Medical Assistant | Montana State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 31-9092.00

Skills

Social PerceptivenessSpeakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingCoordinationService OrientationMonitoring

Knowledge

English LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryAdministrativeComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityNear VisionSpeech RecognitionWritten ExpressionSpeech ClarityDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Tasks

Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical r

Technology

Calendar and scheduling softwareBilling and invoicing softwareAccounting softwareOffice suite softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

AudiometersAutoclavesBaumanometersBinocular light compound microscopesBlood chemistry analyzersBlood collection vialsBreathalyzersButterfly needlesCanesCast cuttersCentrifugesCredit card readersCrutchesCulturettesDictation equipment

Work Values

RelationshipsSupportAchievementWorking ConditionsRecognitionIndependence

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium31-9092.00	Medical Assistants	title_inference	$44,200 median$57,830 top	+12.48%	10,120

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)

Complex or non-routine patient histories — obtain and synthesize autonomously, applying critical thinking to flag clinically significant information for the supervising physician.
Full clinical intake processes — execute independently across a broad scope of patient populations and visit types in a multi-specialty or fast-paced ambulatory setting.
Deviations from normal vital signs or patient-reported symptoms — recognize and escalate appropriately by applying problem sensitivity and clinical judgment.
Patient education sessions covering procedures, medications, and diets — deliver effectively using tailored communication strategies matched to individual health literacy and cultural background.
Specimen collection irregularities and chain-of-custody issues — identify and resolve proactively, ensuring laboratory integrity and regulatory compliance.
EHR documentation across visit types — complete accurately and efficiently, applying knowledge of medical terminology, coding conventions, and document management best practices.
Infection-control and safety protocols — evaluate adherence across the clinical environment and implement corrective actions without supervisory direction.
Minor clinical procedures such as injections, wound care, and suture removal — perform proficiently across a full range of routine cases, adapting technique to patient-specific factors.
Office suite, spreadsheet, and database tools — leverage to compile patient data reports, track quality metrics, and support practice administration in a clinical office context.
Interdisciplinary care coordination — facilitate by communicating clearly with physicians, nurses, specialists, and administrative staff to ensure seamless patient transitions.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.