Medical Assisting Technology

This course is designed for medical assistants, student nurses, and others in medically related fields. The course will focus on the more common prefixes, roots, and suffixes used to construct the language of medicine with these word parts to determine the meanings of new or unfamiliar terms. The student will learn a system of word building which will enable them to interpret medical terms. CORE

This course provides students with an overview of the structural organization of the human body. Specific topics include anatomical descriptors, body planes, directional terms, body cavities, specified major organs, normal functions of body systems and common related pathology, analysis of pathology as related to interaction of body systems, implication of disease and disability when homeostasis is not maintained, and implications of treatment of related pathology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of these body systems. CORE

This course provides students with information of select systems of the human body. Specific topics include specified major organs, normal functions of body systems and common related pathology, analysis of pathology as related to interaction of body systems, implication of disease and disability when homeostasis is not maintained, and implications of treatment of related pathology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of these body systems. CORE

This course includes instruction in clinical examining room procedures. Topics include asepsis, infection control, assisting with examination, and patient education. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate competence in exam room procedures. CORE

This course introduces medical office administrative procedures. Topics include appointment scheduling, telephone techniques, managing the physician’s schedule, handling mail, preparing and maintaining medical records, and patient orientation. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic medical administrative skills. CORE

This course introduces medical office administrative procedures not covered in Medical Administrative Procedures I. Topics include fees, credit, and collections, banking, bookkeeping, Payroll, and computerized finance applications. Upon completion students should be able to manage financial aspects of medical offices. CORE

This course provides instruction in basic lab techniques used by the medical assistant. Topics include lab safety, quality control, collecting and processing specimens, performing selective diagnostic tests, such as a CBC, screening and follow-up of test results and OSHA/ CLIA regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic lab tests/skills based on course topics. CORE

This course provides basic information related to the legal relationship of patient and physician. Topics to be covered include creation and termination of contracts, implied and informed consent, professional liability, invasion of privacy, malpractice, tort, liability, breach of contract, and the Medical Practice Act. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize ethical and legal implications of these topics as they relate to the medical assistant. CORE

This course is designed to instruct students in handling emergencies in the medical office. Emergencies presented will include cardiovascular emergencies, diabetic emergencies, seizures, syncope, hyperthermia and hypothermia, shock, musculoskeletal emergencies, and poisoning. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize emergency situations and take appropriate actions. CORE

This course includes instruction in vital signs and special examination procedures. Emphasis is placed on interviewing skills, appropriate triage and preparing patients for diagnostic procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to assist with special procedures. CORE

This course instructs the student in the fundamental theory and lab application for the medical office. Microbiology, urinalysis, serology, blood chemistry, and venipuncture theory as well as venipuncture collection procedures are discussed and performed. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic lab tests/skills on course topics. Instruction from this course is based on the Educational Competencies for the Medical Assistant, For CAAHEP Accredited Medical Assisting Educational Programs, 2008 standards. CORE

This course teaches the commonly administered drugs used in the medical field including their classifications, actions, indications, contraindications, and side effects on the body. Correct demonstration of drug calculation, preparation, administration, and documentation are also taught. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate safe drug administration and recognize common medical classifications and their patient implications. CORE

This course provides the student with an overview of cardiovascular electrophysiology and its role in health care delivery. Topics include cardiovascular anatomy, physiology and electrophysiology, interpretation of rhythm strips and diagnostic electrocardiography. The student should be able to secure an EKG tracing, troubleshoot problems with acquisition of an EKG tracing, and interpret simple EKG rhythm strips.

In this course emphasis is placed on insurance procedures with advanced diagnostic and procedural coding in the outpatient facility. Study will include correct completion of insurance forms and coding. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in coding for reimbursements. CORE

This course includes a general review of administrative and clinical functions performed in a medical office. The course will assist the student or graduate in preparing for national credentialing examination.

This course is designed to provide the opportunity to apply clinical, laboratory, and administrative skills in a physician’s office, clinic or outpatient facility. The student will gain experience in applying knowledge learned in the classroom in enhancing competence, in strengthening professional communications and interactions. Upon completion, students should be able to perform as an entry-level Medical Assistant. Content of this course is aligned with standards and guidelines from the American Association of Medical Assisting. CORE

This course is designed to provide the opportunity to apply phlebotomy techniques in the physician’s clinic and hospital setting. Emphasis is placed on training individuals to properly collect and handle specimens for laboratory testing and to interact with health care personnel, patients, and the general public. Upon completion, students should be prepared for entry-level phlebotomy and to sit for the Phlebotomy Technician Examination (ASCP)