Medical Assisting Course Description
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Course Description
Program Expenses
Semester I
MA LAB AND THEORY
#1MAT01, #1EMAT01 | 160 hours
This course introduces the theory, skills, tasks and techniques performed by the Medical Assistant and their correlation for caring for the patient in the ambulatory setting. Topics include infection control, medical and surgical asepsis, exposure control, sterilization techniques and OSHA standards. In addition the study of and proper performance of vital signs, anthropometric signs and additional screening procedures associated with particular types of office visits and body systems will be taught. Phlebotomy will be introduced in this semester. The rationale for these screening tests and the ramifications of the results as they relate to patient’s state of health will be explored. Privacy concerns, ethical behavior, legal scope of practice, patient education and community resources will be explored as each body system is explored.
ANATOMY AND ASSOCIATED TERMINOLOGY
#1MAT02, #1EMAT02 | 60 hours
This is a course designed to familiarize the student with the general plan and structure of the human body and its function under normal, healthy conditions as well as an introduction to the body’s response to illness and disease. This semester is an introduction to anatomical divisions and body planes, cells, tissues, skin, glands and membranes, the skeletal, integumentary, muscular and respiratory systems.
Following the introduction to major anatomical structures the course explores the meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, the source of the terminology, spelling and accurate use and placement in medical office documents. The course focuses on the structure of medical terms, their word roots and components, prefixes, suffixes so that the student develops a working command and understanding of medical vocabulary related to disease in a variety of healthcare specialties
PHARMACOLOGY
#1MAT03, #1EMAT03 | 60 hours
This is a basic course designed to familiarize the student with pertinent information regarding pharmaceuticals such as legal and ethical concerns, terminology, definitions, abbreviations and classifications. In addition the course will familiarize the student with approximately 50 of the more commonly prescribed medications with their trade and generic names, mode of action, side effects and usual doses. The medications discussed are correlated with the body systems discussed in other courses.
MATH FOR PHARMACOLOGY
#1MAT04, #1EMAT04 | 30 hours
This course provides a review of basic math skills required to perform simple computations. The course includes a review of fractions and decimal fractions. Skills in metric and English system of measurement are developed as well as conversion from one system to another. Students will learn how to perform drug calculations and to convert prescribed dosages for the patient.
MEDICAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT
#1MAT05, #1EMAT05 | 30 hours
The management of the office can greatly influence the success of the practice. This course provides students with a basis of professional behavior, telephone techniques, scheduling appointments, patient reception, and processing, and medical records management. This first semester course focuses on the administrative, office, and business skills that a medical assistant needs to be successful in an ambulatory care setting.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS FOR MEDICAL OFFICE
#1MAT06, #1EMAT06 | 60 hours
This is a hands-on laboratory course designed to teach the use of 21st Century computer skills and their application in a medical office. It includes an introduction to hardware, software, and operating systems. This course is designed to expand the students ‘computer skills through the use of the most common business application software packages. Students will strengthen their Microsoft Word 2013 and Microsoft Excel 2013 skills and explore their use in a medical office environment.
COMMUNICATIONS FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANTS
#1MAT07, #1EMAT07 | 30 hours
The critical skills of effective communication are the focus of this course. This course is designed to provide students with the basic communication skills to meet the challenges in today’s workforce. It will enable students to provide patients with understanding and support needed in an ambulatory setting. This course will address common patient conditions such as anxiety, fear, abuse, and mental illness and effective methods that may be used by the medical assistant in alleviating patient concerns. A review of grammar and punctuation is included to give students the oral and written tools they need to perform as a professional. The student will study a variety of business documents and scenarios that require a specific form of communication such as e-mail and other documents and learn appropriate methods for optimal communication.
Semester II
MA LAB AND THEORY II
#2MAT01, #2EMAT01 | 164 hours
This course continues to expose the student to skills, tasks and procedures performed in the ambulatory setting. New skills are incorporated into the patient assessment and interview process. Introduction to medication administration, phlebotomy training and CPR certification will be completed. Other clinical skills introduced will include assisting with minor office procedures and assisting groups with special needs. In addition topics and associated skills in laboratory specimen collection, Phlebotomy, Patient Education, Patient Assessment and Nutrition are discussed. The student will continue to study and assimilate information from previous chapters and integrate new skills and tasks related to body systems.
ANATOMY AND ASSOCIATED TERMINOLOGY II
#2MAT02, #2EMAT02 | 30 hours
This course is a continuation of Anatomy & Associated Terminology I. Topics and body systems covered include: gastrointestinal, special senses, endocrine, urinary and reproductive, lymphatic and blood. AS in Anatomy & Associated Terminology II the student will continue to practice incorporation and understanding of new words and phrases into patient interview notes and other medical record documents.
PHARMACOLOGY II
#2MAT03, #2EMAT03 | 45 hours
This is a continuation of Pharmacology I. The remaining body systems and the medications that affect those systems will be explored. The student will be introduced to medication administration and the supplies and materials needed to perform injections.
BILLING AND CODING
#2MAT05, #2EMAT05 | 45 hours
Billing and coding prepares students in all aspects of the financial management of an ambulatory care facility. The coding phase of the course explores diagnostic coding using both the ICD-9 and ICD10 standards. The process of procedural coding using CPT codes is covered. Students will combine skills related to patient records with both diagnostic and procedural codes to ensure the correct preparation and management of insurance claims and ultimately patient billing. Students will explore the financial policies and procedures of a medical practice. Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable concepts and processes will be covered.
COMMUNICATIONS FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANTS II
#2MAT07, #2EMAT07 | 45 hours
This course is a combination of career readiness skills, study skills, and medical transcription skills to better prepare students to enter their new career. Students will develop resumes, cover letters, thank you letters, references, and create a professional portfolio. Topics will include the job search and interview preparation. Students will also develop the skills required to successfully interpret and transcribe dictation by physicians and other healthcare professionals into comprehensive healthcare records. Students will also study, practice and prepare for the national certification exam concentrating on many of the administrative and communication skills learned throughout the course.
CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP
#2MAC01, #2EMAC01 | 240 hours
Upon completion of all academic requirements and having attained a 70% or better in all coursework in the Medical Assistant program the student is placed in an ambulatory care setting for 10 weeks to complete an unpaid Externship. While at the externship facility the student will be exposed to the various phases of the office, clinical and administrative, and will be afforded hands on training and supervision in the many skills and tasks in the office. The length of time for each phase will vary depending on the student’s comprehension and ability. The externship is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to become more competent at skills they have learned in the classroom and to learn new skills available at the facility. Externship times vary.