Program Length and Format
The Medical Assistant program at Bakersfield Adult School is designed to be completed in 16 weeks. The training is focused and fast-paced. Students spend time in the classroom learning core topics like anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical math, and basic psychology. They also get hands-on practice with common tasks done in real clinics and doctor's offices. The goal is to prepare students for both clinical work and front office work, since most medical assistants are expected to handle both.
Clinical / Back Office Skills
Students learn how to take and record vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. They learn how to prepare an exam room, set up instruments for the provider, and clean and sterilize equipment after a procedure. The program also covers basic phlebotomy-related skills, how to assist with injections, how to collect lab samples such as urine, and how to document what was done in the patient’s chart. There is a strong emphasis on patient interaction, privacy, and safety.
Front Office / Administrative Skills
Students also train on the “front desk” side of the job. This includes scheduling patient appointments, updating medical records, verifying basic insurance information, and helping to keep the office organized and running on time. This mix of skills is important, because many smaller clinics want one person who can greet a patient, room the patient, take vitals, and enter information in the chart.
What This Means for Employers
- Students can assist the provider during exams and minor procedures.
- Students are prepared to work with electronic health records.
- Students are taught professional communication with patients and staff.