Medical Assisting

This course is designed for medical assistants, student nurses, and other medical-related fields. The course will focus on the more common prefixes, roots, and suffixes used to construct medical terms with these word parts to determine the meanings of new or unfamiliar terms. The word-building system will enable them to interpret medical terms. This is a core course for the Medical Assisting program; however, it is also open to students in general education.

A description of anatomical descriptors and cells introduces students to and provides an overview of the body’s systems. The structure and function of the nervous, sensory, integumentary, muscular, skeletal, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems are taught, along with the related diseases. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of these body systems. This is a CORE course for Medical Assisting and is offered exclusively during the Fall semester.

The structure and function of the digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and immune systems are discussed. Disease processes related to these systems will also be included. Basic concepts of reproduction, growth, development, and nutrition are covered. Upon completion, students should demonstrate a fundamental understanding of these body systems. This is a CORE course for Medical Assistance and is offered exclusively in the Spring semester.

This course includes instruction on clinical examination 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. This is a CORE course for Medical Assisting. Health documents are required for progression after this course.

This course covers medical office administrative procedures, including 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 secretarial skills. This is a core course for Medical Assisting.

This course covers medical office administrative procedures that are not included in Medical Administrative Procedures I. Topics encompass fees, credit and collections, banking, bookkeeping, payroll, and computerized finance applications. Upon completion, students should be able to effectively manage the financial operations of medical offices. This is a CORE course for Medical Assisting.

This course offers instruction in basic lab techniques utilized by medical assistants. Topics include lab safety, quality control, specimen collection and processing, conducting selective diagnostic tests (such as a CBC), and understanding screening and follow-up test results, alongside OSHA/CLIA regulations. Upon completion, students should be capable of performing basic laboratory tests and skills based on the course topics. This is a CORE course for Medical Assisting.

This course offers an overview of the legal relationship between patients and physicians. Topics covered include the 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 the ethical and legal implications of these topics as they relate to the role of a medical assistant. This is a CORE course for Medical Assisting.

This course is designed to teach students how to handle medical office emergencies. The emergencies covered will include cardiovascular issues, diabetic crises, seizures, fainting, hyperthermia, hypothermia, shock, musculoskeletal injuries, and poisoning. Upon completion, students should be able to identify emergencies and take appropriate action. This is a CORE course for Medical Assisting and is exclusively offered during the Summer semester.

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

This course teaches students the fundamental theory and laboratory applications relevant to the medical office. Topics such as microbiology, urinalysis, serology, blood chemistry, venipuncture theory, and venipuncture collection procedures are covered and practiced. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct basic lab tests and apply skills related to the course topics. This is a CORE course for Medical Assisting.

This course covers the commonly administered drugs used in the medical field, including their classifications, actions, indications, contraindications, and side effects on the body. It also teaches the correct demonstration of drug calculation, preparation, administration, and documentation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate safe drug administration and recognize standard medical classifications and their implications for patients. This is a CORE course for Medical Assisting and is offered exclusively during the Fall semester.

This course provides students with an overview of cardiovascular electrophysiology and its role in healthcare delivery. Topics include cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and electrophysiology, interpretation of rhythm strips, and diagnostic electrocardiography. Students will be able to secure an EKG tracing, troubleshoot issues with acquiring an EKG tracing, and interpret basic EKG rhythm strips. Those completing this course and MAT 228E will not receive a short certificate from the College; however, they will have the opportunity to obtain a Certified Clinical EKG Technician certification from the National Healthcareer Association. This class is offered only in the Fall and Spring semesters.

This course offers an overview of radiography and its role in healthcare delivery. Topics will include safety and protection for patients and medical assistants. Students should be able to perform and process basic radiographs of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, sinuses, and extremities. This is a CORE course for the Medical Assisting program. 

In this course, emphasis is placed on insurance procedures, including advanced diagnostic and procedural coding, in an outpatient facility. The study will include the correct completion of insurance forms and coding. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in coding for reimbursements. This is a CORE course for medical assisting.

This course includes a specialized study of current topics and issues in the field of medical assisting. Emphasis is placed on personal and professional responsibilities, along with developing problem-solving skills encountered in a medical office. Upon completion, students should be able to apply their problem-solving skills to medical office situations as needed. This course is offered exclusively during the summer semester. 

This course provides a comprehensive review of administrative functions commonly performed by medical assistants in a medical office setting. It will assist students and graduates in preparing for the national credentialing examination, the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).

This course provides a comprehensive review of administrative and clinical functions performed in a medical office, with a particular focus on EKG procedures. It will assist students and graduates in preparing for the national credentialing examination, the Certified EKG Technician (CET).

This course provides a comprehensive review of administrative and clinical functions performed in a medical office, with a particular focus on electronic health records management. It will assist students and graduates in preparing for the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) national credentialing examination.

This course offers a thorough review of administrative and clinical functions performed in a medical office, focusing specifically on phlebotomy. It will help students and graduates prepare for the Certified Clinical Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) national credentialing examination.

This course provides a comprehensive review of administrative and clinical functions commonly performed by medical assistants in a medical office setting. It will assist students and graduates in preparing for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) 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 applying knowledge learned in the classroom to enhance competence and strengthen professional communications and interactions. Upon completion, students should be able to perform as entry-level Medical Assistants. The content of this course is aligned with standards and guidelines from the American Association of Medical Assistants.

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 blood specimens for laboratory testing, as well as to interact effectively with healthcare personnel, patients, and the general public. Upon completion, students should be prepared for entry-level phlebotomy and sit for the Phlebotomy Technician Examination (ASCP).

This course fulfills the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) one hundred (100) hour Medication Assistant Certified (MA-C) Curriculum requirements for training of nursing assistants in preparation for medication assistant certification (MA-C) through competency evaluation. Emphasis is placed on the development of the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required of the medication assistant. Upon completion of this course, the student should demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations, practical lab, and clinical skills. Completion of this course is satisfactory for candidacy for the Medication Assistant Certification Exam (MACE) through NCSBN.