Quick Info
Next Start
TBD
Program Length
19 MONTHS
Next Start
TBD
Program Length
19 MONTHS
Program Objectives
The Medical Assisting AOS degree program is designed to provide the students the knowledge and clinical skills for gaining entry-level employment in a medical facility in both administrative and clinical areas. Specific training is provided in preparing instruments and materials, vital signs, phlebotomy, medication preparation and administration, clinical documentation and assisting the physician with exams and procedures. Training in computer and administrative skills is also provided as they pertain to electronic health records and medical office procedures. The student will be able to function independently with administrative duties as well as clinical duties and computer functions of the office.
WE'LL PAY FOR YOUR CERTIFICATIONS
Your coursework will help to prepare you to test for healthcare-related certifications, which add value to your degree. We'll even cover the cost of certification—up to $500!2
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Our Medical Assisting program teaches you the knowledge and skills medical employers are looking for. You will learn how to:
- Complete patient histories
- Take and measure vital signs
- Give patients injections
- Perform basic laboratory procedures
- Complete general medical office procedures
- Demonstrate compassionate, professional patient communication skills
Medical Assisting
program
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|
APP 110
Business Computer Fundamentals
This course explores the introductory use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications. Students will learn computer skills, including document and spreadsheet creation and presentation techniques. Emphasis is on utilization of basic application skills to complete general business tasks.
Prerequisites: None.
MED 286
Cardiac and Respiratory Systems
This course covers the structural organization and the major organs of the human cardiac and respiratory systems. Normal function of each system, disease and disorders related to each system, and pertinent diagnostic and treatment protocols will also be covered. Upon completion, students will understand gross anatomy of these systems, manifestations of diseases and disorders relative to these systems, and diagnostic & treatment modalities.
Prerequisites: None.
MED 287
Endocrine, Urinary, and Reproductive Systems
This course covers the structural organization and the major organs of the human endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems. Normal function of each system, disease and disorders related to each system, and pertinent diagnostic and treatment protocols will also be covered. Upon completion, students will understand gross anatomy of these systems, manifestations of diseases and disorders relative to these systems, and diagnostic & treatment modalities.
Prerequisites: None.
EXT 106
Externship I
This is the first of three externship courses. In this course, the student will complete 34 hours of externship at an approved location and is supervised by the on-site professional(s) assigned to the student by the Externship Team at the College. During the externship, the student gains proficiency to an employer-acceptable level as a Medical Assistant. All hours are volunteered and no remuneration is allowed.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of MSC295 and weekend Residency.
EXT 107
Externship II
This is the second of three externship courses. In this course, the student will complete 33 hours of externship at an approved location and is supervised by the on-site professional(s) assigned to the student by the Externship Team at the College. During the externship, the student gains proficiency to an employer-acceptable level as a Medical Assistant. All hours are volunteered and no remuneration is allowed.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of MSC295 and weekend Residency.
EXT 108
Externship III
This is the third of three externship courses. In this course, the student will complete 33 hours of externship at an approved location and is supervised by the on-site professional(s) assigned to the student by the Externship Team at the College. During the externship, the student gains proficiency to an employer-acceptable level as a Medical Assistant. All hours are volunteered and no remuneration is allowed.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of MSC295 and weekend Residency.
MED 110
Introduction to Healthcare, Documentation, Law, and Ethics
This course introduces communication and professionalism for medical assistants in ambulatory patient care setting. Students learn the fundamentals of medical office procedures, including patient reception, privacy and confidentiality, appointment scheduling, financial record keeping, insurance billing and work schedule coordination. This course provides experience in processing records for outpatient settings using a medical office software program. This course also addresses ethical and legal requirements in a healthcare setting.
Prerequisites: None.
MED 288
Lymphatic, Immune, and Digestive Systems
This course covers the structural organization and the major organs of the human lymphatic, immune, and digestive systems. Normal function of each system, disease and disorders related to each system, and pertinent diagnostic and treatment protocols will also be covered. Upon completion, students will understand gross anatomy of these systems, manifestations of diseases and disorders relative to these systems, and diagnostic & treatment modalities.
Prerequisites: None.
LBT 282
Medical Aseptics & Clinical Procedures
This course introduces clinical, procedural skills, communication and professionalism for medical assistants in ambulatory patient care, including preparing and caring for patients during specialty exams. Students will review the aseptic protocols mandated by OSHA, emphasizing asepsis, sterilization of equipment, care of surgical instruments, taking and recording vital signs, and basic pharmacology and administration of medications, including injections. Students will practice specimen collection and perform CLIA-waived tests. Students will also review the role of medical assistants in minor surgical procedures and patient treatments. Satisfactory performance will be measured with national and community practice standards for Medical Assisting.
Prerequisites: None.
MED 298
Medical Assisting Capstone
This course provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate mastery of the program subject matter. Students are required to explain concepts, processes, and theory presented throughout the program with a professional level of competency. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate competency by passing a national Medical Assisting certification exam.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all courses, or with the consent of the Dean.
MED 215
Medical Coding
This course introduces students to CPT (Current Procedural Terminology), ICD.10 (International Classification of Diseases 10th revisions) and HCPCS (Health Care Procedure Coding System). This course will explore the clinical classification systems through the use of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding principles. Within this course the student will learn to code through reference books and electronic format in order to complete medical insurance forms and insurance filing. Students will learn to properly fill out insurance forms and understand electronic claim submission. Students also learn about different health insurance programs, government programs, and managed-care programs.
