Medical Assisting

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

MAS 101 : Medical Assisting Clinical Procedures I

This course is an introduction to basic procedures to assist in the examination and treatment of patients in the medical office. Students develop knowledge and skills in standard precautions, infection control, measurement of vital signs, and use and pronunciation of medical terms. Students learn to record medical histories, to assist with general and specialized exams, vision and hearing acuity testing, respiratory testing, displaying a professional image, and to utilize basic principles of applied psychology and medical ethics. Communication is emphasized with respect for individual diversity by incorporating awareness of one's own biases in areas including gender, race, religion, age, and economic status. Pre or co-requisite: BIO 115 or BIO 234, and MAS 121. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
Cognitive 1. Identify common pathology related to each body system. 2. Analyze pathology as it relates to the interaction of body systems. 3. Discuss implications for disease and disability when homeostasis is not maintained. 4. Describe implications for treatment related to pathology. 5. Compare body structure and function of the human body across the life span. 6. Analyze charts, graphs and/or tables in the interpretation of healthcare results. 7. Define asepsis. 8. Differentiate between medical and surgical asepsis used in ambulatory care settings, identifying when each is appropriate. 9. Identify styles and types of verbal communication. 10. Identify nonverbal communication. 11. Recognize communication barriers. 12. Identify techniques for overcoming communication barriers. 13. Recognize the elements of oral communication using a sender-receiver process. 14. Differentiate between subjective and objective information . 15. Identify resources and adaptations that are required based on individual needs, i.e., culture and environment, developmental life stage, language, and physical threats to communication. 16. Discuss applications of electronic technology in effective communication. 17. Organize technical information and summaries. 18. Identify the role of self boundaries in the health care environment. 19. Recognize the role of patient advocacy in the practice of medical assisting. 20. Discuss the role of assertiveness in effective professional communication. 21. Differentiate between adaptive and non-adaptive coping mechanisms. 22. Differentiate between legal, ethical, and moral issues affecting healthcare. 23. Compare personal, professional and organizational ethics. 24. Discuss the role of cultural, social and ethnic diversity in ethical performance of medical assisting practice. 25. Identify where to report illegal and/or unsafe activities and behaviors that affect health, safety and welfare of others. 26. Identify the effect personal ethics may have on professional performance. 27. Describe the process to follow if an error is made in patient care. Psychomotor 1. Obtain vital signs. 2. Perform pulmonary function testing. 3. Perform patient screening using established protocols. 4. Assist physician with patient care. 5. Maintain growth charts. 6. Perform handwashing. 7. Prepare items for autoclaving. 8. Perform sterilization procedures. 9. Use reflection, restatement and clarification techniques to obtain a patient history. 10. Report relevant information to others succinctly and accurately. 11. Use medical terminology, pronouncing medical terms correctly, to communicate information, patient history, data and observations. 12. Instruct patients according to their needs to promote health maintenance and disease prevention. 13. Prepare a patient for procedures and/or treatments. 14. Document patient care. 15. Document patient education. 16. Respond to nonverbal communication. 17. Develop and maintain a current list of community resources related to patients’ health care needs. 18. Advocate on behalf of patients. 19. Report illegal and/or unsafe activities and behaviors that affect health, safety and welfare of others to proper authorities. 20. Develop a plan for separation of personal and professional ethics. 21. Use proper body mechanics. Affective 1. Apply critical thinking skills in performing patient assessment and care. 2. Use language/verbal skills that enable patients’ understanding. 3. Demonstrate respect for diversity in approaching patients and families. 4. Display sensitivity to patient rights and feelings in collecting specimens. 5. Explain the rationale for performance of a procedure to the patient. 6. Show awareness of patients’ concerns regarding their perceptions related to the procedure being performed. 7. Demonstrate empathy in communicating with patients, family and staff. 8. Apply active listening skills. 9. Use appropriate body language and other nonverbal skills in communicating with patients, family and staff. 10. Demonstrate awareness of the territorial boundaries of the person with whom communicating. 11. Demonstrate sensitivity appropriate to the message being delivered. 12. Demonstrate awareness of how an individual’s personal appearance affects anticipated responses. 13. Demonstrate recognition of the patient’s level of understanding in communications. 14. Analyze communications in providing appropriate responses/ feedback. 15. Recognize and protect personal boundaries in communicating with others. 16. Demonstrate respect for individual diversity, incorporating awareness of one’s own biases in areas including gender, race, religion, age and economic status. 17. Apply ethical behaviors, including honesty/integrity in performance of medical assisting practice. 18. Examine the impact personal ethics and morals may have on the individual’s practice. 19. Demonstrate awareness of diversity in providing patient care.

