(PHOENIX, Ariz. - April 12, 2005) - Phoenix College will offer an evening Medical Assisting(MA) Program beginning this fall in addition to the day program. Both MA programs will provide education and training for employment in physicians' offices and group medical practices. The evening program is anticipated to better fit the needs of some students.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the increasing demand for medical assistants in the next 6 years in Arizona alone has gone up 77 percent, with an increase in the demand across the United States at 59 percent. Graduates of the program can take advantage of the number of positions available and meet the growing needs for medical assistants in Arizona.

Upon completion of the course medical assistants will be able to perform several administrative and clinical duties. Duties include:

--Medical records management
--Processing insurance claims
--Scheduling appointments
--Preparing instrumentation and patients for treatment
--Performing electrocardiograms
-Administering medications under the direction of the physician.

The evening classes will be on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., with some Saturdays required. Some daytime externship hours may be scheduled toward the end of the program. The 13-month program will cost approximately $3000.

Please note, all participants must be high school graduates. Classes will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

For additional information use google to search "medical assisting" or, please contact Debi Moser (602) 285-7427 or Helen Houser (602) 285-7135.

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