequate foundation of knowledge and hands on practice to understand proper aseptic techniques, and diagnostic and treatment procedures commonly performed in the physician’s office.
- To prepare the student for employment in the health care field, emphasizing the need for maturity, responsibility, and attention to detail that is essential for all health care employees.
- To provide the student with information and skills needed to take the CMA (AAMA) exam.
At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- Communicate effectively and professionally in speech and in writing.
- Use appropriate technological tools to assist in the efficient completion of assigned job responsibilities.
- Perform administrative duties as assigned in a medical office.
- Perform clinical duties as assigned in a medical office.
- Conduct themselves appropriately in order to maintain positive working relationships with employers, co-workers, and clients.
- Acquire the background knowledge necessary in order to understand historical and current business practices in their field.
- Function competently in a business environment, displaying traits of and meeting expectations for a valued employee.
- Identify print and electronic resources to continually expand their knowledge and skills through on-going professional development.
- Respect confidential information obtained through employment unless legally authorized or required by responsible performance of duty to divulge such information.
MA Program, Student, & Alumni News
South Hills Healthcare Students Participate in UPMC Altoona Trauma Drill
October 22, 2019
Administrative Medical Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Health Information Technology students from the Altoona Campus of South Hills School of Business & Technology recently participated in a trauma drill at UPMC Altoona. Afterwards, they were given a tour of some of the hospital facilities, including the the STAT MedEvac 11 helicopter and its landing area.
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South Hills School Of Business & Technology Holds Spring Commencement Ceremony
June 26, 2019
South Hills School of Business & Technology held its 49th annual commencement ceremony for the graduating class of June 2019 at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center on Thursday, June 20, 2019.
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South Hills Medical Assistant Program Students Tour Primary Health Network
June 10, 2019
Students of the Medical Assistant specialized associate degree program at South Hills School of Business & Technology toured the Primary Health Network location in Lewistown to get a first-hand look at a real-world work environment in their field.
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South Hills Hosts Guest Speaker From Service Paws of Central PA
May 31, 2019
Medical Assistant students at South Hills School of Business & Technology's Altoona Campus welcomed Joseph Fagnani, Chairperson of Service Paws of Central PA, a non-profit organization that helps qualified individuals obtain and/or provide veterinary care for service animals.
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South Hills Relies on Local Employers for Help to Prepare Its Students for the Workforce
May 22, 2019
As part of the effort to keep the curriculum current, each Specialized Associate Degree program at South Hills School of Business & Technology's three campuses has a Program Advisory Committee comprised of local industry professionals. This diverse group of employers, internship site supervisors, and South Hills alumni get together twice yearly to provide feedback and ideas for improvement to the program's learning resources, equipment, facilities, and objectives.
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South Hills Students Tour Cambria County Prison
May 21, 2019
Students from South Hills School of Business & Technology's Criminal Justice and Medical Assistant specialized associate degree programs visited the Cambria County Prison to see an example of a working environment for those who decide to pursue a career in corrections or within the prison system.
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South Hills Students Donate To The Jared Box Project
March 7, 2019
The Health Careers Club at South Hills School of Business & Technology collected donations to buy supplies to assemble Jared Boxes for a Central Pennsylvania based organization whose mission is to lift the spirits of children in the hospital.
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South Hills Holds 9th Annual Splash Of Blood Day
February 27, 2019
Students, faculty, and staff at South Hills School of Business & Technology recently volunteered their arms to the students of its Medical Assistant specialized associate degree program to help them meet a requirement that puts them one step closer to achieving the National Healthcareer® Association Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification.
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South Hills Students Collect Donations For The Jared Box Project
January 25, 2019
The Health Careers Club at South Hills School of Business & Technology has been collecting donations for the Jared Box Project, a local nonprofit organization that donates "Jared Boxes" filled with small toys, games, and activities to young patients who are in the hospital.
