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 I
#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 I
#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
Math for Pharmacology is a course designed to help students develop a foundation in mathematical concepts and their applications in pharmacology. This course teaches students basic math skills such as algebraic equations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions. Additionally, students will learn how to apply these skills in a pharmacological context, such as calculating drug dosages.
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 skills and explore their use in a medical office environment.
COMMUNICATIONS FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANTS
#1MAT07, #1EMAT07 | 30 hours
This course will provide students with fundamental principles of effective communication in a healthcare setting. Students will develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. The course will cover verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, as well as the different factors that influence communication.
Semester II
MA LAB AND THEORY II
#2MAT01, #2EMAT01 | 164 hours
This course is a continuation of Medical Assisting Theory and Lab I. Clinical skills introduced will include assisting with minor office procedures and assisting groups with special needs. In addition, topics in Laboratory specimen collection and Phlebotomy, Patient Education and Patient Assessment are discussed. The student will continue to study and assimilate information from previous chapters and integrate new skills and tasks related to body systems in Urology, Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and the Reproductive system. Finally, students will study the mechanics and theory of medication administration and correlate this skill with Laboratory practice.
ANATOMY AND ASSOCIATED TERMINOLOGY II
#2MAT02, #2EMAT02 | 30 hours
This course Is a continuation of Anatomy and Associated Terminology I. The course will focus on the following body systems: Urinary, Gastrointestinal, Reproductive and Special Senses. Specialty terminology for Mental and Behavioral Health and Oncology terminology is also included. The general structure, meaning, origin and use of medical terms related to these body systems will be explored and practiced along with a continuation of the basic anatomical structure and function in each system.
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 combines communication skills, career readiness skills, and medical transcription skills to prepare students to enter their new careers. The communication component of the course includes a focus on appropriate therapeutic responses to patients in addition to job readiness skills. The career readiness component includes learning about different career pathways, including the exploration of specialty offices and strategies for networking and job searching. Additionally, the course will cover topics such as resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, and professional etiquette.
The transcription component of the course focuses on developing the skills required to successfully interpret and transcribe dictation by physicians and other healthcare professionals into comprehensive healthcare records. This part of the course integrates medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology with the transcription of various medical reports. Upon completion of the medical transcription component of the course, students will be able to transcribe and interpret medical dictation accurately, maintain patient confidentiality, and adhere to ethical standards in the healthcare industry.
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 Assisting 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.