Prerequisites: None.
MED 117
Medical Office Calculations
This course provides a review of basic numerical concepts as applied to a medical environment. Students will review fractions, decimals, and percentages in order to understand measurement systems and conversions in the medical field. Students will be introduced to dosage calculations as well as basic measurements and probability related to healthcare. Upon completion of this course, students will have introductory knowledge and proficiency along with understanding and training related to healthcare calculations to be more prepared for entry-level employment as a Medical Assistant.
Prerequisites: None.
MED 101
Medical Terminology
This course introduces students to the terminology used in the medical field by first identifying and defining prefixes, suffixes and root words from their Greek and/or Latin origins and identifies acceptable abbreviations. Emphasizes the further understanding and use of standardized terminology and approved abbreviations in relation to its role in medical documentation and use by third party payers. Completion of this course provides students with mastery of medical terminology and its use and significance in permitting effective communication in the medical field.
Prerequisites: None.
MED 285
Musculoskeletal, Nervous, and Integumentary Systems
This course covers the structural organization and the major organs of the human musculoskeletal, nervous, and integumentary systems. Normal function of each system, disease and disorders related to each system, and pertinent diagnostic and treatment protocols will also be covered. Upon completion, students will understand gross anatomy of these systems, manifestations of diseases and disorders relative to these systems, and diagnostic & treatment modalities.
Prerequisites: None.
PHR 155
Pharmacology and Injections
Topics presented in this course include drug classifications, measuring medications and dosage calculations, administering medications, injections, and documentation requirements related to each topic area. Instruction includes occupational math and metric conversions, use of PDRs and related medical books. Common abbreviations used in prescription writing and related legal implications/requirements are also presented. The professional role of the MA in patient education and the rights related to medication administration are additional topics addressed in the course. Upon completion of this course, students with be more informed and knowledgeable about medications, in general, and about the appropriate and legal administration of medications.
Prerequisites: MED 117, or with the consent of the Dean
LBT 296
Phlebotomy & Laboratory Procedures
This course is focused on the education and practical administration of procedures and protocols related to phlebotomy and other hematological related procedures within an appropriately equipped lab. Students are presented the fundamentals of the purposes, techniques, and recording of diagnostic laboratory procedures commonly performed: Emphasizes patient preparation for diagnostic studies, preparation of specimens for laboratory study, and safety measures.
Prerequisites: None.
CSS 295
Professional Development
In this course, students apply the techniques and strategies learned within the Psychology of Motivation for more in-depth exploration of relevant employment resources, for the development of documents to submit in job application processes, including resumes, cover letters, reference letters, follow up correspondence, and other written communications. Through the course, students will enhance individual verbal communication and interview skills. Students will also learn how to prioritize job search activities, and to appropriately manage and organize relevant documents and records. Upon completion of this course, students will have completed a portfolio of resources and documents to support their current and future job searches and be more informed about the strategies and processes that can more effectively support such efforts.
Prerequisites: None.
CSS 105
Psychology of Motivation
This course introduces students to the skills, characteristics, and habits that will help them be successful in a college environment and future careers. Such a desire for goal-oriented behavior is commonly referred to as motivation, and such motivation can propel students toward accomplishing their academic and vocational goals. Couse topics include time management, problem solving, goal setting, career planning and preparation, and a range of additional student success strategies. Upon course completion, students will be more informed and better prepared to progress in their programs and in their efforts to advance their desired career goals (i.e., students will be more academically prepared in knowledge and practical training within an occupational area and also enhance their abilities to support their job searches and submitting application documents such as documents created using standard writing guideline formats).
Prerequisites: None.
MED 113
Vital Signs, Emergencies, & Cardiopulmonary Procedures
This course provides instruction in taking patients? vital signs: blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, and weight. Through the completion of the program, CPR and First Aid certification instruction/training are obtained. This course also introduces students to electrocardiography diagnostic processes that record the electric activity of the heart. Students are presented with an overview and the purposes of electrocardiography devices and how to safely use such devices. Upon completion of this course, students will have a more informed understanding of cardiopulmonary devices and procedures.
Prerequisites: None.
general education
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|
CMN 205
Communication and Public Speaking
This course focuses on the principles of effective public speaking and presentation. Focus is on the preparation, presentation, and critique of various forms of oral communication. Emphasis is placed on development, delivery, presentation aids, and persuasive speaking.
Prerequisites: None.
ENG 105
English Writing Fundamentals
This course focuses on the principles of effective English composition with a comprehensive review and reinforcement of language arts skills. Emphasis is placed on the four essentials of writing: unity, support, coherence, and sentence skills. Practice in proofreading, editing, revision, and clear thinking is incorporated throughout the course.
Prerequisites: None.
PSY 255
Psychology and Emotional Intelligence
This course explores the aims and methods of psychology. Students will learn about human behavior and human development. Students will also explore emotional intelligence and its application in personal and professional relationships. The focus is on recognizing and improvement emotional intelligence. Upon completions, students will develop a plan for self-management and implementation.
Prerequisites: None.
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