MAS 102 : Medical Assisting Clinical Procedures II

This course further develops the student's clinical skills and prepares them to perform a variety of procedures in the medical office or clinic. Students develop knowledge and skills in communication, assessment and triaging, pharmacology, administration of medications, basic principles of nutrition, and basic principles of psychology. Pre or co-requisite: BIO 115 or BIO 233 and BIO 234, MAS 101 or permission of the instructor. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.

Credits

3
Cognitive
  1. Identify the classifications of medications, including desired effects, side effects, and adverse reactions.
  2. Describe the relationship between anatomy and physiology of all body systems and the medications used for treatment in each.
  3. Define the basic units of measurement in metric, apothecary and household systems.
  4. Convert among measurement systems.
  5. Identify both abbreviations and symbols used in calculating medication dosages.
  6. Describe the process to follow if an error is made in patient care.
Psychomotor
  1. Select the proper sites for administering parenteral medication.
  2. Administer oral medications.
  3. Administer parenteral (excluding IV) medications.
  4. Prepare proper dosages of medication for administration.
  5. Prepare a written report using the Medical Model format.
  6. Develop an environmental plan.
Affective
  1. Verify ordered doses/dosages prior to administration.
  2. Demonstrate self-awareness in responding to emergency situations.

MAS 103 : Medical Assisting Administrative Procedures

This comprehensive course prepares Medical Assisting students to perform administrative procedures in the medical office. Students develop skills using computer software to schedule and manage appointments and to execute data management using electronic medical records (EMR). The course also covers telephone techniques, records and office management, managing practice finances, professionalism, medical law, ethics and effective communication with patients and staff. Prerequisite: Medical Assisting students only. Other students interested in Medical Assisting may register for this course with the approval of the instructor or program coordinator. Two lecture hours and three lab hours a week. Instructional Support Fee applies. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Medical Assisting students only.