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South Hills Students Give Back To Local Community
January 16, 2019
The Health Careers Club at South Hills School of Business & Technology’s Lewistown Campus recently donated money to different causes as part of its ongoing campaign to give back to the community.
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Complete Course List
Medical Assistant Course List
Medical Assistant Course List for 2019-20
This program information appears in the 2019-20 school catalog. Click here for all course descriptions.
| Term | Course # | Course Name | Credits | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | MD102 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 5.5 | 60 |
| MD103 | Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 0.5 | 10 | |
| GE207 | Applied Psychology in Health Care | 3.0 | 36 | |
| GE183 | Business English I | 4.0 | 60 | |
| HI228 | Introduction to the Health Care Field | 4.0 | 60 | |
| OS103 | Keyboarding | 1.0 | 20 | |
| MD108 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 | 36 | |
| PD110 | Professional Development | 2.0 | 24 | |
| Totals: | 23.0 | 306 | ||
| Second Term | MD106 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 5.5 | 60 |
| MD107 | Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 0.5 | 10 | |
| GE184 | Business English II | 4.0 | 60 | |
| GE179 | Mathematics for Health Care Professionals | 4.0 | 60 | |
| MD109 | Medical Terminology II | 3.0 | 36 | |
| CP284 | Microsoft Word | 4.5 | 60 | |
| Totals: | 21.5 | 286 | ||
| Third Term | GE210 | Business English III | 3.5 | 60 |
| MA206 | Clinical Skills | 4.5 | 60 | |
| MA200 | Electrocardiography | 4.5 | 60 | |
| HI226 | ICD Coding I | 4.5 | 60 | |
| HI102 | Pathophysiology | 5.5 | 60 | |
| Totals: | 22.5 | 300 | ||
| Fourth Term | HI225 | CPT-4 | 4.0 | 48 |
| HI227 | ICD Coding II | 4.5 | 60 | |
| MA103 | Laboratory Procedures | 3.5 | 60 | |
| MD240 | Medical Administrative Skills I | 4.5 | 60 | |
| CP287 | Microsoft Excel | 4.5 | 60 | |
| MD242 | Pharmacology | 3.0 | 36 | |
| Totals: | 24.0 | 324 | ||
| Fifth Term | GE178 | Human Relations in the Workplace | 2.5 | 36 |
| CD207 | Job Search Skills | 2.0 | 24 | |
| HI229 | Medical Legal Aspects | 3.0 | 36 | |
| MA201 | Medical Seminar | 2.5 | 36 | |
| GE213 | Oral Business Communications | 2.0 | 24 | |
| MA204 | Phlebotomy | 4.5 | 60 | |
| MD212 | Principles of Medical Insurance | 4.5 | 60 | |
| Totals: | 21.0 | 276 | ||
| Sixth Term | CD106 | Career Preparation | 0.5 | 10 |
| CD201 | Certification Preparation for the Medical Assistant | 2.0 | 21 | |
| MA203 | Medical Assistant Internship | 11.0 | 330 | |
| Totals: | 13.5 | 361 | ||
| MA PROGRAM TOTAL CREDITS | MA PROGRAM TOTAL HOURS | |||
| 125.5 Credits | 1,853 Clock Hours |
Careers in Medical Assistant
Our MA graduates work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. Other opportunities include:
- Electrocardiography Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Emergency Department Technician
Our students are placed in outstanding internship environments where they have the opportunity to put their classroom experience to work in the real world prior to graduation. We have placed interns at locations including but not limited to:
- Allegheny Regional Endoscopy (Blair Gastroenterology)
- Altoona Heart and Vascular Institute
- Blair Medical Associates
- Blair Orthopedics, Altoona PA
- Geisinger
- Martin and Suhey Orthopedics
- Mount Nittany Physician’s Group
- Nason Hospital
- Pediatric HealthCare Associates, Altoona PA
- Penn Highlands Center For Childrens Care
- State College Family Medicine
- Susquehanna Health
- Tyrone Medical Associates
- UPMC Altoona
- Women’s Laser and HealthCare
South Hills Medical Assistant graduates are well-trained and in demand for their skillsets and work ethics. Some of the many locations employing our graduates including but not limited to:
- Advanced Regional Center for Ankle and Foot Care
- Allegheny Regional Endoscopy (Blair Gastroenterology)
- Altoona Heart and Vascular Institute
- Altoona Lung Specialists
- Blair Medical Associates
- Dr. Nalin G. Patel
- Geisinger
- Huntingdon Healthcare, Inc.
