By Grace Gollihur, Editor in Chief
On April 28. El Camino’s Medical Assisting Pathway seniors received their test results to be certified as a Medical Assistant. The National Center for Competency Testing Medical Assistant test has a pass rate of 66.7% percent. This year’s class however, had an 87% pass rate that is expected to increase.
The entire three-year program has led to this test, but students have spent the past three weeks studying intensely for the exam. The national average school is 586, but the class excelled with an average score of 631. These students are now certified Medical Assistants, or MAs. This means they are healthcare professionals qualified to perform various clinical and administrative duties. They perform clinical functions including but not limited to direct patient care and preparation, ECG, phlebotomy, and pharmacology while maintaining patient safety and confidentiality. They may also perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, bookkeeping, and billing and insurance processing.
Medical Assisting teacher Erica Carruth remarked on the drive of her students, stating that every single one of them were motivated to do the work required of them and excel.
These students have many different career paths to embark on. Some are being hired at their externships as Medical Assistants, some are going to nursing school, and some are going to medical school.
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