Medical Assistant (32 weeks, 720 hrs.)

Career Training Objective

Medical Assistants have become an important part of the health care team and their responsibilities continue to expand. The Medical Assistant program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work successfully as an entry-level team member in a medical office, clinic, HMO or other health care setting.

Medical Assistant students develop knowledge and skills in both administrative and clinical procedures. Competency in preparation of patients for examinations, back-office clinical procedures, administration of medications, and routine laboratory procedures is coupled with a thorough knowledge of the front-office skills necessary to run an efficient medical office. Students learn their skills using a variety of media and instructional methodology.

The training program is divided into six learning units called modules. Students must complete all six modules, but can start with any one module and continue their rotation until all modules have been completed. Each module stands alone and is not dependent upon previous training. Upon successful completion of all six modules, students participate in a 160-hour externship.

Upon completion of the program, students will be employable as entry-level medical assistants. Medical Assistant graduates may also secure employment in other areas of the medical field, such as Medical Receptionist. Completion of the Medical Assistant program is acknowledged by the awarding of a diploma.

Instructional Equipment

Anatomical Charts/Models                                 Autoclave

Centrifuge                                                             Electrocardiograph Machines

Examination Tables                                              Mayo Stands

Microscopes                                                           Personal Computers

Sphygmomanometers                             Stethoscopes

Surgical Instruments                                            Training Mannequins

Audiometer                                                           Scales

Thermometers/electronic                                      Nebulizer

Skeleton                                                                 Wheelchair/crutches/walker

Glucometer                                                           Otoscope/Opthalmoscope

Program Outline

Module Descriptions

Module 1 – Medical Assisting Role and Responsibilities

In this module, students are introduced to the role and responsibilities of the Medical Assistant. An overview of the history of medicine is discussed. Students are introduced to the legal responsibilities of physicians and health care team members, and the module covers physician/patient contracts and types of consents. Medical ethics and their relationship to health care assistants are discussed. Students become familiar with essential medical terminology, word roots, combining forms, prefixes and suffixes, and students learn how to interact and communicate effectively by exploring the fundamentals of interpersonal relationships. An overview of the psychology of behavior is introduced. In this module, students learn the importance of asepsis and sterile techniques in today's health care environment. Medical emergencies and first aid procedures are introduced and practiced.

Module 2 – Anatomy and Physiology/ Medical Office Clinical Procedures I

In this module, students learn to identify the basic structural components and functions of the skeletal, muscular, digestive, and integumentary systems. Related diseases and terminology are presented, and laboratory procedures commonly performed in physicians’ offices are introduced. Students learn specimen identification, collection, handling and transportation procedures, and practice venipuncture and routine diagnostic hematology. Nutritional needs and basic food groups are studied.

Module 3 – Medical Terminology/Transcription/Patient Records

In this module, students become familiar with the use of the medical dictionary, basic medical terms and medical abbreviations. Students develop skills in preparing and processing insurance claims. An emphasis is placed on setting up, maintaining and organizing patient records. Students become familiar with record management systems and develop skills in filing and indexing. Students learn to obtain information from patient charts and ledgers to complete insurance forms accurately. They also focus on important aspects of written communications. Students develop keyboarding skills on the computer. An emphasis is placed on patient care, including the complete physical exam and positioning and draping for a variety of procedures. Students learn how to take and chart vital signs.

Module 4 – Anatomy and Physiology / Medical Office Clinical Procedures II

In this module, the circulatory and respiratory systems, including the structure and function of the heart and lungs, are introduced. The renal system's anatomical structures and common diseases are presented. Students learn about the electrical pathways of the heart muscle in preparation for connecting EKG leads and recording an electrocardiogram. Students are introduced to laboratory procedures commonly performed in physicians' offices. Students learn specimen identification, collection, handling, and transportation procedures. Instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) enables students to respond to an emergency.

Module 5 – Medical Office Business Procedures

This module focuses on the medical office and the procedures and technology that enable it to function efficiently. Students become familiar with billing, collecting, and banking procedures. Students work with a pegboard system to accomplish tasks in bookkeeping and reconciliation procedures. Students learn how to schedule appointments and effectively communicate on the telephone using proper etiquette. An introduction to pharmacology is presented. Basic therapeutic drugs, their uses, classifications and effects on the body are covered.

Module 6 – Anatomy and Physiology/ Medical Office Clinical Procedures III

In this module, students learn to identify the basic structural components and functions of the neuro-sensory, endocrine and reproductive systems. Common pathological conditions are studied. Students learn how to prepare patients for examinations conducted in physicians' offices or other outpatient settings. Students are also introduced to minor surgical procedures and the importance of patient education. Aseptic techniques are taught and practiced. Diagnostic laboratory tests routinely performed in physicians’ offices or outpatient settings and their results are reviewed.

Externship

Upon successful completion of all six modules, Medical Assistant students participate in a 160-hour externship. The externship enables students to have the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the training program. Externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at the externship site and under general supervision of college staff. Supervisory personnel evaluate externs and the evaluations are placed in the student's permanent record. Medical Assistant students must complete their externship training to fulfill graduation requirements.