- Lung Center, Williamsport Hospital
- Mount Nittany Physician’s Group
- Penn Highlands Center For Childrens Care
- Susquehanna Health
- Tyrone Medical Associates
- UPMC Altoona
- Women’s Laser and HealthCare
Meet the Faculty
Crystal Douglas
Program Coordinator / Instructor
State College Main Campus
Crystal's Biography
Crystal Douglas has been the Medical Assistant Program Coordinator at the State College Main Campus since the program’s launch at South Hills School of Business & Technology in 2009. She is a Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA), and a Surgical Technologist with over 15 years experience in the allied healthcare field.
Crystal graduated from Mount Aloysius College and has worked for primary care physicians and several specialties including Endocrinology, Surgery, and Behavioral Health. Crystal brings her expertise and experiences from the healthcare community to her classroom, motivating and challenging while educating her South Hills MA students.
Crystal Douglas has been the Medical Assistant Program Coordinator at the State College Main Campus since the program’s launch at South Hills School of Business & Technology in 2009. She is a Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA), and a Surgical Technologist with over 15 years experience in the allied healthcare field.
Crystal graduated from Mount Aloysius College and has worked for primary care physicians and several specialties including Endocrinology, Surgery, and Behavioral Health. Crystal brings her expertise and experiences from the healthcare community to her classroom, motivating and challenging while educating her South Hills MA students.
Pam Meister
Instructor
State College Main Campus
Pam's Biography
Pam Meister has taught at South Hills for 18 years. Pam is an instructor of anatomy and physiology and other health-related classes. She is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania with a BSN in Nursing. Pam has practiced throughout the U.S. in the areas of Medical-Surgical, Psychiatric, and OR Nursing. She is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International which promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. She is also a member of the Anatomy & Physiology Society, Inc., which is dedicated to promoting excellence in the teaching of human anatomy and physiology.
Pam Meister has taught at South Hills for 18 years. Pam is an instructor of anatomy and physiology and other health-related classes. She is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania with a BSN in Nursing. Pam has practiced throughout the U.S. in the areas of Medical-Surgical, Psychiatric, and OR Nursing. She is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International which promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. She is also a member of the Anatomy & Physiology Society, Inc., which is dedicated to promoting excellence in the teaching of human anatomy and physiology.
Brenda Ream Stover,
RHIT, CCS, CPC, CPB, Approved Instructor
Instructor
State College Main Campus
Brenda's Biography
Brenda previously served at Centre Community Hospital [Mount Nittany Medical Center] for 12 years as a transcriptionist, coder, and later as a supervisor for the coding and transcription departments.
Brenda’s accreditations include:
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC), AAPC 2013
• Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer, AHIMA 2009
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), AHIMA 1998
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), AHIMA 1991
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Biller (CPB), Approved Instructor 2019
She holds the following professional memberships:
• AHIMA—American Health Information Management Association
• PHIMA— Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association
• CPHIMA—Central Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association
• AAPC—American Academy of Professional Coders
Brenda previously served at Centre Community Hospital [Mount Nittany Medical Center] for 12 years as a transcriptionist, coder, and later as a supervisor for the coding and transcription departments.
