MEDICAL ASSISTING

This program is designed for the individual who wants the academic knowledge and clinical skills required to competently assist doctors in their offices or other health care settings. A medical assistant’s daily duties are both varied and significant. Students may assist with examining room preparation, take vital signs, administer injections, and take patient histories. The field is intended for the individual who has the ability, desire, and pride to support the essential health care responsibilities delegated by the doctor.

OBJECTIVE: To qualify, the graduate will obtain employment at the entry level as a medical assistant in a doctor’s office, clinic, or other medical setting. The program will provide the graduate with the opportunity to advance within these occupations through practicing the skills learned. To achieve these objectives, Allied Health Careers stresses academic performance, attendance, and a professional attitude


COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MA 100 Medical Computer Applications
(Theory Hours 18, Lab Hours 12, Total Credit hours 1)
This course introduces students to computer concepts including hardware, software, and hands-on work with application programs for keying medical reports and transcription as well as medical office software. Emphasis is placed on increasing keyboarding speed and accuracy. Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1) place and receive telephone calls using a multiple-line telephone; 2) record a telephone message from a laboratory facility reporting test results on a patient; 3) schedule patients; 4) rearrange a schedule; 5) set up a diagnostic file; 6) prepare an itinerary; and 7) key the minutes of a meeting in correct form
Prerequisite – None

MA 101 Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology of the Integumentary System
(Theory Hours 26, Lab Hours 6.5, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course focuses on normal human anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1) use basic medical terminology related to the integumentary system by recognizing the meaning of roots, prefixes, and suffixes and 2) combine these word elements to create terms common to the integumentary system.
Prerequisite – None

MA 102 Asepsis/Infection Control, Vital Signs, and PtCa Procedures in a Clinical Setting
(Theory Hours 25, Lab Hours 5, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course introduces students to patient-centered assessment, examination, intervention, and treatment as directed by the physician including infection control and PtCa procedures. Additionally, students will gain proficiency in medical asepsis and will learn to take vital signs.
Prerequisite – None

MA 103 Medical Finance
(Theory Hours 18, Lab Hours 12, Total Credit Hours 1.5)
This course focuses on medical office financial procedures, which includes collection, third party reimbursement, credit arrangements, and bookkeeping. Emphasis is placed on purchasing equipment and supplies. Upon the completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1) fold outgoing mail for insertion into three styles of envelopes; 2) arrange a group of patient numbers in filing sequence for a terminal digit filing system; 3) initiate a medical record for a new patient; 4) add reports and correspondence into the patient’s file in the correct manner and sequence; and 5) make a correction in a patient’s chart in a manner affording legal protection.
Prerequisite – None

MA 104 Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology of the Urinary, Reproductive, and Development Systems
(Theory Hours 26, Lab Hours 6.5, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course focuses on normal human anatomy and physiology of the urinary, reproductive, and development systems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1) use the basic medical terminology related to the urinary, reproductive, and development systems by recognizing the meanings of roots, prefixes, and suffixes and 2) combine word elements to create terms common to the urinary, reproductive, and development systems.
Prerequisite – None

MA 105 Basic Urinary, Reproductive, Pediatric, and Geriatric Systems Clinical Procedures
(Theory Hours 25, Lab Hours 5, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course introduces students to the study of fluids, electrolyte balance, growth and development, and cells and tissues as well as related examination and treatment of pediatric and geriatric patients. Signs and systems of urinary and reproductive diseases and urinalysis will also be studied.
Prerequisite – None

MA 106 Administrative Procedures
(Theory Hours 18, Lab Hours 14.5, Total Credit Hours 1)
This course focuses on the nonverbal and verbal communication skills needed to deal effectively with physicians, patients, family members, and other health care professionals Emphasis is placed on written communication skills, message-taking priorities, and patient chart preparation. Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1) compose and key letters using appropriate components of a business letter; 2) identify the various types of form letters that may be written by the medical assistant; 3) use proofreading marks to correct a document; 4) address envelopes to satisfy postal regulations; and 5) describe the use of new communication technology in the ambulatory care setting and discuss appropriate confidentiality issues.
Prerequisite – None

