What if there are only eight weeks between you and a new career? Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has partnered with Big Sandy Community and Technical College’s Workforce Solutions to bring the community a course to become a Medical Office Technician. So whether you’re looking to get back into the workforce or start a new chapter in life, the Medical Office Technician program may be perfect for you. 

Students enrolled in the Medical Office Technician program are hired as temporary employees at Pikeville Medical Center. They then complete eight intensive weeks of instructional and clinical training with the support of PMC and BSCTC staff. The best part? It all comes at NO cost to the employee. 

After students complete the program, they can transfer into a full-time Medical Assistant position at Pikeville Medical Center.

About the Medical Office Technician Program
The 8-week pathway to becoming a PMC Medical Assistant 

Part 1: Classwork and Skills Practice

Once hired, the Medical Office Technician students head to their first class at Big Sandy Community and Technical College’s (BSCTC) Pikeville campus. Here, student employees spend four intensive weeks with an instructor. They will study a jointly prepared curriculum tailored to the instructional and clinical competencies required to work as a Medical Assistant (MA) at Pikeville Medical Center.  

The course’s instructional portion begins with an introduction to healthcare and the state legal scope of practice for an MA. The class continues with more foundational knowledge, such as infection control and safety guidelines, the importance of communication and professionalism, treating patients with respect and dignity, and complying with legal and ethical standards. 

Students also cover medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and dosage calculations. They learn and practice skills such as obtaining patient histories and vital signs, administering injections and oral medications as ordered and allowed, and performing relevant routine clinical and laboratory procedures. 

On non-class days, students spend time in PMC’s education department working through supplemental online learning modules, completing homework, or studying for tests and exams. 

After passing their final exam, students spend focused time checking off their skill competencies with the instructor at BSCTC.

Part 2: Clinical Rotations and On-the-Job Training

Once students complete their skill checkoffs, they graduate to the clinical portion of our program. 

Students are placed in a clinic for their rotations. This is where students are given the opportunity to transfer into a full-time Medical Assistant position after completing their training.  

This portion of the program consists of full-time, on-the-job training. Students are paired with a qualified preceptor and are immersed in their clinic. During these four weeks, students learn additional skills and competencies specific to working as an MA in that clinic. They also begin working on their required Department-Specific Orientation, which can be finished in their first weeks as a full-time MA upon transfer. 

Part 3: The Opportunity to Transfer into a full-time Medical Assistant position at PMC

Each week, clinical preceptors evaluate student performance and identify any areas needed for extra training or improvement. After the fourth week of completing full-time training shifts in their clinic, students graduate from the training program! They are awarded a joint certificate from PMC and BSCTC Workforce Solutions. We ask all program graduates to commit to working with us at PMC for at least one year when they transfer into a full-time position with their clinic. 

When you accept a full-time position as a Medical Assistant with PMC, you become part of a team of caring individuals committed to providing comprehensive care in a Christian environment that advances the health and well-being of our region. In addition, you’ll have access to the fantastic benefits that PMC offers.

So… What Exactly Is a Medical Assistant?

We’re so glad you asked! The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) describes that Medical Assistants “work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics.” Here’s more from the AAMA about Medical Assistants:  

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assisting is one of the nation’s fastest-growing occupations. The following can be attributed to the growth of the occupation:

• The predicted surge in the number of physicians’ offices and outpatient care facilities
• Technological advancements
• A growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment

Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties, as shown by the Occupational Analysis of Medical Assistants.

Here is a quick overview (duties vary from medical practice to medical practice depending on location, size, specialty, and state law):

Clinical Duties (may include, but are not limited to):

• Taking medical histories
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Preparing patients for examinations
•  the physician during examinations
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Instructing patients about medication and special diets
• Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
• Transmitting prescription refills as directed
• Phlebotomy
• Taking electrocardiograms
• Wound care and changing dressings

Administrative Duties (may include, but are not limited to):

• Using computer applications
• Answering telephones
• Welcoming patients
• Updating and filing patient medical records
• Coding and filling out insurance forms
• Scheduling appointments
• Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

Not all Medical Assistants everywhere may be trained or perform all the skills listed above, but this gives a great idea of what sort of responsibilities to expect in a Medical Assistant role.

At Pikeville Medical Center, no two clinics are the same. So, MAs may take on a different mix of responsibilities from clinic to clinic. All duties fall within the state legal scope of practice of an MA and the skills they’ve been trained for. 

About Our Clinics

Our physician practices offer a wide variety of services, and Medical Assistants play a vital role in ensuring our patients receive comprehensive, compassionate care every visit.

When you apply to train as a Medical Office Technician at PMC, you could be on track to work as a Medical Assistant at any of our premier clinics. Here is what our recent graduates have to say after being placed in their clinics. 

The Medical Office Technician course through PMC is an amazing opportunity for those wanting to get into the medical field. Between the class schedule and the clinical time you will definitely feel prepared to work in… [your clinic].

Bobby Moore – Medical Assistant
Clinic 6 – Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute of Eastern Kentucky

The class was an excellent opportunity for me to advance in a beautiful career at PMC. An option that I would have never been able to have without the program. The 4-wk in-class training was very informative. The 2 wk clinical training was hands-on and very beneficial. I love my job at clinic 7. I feel I was adequately trained and placed in the best position. I couldn’t be happier. I love the patients, my co-workers, my doctors, and my management. I’m so thankful for this opportunity.

Barbara Jordan – Medical Assistant
Clinic 7 – Eastern Kentucky Advanced Women’s Care Center

About Getting Started…

Are you ready to make the life-changing choice to pursue a career as a Medical Assistant at Pikeville Medical Center, all while getting paid to train? Then, we’re ready when you are. 

Your first step is to head to our homepage. Click “Search Jobs: New Candidates” and look for “PMC MEDICAL OFFICE TECHNICIAN / MEDICAL ASSISTANT STUDENT.”  You will need a high school diploma/GED to qualify for this program. You must also have Basic Life Support Training, but we can provide this training on-site upon hire if needed.

If eligible, Laura from Recruitment Services will contact you to schedule an interview and review your application. In addition, she’ll use this time to get to know you and answer any questions you may have about the program.  

Do you still have questions about the Medical Office Technician course? Contact Laura to get them answered today!