Brenda’s accreditations include:
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC), AAPC 2013
• Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer, AHIMA 2009
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), AHIMA 1998
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), AHIMA 1991
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Biller (CPB), Approved Instructor 2019
She holds the following professional memberships:
• AHIMA—American Health Information Management Association
• PHIMA— Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association
• CPHIMA—Central Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association
• AAPC—American Academy of Professional Coders
Suzanne Feathers
Program Coordinator / Instructor
Altoona Campus
Suzanne's Biography
Suzanne Feathers is the Medical Assistant Program Coordinator for the Altoona Campus. Suzanne specializes in allied health education for Medical Assistant, Administrative Medical Assistant, and Health Information Technology students. Before joining the South Hills family, Suzanne was an educator at Computer Learning Network and Cambria-Rowe Business College, where she spent over twelve years as an Allied Health Instructor, Program Coordinator and Program Director.
Suzanne holds AHIMA certifications in Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and as an AHIMA ICD10CM/PCS Coding Trainer. She has been a Certified Medical Assistant since 1995, becoming an LPN in 2012. Suzanne holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration with a minor in Education.
Her professional experience includes employment in skilled nursing facilities, physicians’ offices (including Family Practice and several specialists) working in the capacity of Office Manager, Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist, Medical Assistant, and LPN. She also served several years as a phlebotomist for American Red Cross.
Suzanne Feathers is the Medical Assistant Program Coordinator for the Altoona Campus. Suzanne specializes in allied health education for Medical Assistant, Administrative Medical Assistant, and Health Information Technology students. Before joining the South Hills family, Suzanne was an educator at Computer Learning Network and Cambria-Rowe Business College, where she spent over twelve years as an Allied Health Instructor, Program Coordinator and Program Director.
Suzanne holds AHIMA certifications in Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and as an AHIMA ICD10CM/PCS Coding Trainer. She has been a Certified Medical Assistant since 1995, becoming an LPN in 2012. Suzanne holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration with a minor in Education.
Her professional experience includes employment in skilled nursing facilities, physicians’ offices (including Family Practice and several specialists) working in the capacity of Office Manager, Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist, Medical Assistant, and LPN. She also served several years as a phlebotomist for American Red Cross.
Lisa James
Instructor
Altoona Campus
Program Advisory Committees
State College Main Campus
| Member Name | Job Title | Company |
| Heather Antonuccio | Front End Trainer | Mount Nittany Physician Group |
| Jodi Butler | Financial Assistant | University Health Services, Pennsylvania State University |
| Kelly Ferguson | Remote Coder | Valley Health, Winchester, VA |
| Robin Garman | Vice-president | MD Office Solutions |
| Shannon Hilliard | Nurse Leader Primary Care | Mount Nittany Physician Group |
| Hannah Killinger, CPC | Medical Office Assistant | Mount Nittany Physician Group |
| Jennifer Longstreth | ACCESS Manager | Geisinger Gray's Woods |
| Melissa Minor | Nurse Leader Surgical Specialties | Mount Nittany Physician Group |
| Laura Moss | Director Revenue Cycle | Mount Nittany Physician Group |
| Rian Roan | Revenue Cycle Manager | Mount Nittany Physician Group |
| Deidra Shanley | CMA. Head Nurse | Toftrees Family Medicine |
| Ashley Shuey, CMA | Site Supervisor | Mount Nittany Physician Group |
Altoona Campus
| Member Name | Job Title | Company |
| Amy Reighard | Administrator | Allegheny Regional Endoscopy |
| Carrie Maceno | Clinical Director | Blair Gastroenterology Associates |
| Kaitlynn Johnson | Medical Assistant II | Hillman Cancer Center |
| Marianne Beyer | Senior Practice Manager | Hillman Cancer Center |
| Kim Corle | RN Supervisor | UPMC Altoona Trauma |
| Alli Psaki Fishel | Administrative Coordinator | Home Nursing Agency |
| Mary Thayer | Practice Manager | Cardiology Associates of Altoona |
| Loeghan Pitts | Neurology CMA | Blair Medical Associates |
| Rosemarie Fox | Practice Manager | Reinhardt Family Practice |
| Lydia Garner | CMA | UPMC Hospital |
| Alyssa Robison, NCMA | Patient Care Manager | Blair Gastroenterology Associates |