MA 107 Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology of the Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Immune Systems
(Theory Hours 25, Lab Hours 5, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course focuses on normal human anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems. Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1) use the basic medical terminology related to the cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems by recognizing the meanings of roots, prefixes, and suffixes and 2) combine word elements to create terms common to the cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems.
Prerequisite – None

MA 108 Diagnostic/Clinical Procedures Related to Cardiology, Pulmonary, Microbiology, and Immune Systems and Blood
(Theory Hours 24.5, Lab Hours 8, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course introduces the students to the study of the theories and practices related to the common diagnostic/clinical procedures and special lab tests involving cardiology and pulmonary patients. Additional emphasis will be placed on bloodborne pathogens, hematology, and electrocardiograms. Students will study bloodborne pathogens, hematology, and learn to give electrocardiograms.
Prerequisite – None

MA 109 Medical Office Practice
(Theory Hours 18, Lab Hours 14.5, Total Credit Hours 1.5)
This course introduces the student to medical office procedures. Students will learn how to schedule appointments; create, document, and file medical records; use the telephone effectively; keyboard with speed and accuracy; and use the computer to complete office tasks efficiently.
Prerequisite – None

MA 110 Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology of the Endocrine and Digestive Systems and Nutrition and Metabolism
(Theory Hours 25, Lab Hours 5, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course focuses on normal human anatomy and physiology of the endocrine and digestive systems and nutrition and metabolism.
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1) use basic medical terminology related to the endocrine and digestive systems and nutrition and metabolism by recognizing the meaning of roots, prefixes, and suffixes and 2) combine word elements to create terms common to the endocrine and digestive systems and nutrition and metabolism.
Prerequisite – None

MA 111 Basic Endocrine and Digestive System and Nutrition Clinical Procedures
(Theory Hours 24.5, Lab Hours, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course introduces students to the study of the theories and practices related to the common diagnostic/clinical procedures involving patients with endocrine and digestive problems. Additional emphasis will be placed
on nutrition. Students will learn how nutrition affects the endocrine and digestive systems.
Prerequisite – None

MA 112 Medical Law and Ethics
(Theory Hours 9, Lab Hours 8.5, Total Credit Hours .5)
This course introduces students to the principles, procedures, and regulations involved in legal and ethical relationships among physicians, patients, and medical assistants. Emphasis is placed on the legal aspects of office procedures, current ethical issues, and risk management as they relate to the practice and fiduciary responsibilities. Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1) discuss what and to whom information about a patient may be released; 2) discuss the medical assistant’s ethical obligations and restrictions; 3) explain the importance of a contract to a health care facility; and 4) list the six components of informed consent.
Prerequisite – None

MA 113 Medical Assistant Technology
(Theory Hours 9, Lab Hours 6, Total Credit Hours .5)
This course introduces students to the theory and application of patient assessment and examination and assessment and management of medical emergencies. Students will operate and maintain clinical equipment and prepare examination and treatment areas.
Prerequisite – None

MA 114 Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology of the Muscular and Skeletal Systems
(Theory Hours 26, Lab Hours 6.5, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course focuses on the normal human anatomy and physiology of the muscular and skeletal systems. Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1) use basic medical terminology related to the muscular and skeletal systems by recognizing the meanings of roots, prefixes, and suffixes and 2) combine word elements to create terms common to the muscular and skeletal systems.
Prerequisite – None

MA 115 Pharmacology and Medication Administration/Orthopedic and Diagnostic Imaging
(Theory Hours 25, Lab Hours 5, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course introduces students to Orthopedic and Diagnostic Imaging. Students will learn drug classifications, the procedures of medication administration, and the medico-legal responsibilities of the medical assistant.
Prerequisite – None

MA 116 Medical Insurance and Coding
(Theory Hours 18, Lab Hours 14.5, Total Credit Hours 1)
This course focuses on billing and coding. Emphasis is placed on accurate and efficient processing medical insurance paperwork. Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1) explain the numerous classifications of insurance benefits; 2) write checks for bill payments; 3) prepare a blank deposit slip, and 4) maintain a petty cash fund.
Prerequisite – None

