Medical Assistant Diploma Courses

An introduction to the principles of human anatomy and physiology beginning with the cellular/biochemical level of organization and progressing through a comprehensive study of organ systems emphasizing homeostasis. This is a one-term transfer level class designed for students entering allied health fields or biological sciences. Each student must enroll for one laboratory section.

The first of a two-semester sequence especially designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields as well as any student desiring an in-depth undergraduate transfer course. The course focuses on the interdependent relationships between the structure and functions of body systems and the ways these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure the survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include levels of organization, the chemistry of life, support/movement, integration/control, and coordination. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

The second of a two-semester sequence designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields or wishing an in-depth undergraduate transfer course in the biological sciences. The course focuses on interdependent relationships between the structures and functions of body systems and the way these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include systems associated with circulation, maintenance, elimination and continuity. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in BIO-168.

This course presents the foundation necessary to develop a basic medical terminology vocabulary. Emphasis on the components of terms as related to each body system will be provided. The course further provides the student with the opportunity to properly spell, pronounce and utilize medical terms in relation to pathological conditions, tests, and procedures. Common medical abbreviations will also be discussed for each system.

This course provides an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis in such areas as learning, cognition, motivation, personality, behavioral disorder, therapy, and social influence. An understanding of the impact of both theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence on the formulation of the science of human behavior is also stressed. Psychological theories and principles are utilized to explain and predict behavior.

This course introduces students to the oral communication process and how it affects human interaction There will be an emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.

Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement score or equivalent.

This course studies the fundamentals of public speaking, emphasizing the process of speech preparation and delivery in various contexts.

Lecture Hours: 48

This is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.

Prerequisite(s): The ability to enter data using a computer keyboard at a rate of no less than 15 words per minute on a three-minute timing. A minimum grade of C- in ENG-091 Academic Literacy III or equivalent placement score.

This course presents the basic concepts of information systems and computer literacy. The course incorporates theory as well as hands-on practice, which focuses on spreadsheets and database management systems (DBMS).

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in MAT-063 or MAT-060. Or equivalent placement score.

This course provides an introduction to the administrative skills needed for a medical office. Students will learn records management, bookkeeping, banking procedures and utilize the EMR. Communication skills are applied to deliver strong customer service. Ethical and legal rules and the confidentiality of health information is presented. This course will also provide a basic overview of the roles and responsibilities of a medical scribe.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in SPC-101, SPC-112, or ENG-105. Minimum grade of C- in BIO-163, or BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C- in HSC-113 and PSY-111.

This course introduces the role of the medical assistant as an introduction to the laboratory techniques, infection control, and surgical procedures, as well the fundamentals of the ECG. Also covered will be performing routine maintenance of clinical equipment and using methods of quality control. Includes basics of first aid, emergency preparedness, and the study of OSHA and CLIA regulations.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in SPC-101, SPC-112, or ENG-105. Minimum grade of C- in BIO-163, or BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C- in HSC-113 and PSY-111.

This course is designed to provide the basic clinical knowledge and skills necessary for the medical assistant to provide care, maintain safety and prevent infection. Maintaining asepsis, managing the clinical environment, basic patient interactions of varying ages, assisting with history and physical exams and vital signs.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in SPC-101, SPC-112, or ENG-105. Minimum grade of C- in BIO-163, or BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C- in HSC-113 and PSY-111.

This course introduces diseases and disorders frequently encountered in the medical office setting. Focus is placed on causes, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, usual treatment modalities, prognosis and prevention.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in SPC-101, SPC-112, or ENG-105. Minimum grade of C- in BIO-163, or BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C- in HSC-113 and PSY-111.

This course covers advanced medical administrative procedures to provide a variety of administrative duties, including telecommunications, scheduling, referrals, patient intake, patient check-in and check-out procedures, opening and closing procedures. Students will practice using Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and office software to perform these tasks with an emphasis on professional communications, documentation, scope of practice, and confidentiality. Advance medical scribe will also be reviewed with 64 hours of Scribe training in the field to earn a certificate of completion.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in MAP-110. Minimum grade of C- in CSC-110 or CSC-116.

This course is an advanced laboratory introduction to medical diagnostic and laboratory techniques and offers skill development in a wide variety of low and moderately complex diagnostic procedures, microscopic and chemical analysis of blood. Students will develop skills in specimen collection in varying age groups and in using a variety of blood collection methods including; vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles and blood culture. Topics covered will include hematology, body chemistry, microbiology, ABO/Rh test, immunology testing, and blood typing. Specimen collections with specialty examinations and diagnostic tests such as, pulmonary function, throat cultures and advanced electrocardiograms to have the opportunity to test for the ECG Technician certification.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in MAP-110, MAP-227, MAP-342, and MAP-533.

This course will provide an understanding of best practices in a medical office setting including infection control, risk management, preparing the patient for and assisting with specialty examinations, wound care treatments, and health and nutrition education. Students will prepare and administer medications via several routes including oral, parenteral (excluding intravenous), transdermal, and inhalation. Emphasis is placed on safe and accurate administration and maintaining federal and state healthcare legislation and regulations.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in MAP-110, and MAP-227, MAP-342, and MAP-533.

This course provides a basic background in the classification and understanding of drugs and their sources, uses and legal implications. This course will also provide discussion on the characteristics of typical drugs, side effects, precautions, interactions, and patient education of each category. Emphasis will be placed on medication practices with dosage calculations.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in MAP-110, MAP-227, MAP-342, and MAP-533.

Course will provide the student with the legal and ethical implications of practice in a medical setting. Issues covered will include scope of practice, confidentiality, HIPAA privacy and security requirements, legal terms and elements in the delivery of care, ethical guidelines of practice, and legal documentation requirements.

Medical Assistant Seminar emphasizes group discussion and individual conferences on clinical experiences. The course includes preparation for the certification exam through the use of practice tests.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in MAP-117, MAP-230, MAP-343, and MAP-512.

Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in MAP-402.

The practicum provides the students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to on the job experiences in a medical facility approved by the Practicum Coordinator. Primary objective is to provide students with a variety of experiences in the administrative, clinical and laboratory areas of an ambulatory care clinic. This opportunity allows the students to enhance communication skills by interacting with physicians, clinic staff and patients. Students are evaluated by the clinic supervisors and the practicum coordinator.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in MAP-117, MAP-230, and MAP-343. Minimum grade of C in MAP-512 or PNN-122.