Medical Assistants (MAs) are valued members of the clinical care team. The MA is often the first person to welcome a patient to the clinic, setting the stage for a comfortable, caring experience. The MA role is fast‐paced, interesting, and guided by patient safety in every interaction. Some of the duties of an MA include:

• Obtain and record patient vital signs, temperature, pulse, height, weight, blood pressure and reason for visit
• Register and document in the patient’s electronic medical record
• Conduct hearing, vision, breathing and EKG testing
• Assist providers in procedures
• Perform injections, bladder scans and diabetic foot exams
• Provide an exceptional patient experience and care

Dartmouth Health WRI Medical Assistant trainees are enrolled in an 11-week intensive training program, which leads to national certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam and a credential of Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). Upon successful completion, trainees begin work in the ambulatory clinic and are enrolled in a 2,000-hour Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship.

A total of 60 credits is required to earn the Associate of Health Science. Dartmouth Health WRI Medical Assistant trainees earn 25 credits through Colby-Sawyer for the MA training coursework, followed by 21 credits for elective courses taken during the student’s apprenticeship. The final 20 credits are derived from 8-week online Liberal Education courses taught by CSC. Please note: the additional credits students earn can be rolled into a Bachelor’s degree program.