MA 117 Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology of the Nervous and Sensory Systems and Chemicals
(Theory Hours 26, Lab Hours 6.5, Total Credit Hours 2)
This course focuses on normal human anatomy and physiology of the nervous and sensory systems and chemicals. Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1) use the basic medical terminology related to the nervous and sensory systems and chemicals by recognizing the meanings of roots, prefixes, and suffixes and 2) combine word elements to create terms common to the nervous and sensory systems.
Prerequisite – None

MA 118 Neurology and Sensory and Specialty Clinical Procedures and Surgical Preparation
(Theory Hours 25, Lab Hours 5, Total Credit Hours 2.5)
This course introduces students to the theories and practices related to the common diagnostic/clinical procedures involving patients with neurological and sensory problems. Additional emphasis will be placed on surgical preparation. Students will use the
basic medical terminology related to these systems and chemicals by learning the meanings of roots, prefixes, and suffixes and then by combining these word elements to create terms common to the nervous and sensory systems and chemicals.
Prerequisite – None

MA 500 Medical Assisting Externship
(Externship Hours 160, and Total Credit Hours 5)
During their externship, students will have the opportunity to practice skills they have gained during their classroom training. They will refine their customer service skills, and office skills; communicate effectively with medical insurance personnel, use medical office management software and word processing software to organize office procedures and key reports; and develop an effective career success strategy.
All classes must be completed prior to enrollment.

ML 102 Asepsis / Infection Control, Vital Signs, and PtCa Procedures in a Clinical Setting Lab
(Theory Hours 8, Lab Hours 22, Total Credit Hours 1)
This course is designed for students to perfect the skills learned in Asepsis / Infection Control, Vital Signs, and PtCa Procedures. Students are required to perform these skills for their instructor prior to completing the course.
Must be taken concurrently with MA 102

ML 105 Basic Urinary, Reproductive, Pediatric, and Geriatric Systems Clinical Procedures Lab
(Theory Hours 8, Lab Hours 22, Total Credit Hours 1)
This course is designed for students to perfect the skills learned in Basic Urinary, Reproductive, Pediatric, and Geriatric Systems Clinical Procedures. Students are required to perform these skills for their instructor prior to completing the course.
Must be taken concurrently with MA 105

ML 108 Diagnostic / Clinical Procedures Lab Related to Cardiology, Pulmonary, Microbiology, and Immune Systems and Blood
(Theory Hours 9.5, Lab Hours 23, Total Credit Hours 1)
This course is designed for students to perfect the skills learned in Diagnostic / Clinical Procedures Related to Cardiology, Pulmonary, Microbiology, and Immune Systems and Blood. Students are required to perform these skills for their instructor prior to completing the course.
Musts be taken concurrently with MA 108

ML 111 Basic Endocrine and Digestive Systems and Nutrition Clinical Procedures Lab
(Theory Hours 9.5, Lab Hours 23, Total Credit Hours 1)
This course is designed for students to perfect the skills learned in Basic Endocrine and Digestive Systems and Nutrition Clinical Procedures. Students arc required to perform these skills for their instructor prior to
completing the course.
Must be taken concurrently with MA 111

ML 115 Pharmacology and Medication Administration / Orthopedic and Diagnostic Imaging Lab
(Theory Hours 8, Lab Hours 22, Total Credit Hours 1)
This course is designed for students to perfect the skills learned in Pharmacology and Medication Administration/Orthopedic and Diagnostic Imaging. Students are required to perform these skills for their instructor prior to completing the course.
Must be taken concurrently with MA 115

ML 118 Neurology and Sensory, Specialty Clinical Procedures, and Surgical Preparation Lab
(Theory Hours 8, Lab Hours 22, Total Credit Hours1)
This course is designed for students to perfect the skills learned in Neurology and Sensory, Specialty Clinical Procedures, and Surgical Preparation. Students are required to perform these skills for their instructor prior to completing the course.
Must be taken concurrently with MA 118