MED – Medical Assisting

Spelling and usage of medical terms and measurement systems. Basic prefixes, suffixes and root words will be emphasized.

Basic principles of phlebotomy history, safety, and terminology, review of the circulatory system, lab equipment and techniques, obtaining a blood sample, customer service and ethical considerations are included. Simulated campus lab, hospital venipuncture/skin puncture lab experience and 16 hours of practicum in a local hospital setting are included in the course.

This course will introduce students to the front office responsibilities of a medical assistant. The particulars of the American health care system, professionalism, and appropriate patient interactions will be discussed and role-played. Documentation and management of the medical record, telephone techniques, and written communications will be practiced. The student will become knowledgeable in managing practices finances, medical insurance, and coding, along with billing and collections procedures.

This course offers an introduction to the physiological basis of the disease process. Students will gain knowledge in the mechanisms of disease, etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnostic measures, treatment modalities for each body system. Congenital diseases, conditions resulting from trauma, pharmacology, and diagnostic tests will be reviewed.

Students will gain knowledge on the proper use of PPE, infection control protocols, and receive blood borne pathogen training. Students will gain proficiency in measuring and accurately recording vital signs, aiding with testing and exams, along with assisting in minor surgery. Special procedures for pediatrics, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, gynecology, and obstetrics will be studied.  Medication administration will be practiced, including the 7 rights, routes of administration, medication classification, and dosage calculations.

Principles of phlebotomy history, safety, terminology, review of the circulatory system, lab equipment and techniques, obtaining a blood sample, customer service and ethical considerations are included. Simulated campus lab to practice venipuncture/skin puncture lab are incorporated in the course. Point of care testing, specimen transport and processing will be demonstrated. Students will gain clinical experience at a hospital or laboratory setting for a 12- hours externship. In order to successfully complete the course, students must obtain 10 capillary punctures and 50 venipunctures from a human source.

In the practice of medical assisting, it is necessary to have a basic knowledge of law, medical ethics, and bioethics. All patient contact requires ethical and legal responsibility. The medical assistant must understand many concepts, such as HIPAA compliance, contracts, consent, negligence, and malpractice. There is a basic introduction to the ethical dilemmas which health professionals face today.

An overview of first aid in case of an emergency. This course is structured according to current first aid practices and the American Heart Association CPR.

Basic and advanced principles of phlebotomy history, safety, and terminology, review of the circulatory system, lab equipment and techniques, obtaining a blood sample, customer service and ethical considerations are included. Simulated campus lab, 50 verified hospital venipuncture and 10 verified skin puncture lab experience with 40 hours of practicum in a local hospital setting are included in the course. Fees for class includes fee to sit for RPT certification exam through AMT.

In this computer-based course, students will simulate the responsibilities of a front office medical receptionist/assistant using electronic health records.  Registering patients, scheduling appointments, updating patient demographics, and composing professional communications will be practiced. Students will perform tasks such as documenting patient information and education, creating lab requisitions, documenting problem list, and preparing a prescription refill. Financial procedures, completing the superbill, submitting a claim, as well as banking procedures will be reviewed. Preparing for employment by creating a resume and cover letter, along with mock interviews, will be practiced.

This course is a basic introduction to the ICD-10CM coding system. Students will become familiar with the coding manual, conventions of the ICD-10CM and coding guidelines as they pertain to both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Students will learn the importance of the coding system as a data collection tool, as well as its significance for reimbursement for health care services.

Introduction to health insurance claim processing with the emphasis on completion of CMA1500 claim form for the major health insurance plans. Information about federal health care legislation, CPT, ICD-10 and CMS reimbursement issues is included.

For the coding major and is a basic introduction to CPT-4 coding. The student will learn the basics of coding conventions, how to use the ICD-10 and CPT coding manuals, basic reimbursement issues, and basic coding guidelines. Students will practice looking up codes and demonstrate basic knowledge of the CPT-4 coding system.

The last in a series of three coding courses. Accelerated practice in code assignment utilizing simulated patient records and case studies will require the student to apply knowledge of both ICD-10CM and CPT-4 coding systems. Advanced applications include DRGs, APCs, development of ICD-10 PCS and other reimbursement issues. The student will be completing an online practicum/externship.

Students will gain practical work experience while being supervised in an ambulatory care setting for a 160-hours(unpaid) for the term. During this time, students will perform a variety of clinical and administrative duties to gain proficiency in their skill set. Students are required to wear uniforms, maintain timesheet, and record their learning experiences.

Students will discuss extern experiences while adhering to confidentiality. The responsibilities of the office manager and legal implications will be emphasized. Students will engage in activities to prepare them for the Registered Medical Assistant examination and prepare for the transition to employment in the medical profession

Students will be introduced to point of care testing in the ambulatory care setting. Students will gain experience performing venipuncture, capillary punctures, electrocardiograms, pulmonary function testing, along with additional specialty testing. Specimens will be collected and CLIA waived hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, immunology, and microbiology testing will be performed and documented. Activities on nutritional topics, with attention to cultural diversity and patient instruction, will be demonstrated. Instruction and role-play will be completed on first aid procedures and the use of emergency equipment.  Emergency planning and preparedness will be detailed and recorded.  Students will complete 4 hours of externship at an ambulatory care setting.