• Medical Assistant Enrollment Deadlines
• Physical Exam Form
• Immunization Form

Technical Standards

All students participating in the Medical Assistant Certificate Program shall be capable of performing the Programmatic Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodation as follows:

• must be ambulatory;
• be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.;
• possess fine motor coordination required to perform technical skills such as preparation and administration of lab & equipment related testing;
• have visual acuity to perform technical skills such as physical assessment and proper use of medical instruments;
• have auditory perception allowing effective use of stethoscope and communication;
• have emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment & appropriate responses;
• have emotional maturity to develop appropriate therapeutic relationships.

Occupational Risks for Medical Assistants

Medical assisting is a healthcare profession with many rewards. Practitioners work directly with providers and patients, performing various administrative and clinical duties, with the goal of providing health care and ensuring patient safety. Healthcare professionals can be exposed to several occupational risks. The following is a list of the primary risks a medical assistant may encounter while performing their duties:

• Exposure to Infectious Diseases: Medical assistants may come into contact with infectious diseases while providing patient care or handling medical equipment and specimens.
• Sharps Injuries: Accidental needlestick injuries while handling needles, syringes, or other sharp medical instruments can pose a significant risk.
• Bloodborne Pathogens and Biological Hazards: Medical assistants may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards, including handling bodily fluids and tissues.
• Chemical and Drug Exposure: Exposure to hazardous chemicals and medications can occur while preparing and administering treatments.
• Ergonomic Hazards: Lifting, sitting for extended periods, and repetitive tasks can lead to ergonomic hazards, resulting in musculoskeletal injuries.
• Latex Allergies: Some medical assistants may develop latex allergies due to prolonged exposure to latex-containing medical gloves and equipment.
• Stress: The high-pressure healthcare environment can lead to stress and burnout among medical assistants.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established protections for healthcare workers and patients in the form of a set of standards, and those protections are particularly important within a healthcare environment. As an accredited program, Greenfield Community College Medical Assisting Certificate program teaches students about the hazards they face on the job and protocols that can be put into place to ensure a workplace culture that prioritizes safety.