Medical Assisting

This course covers introductory administrative skills and medical terminology in the medical office, as well as introductory theory and techniques of medical assisting used to perform fundamental clinical assisting procedures in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. Topics include performing as a professional medical assistant, verbal and non-verbal communication, technology used in the medical office, the health care system, professional law and ethics, patient reception, telehealth and telephone techniques, analyzing word parts and learning basic prefixes, suffixes and word roots. The course highlights the body systems: basic anatomy and physiology, including terms used in diseases and surgical procedures.  Topics also include aseptic technique with infection control, measuring vital signs, preparing/maintaining treatment area, interviewing techniques and recording of patient histories, preparing, and assisting patients for procedures, electrocardiograms, monitoring test results, patient education and ambulatory aids.

This course covers advanced clinical theory and techniques of medical assisting skills including diagnostic testing, procedures of hematology, blood chemistries, blood drawing (capillary and venous), emergency/first aid skills in the medical office, minor office surgery techniques.  This course also covers the knowledge needed for safe and correct medication administration in both the parenteral and enteral routes. The clinical practicum is a 160-hour externship at an appropriate, approved clinical site. Students participate in an integrated experience in which they apply the skills and knowledge learned in the medical assisting program. This course is divided into lecture, laboratory practice, clinical practicum, and seminar. 

This course introduces advanced medical office procedures including appointment scheduling, client/patient relations, phone communication, patient reception, the medical record, written communication, managing practice finances, diagnostic and procedural coding, medical insurance, medical billing, and job seeking skills.  The course also goes through the advanced roles in administration, and professional workplace behavior, and solidifies the skills needed to be a competent medical assistant.