Credits

3
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: Cognitive: 1. Discuss pros and cons of various types of appointment management systems 2. Describe scheduling guidelines 3. Recognize office policies and protocols for handling appointments 4. Identify critical information required for scheduling patient admissions and/or procedures 5. Identify systems for organizing medical records 6. Describe various types of content maintained in a patient’s medical record 7. Discuss pros and cons of various filing methods 8. Identify both equipment and supplies needed for filing medical records 9. Describe indexing rules 10. Discuss filing procedures 11. Discuss principles of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) 12. Identify types of records common to the healthcare setting 13. Identify time management principles 14. Discuss the importance of routine maintenance of office equipment. 15. Explain basic bookkeeping computations 16. Differentiate between bookkeeping and accounting 17. Describe banking procedures 18. Discuss precautions for accepting checks 19. Compare types of endorsements 20. Differentiate between accounts payable and accounts receivable 21. Compare manual and computerized bookkeeping systems used in ambulatory healthcare 22. Describe common periodic financial reports. 23. Explain both billing and payment options 24. Identify procedures for preparing patient accounts 25. Discuss procedures for collecting outstanding accounts 26. Describe the impact of both the Fair Debt Collection Act and the Federal Truth in Lending Act of 1968 as they apply to collections 27. Discuss types of adjustments that may be made to a patient’s account 28. Identify types of insurance plans 29. Identify models of managed care 30. Discuss workers’ compensation as it applies to patients 31. Describe procedures for implementing both managed care and insurance plans 32. Discuss utilization review principles 33. Discuss the referral process for patients in a managed care program 34. Describe how guidelines are used in processing an insurance claim. 35. Compare processes for filing insurance claims both manually and electronically 36. Describe guidelines for third-party claims 37. Discuss types of physician fee schedules 38. Describe the concept of Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) 39. Define Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) 40. Discuss the legal scope of practice for medical assistants 41. Explore issues of confidentiality as it applies to the medical assistant 42. Describe the implications of HIPAA for the medical assistant in various medical settings 43. Summarize the Patient Bill of Rights 44. Discuss licensure and certification as it applies to healthcare providers 45. Describe liability, professional, personal injury, and third-party insurance 46. Compare and contrast the physician and medical assistant’s role in care standards 47. Compare criminal and civil law as it applies to the practicing medical assistant 48. Provide an example of tort law as it would apply to a medical assistant 49. Explain how the following impact the medical assistant’s practice with examples: Negligence, Malpractice, Statute of Limitations, Good Samaritan Act(s), Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, Living Will/Advanced Directives, Medical Durable Power of Attorney. 50. Identify how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to the medical assisting profession 51. Discuss all levels of governmental legislation and regulation as they apply to medical assistants 52. Discuss principles of using the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Psychomotor: 1. Explain general office policies 2. Demonstrate telephone techniques 3. Compose professional/business letters 4. Manage appointment schedules by establishing priorities 5. Schedule patient admissions and/or procedures 6. Organize a patient’s medical record 7. File medical records 8. Execute data management by using the electronic medical record (EMR) 9. Use office hardware and software to maintain office systems 10. Use the Internet to access information related to the medical office 11. Maintain organization by filing properly 12. Perform routine maintenance of office equipment with documentation 13. Perform an office inventory 14. Prepare a bank deposit 15. Perform accounts receivable procedures to include: Posting entries on a Day Sheet, Performing billing procedures, Performing collection procedures, Post adjustments, Process a credit balance, Process refunds, Post non-sufficient fund (NSF) checks, Post collection agency payments. 16. Utilize computerized office billing systems 17. Apply both managed care policies and procedures 18. Apply third-party guidelines 19. Complete insurance claim forms 20. Obtain pre-certification including documentation 21. Obtain pre-authorization including documentation 22. Verify eligibility for managed care services. 23. Respond to issues of confidentiality 24. Perform within scope of practice 25. Apply HIPAA rules in regard to privacy/release of information 26. Practice within the standard of care for a medical assistant 27. Incorporate the Patient’s Bill of Rights into personal practice and medical office policies and procedures 28. Complete an Incident Report 29. Document the patient record accurately 30. Apply local, state, and federal healthcare legislation and regulations appropriate to the medical assisting practice setting Affective: 1. Consider staff needs and limitations in establishing a filing system 2. Implement time-management principles to maintain effective office functions 3. Demonstrate sensitivity and professionalism with patients when handling accounts receivable issues 4. Demonstrate assertive communication with managed care and/or insurance providers 5. Demonstrate sensitivity in communicating with providers, patients & staff 6. Communicate in language the patient can understand regarding managed care and insurance plans 7. Demonstrate sensitivity to patient rights 8. Demonstrate awareness of the consequences of not working within the legal scope of practice 9. Recognize the importance of local, state, and federal legislation and regulations in the practice setting

MAS 121 : Medical Assisting Laboratory Procedures I

This course explores the laboratory procedures and techniques used in the modern medical office. The primary focus is on safety, quality assurance, quality control, laboratory equipment, supplies, and CLIA waivered tests performed in urinalysis, hematology, and coagulation. The course also includes emergency preparedness, CPR, procurement of specimens, laboratory math, recordkeeping, and effective communication with patients and staff. Pre or co-requisites: BIO 115 or BIO 234, and MAS 101. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.

Credits

3
Cognitive 1. Discuss implications for disease and disability when homeostasis is not maintained. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of basic math computations. 3. Apply mathematical computations to solve equations. 4. Identify measurement systems. 5. Describe the infection cycle, including the infectious agent, reservoir, susceptible host, means of transmission, portals of entry, and portals of exit. 6. Discuss infection control procedures. 7. Identify personal safety precautions as established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 9. List major types of infectious agents. 10. Compare different methods of controlling the growth of microorganisms. 11. Match types and uses of personal protective equipment (PPE). 12. Identify disease processes that are indications for CLIA waived tests. 13. Describe Standard Precautions, including: transmission based precautions, purpose, activities regulated. 14. Discuss the application of Standard Precautions with regard to:all body fluids, secretions and excretions, blood, non-intact skin, mucous membranes. 15. Identify the role of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regulations in healthcare settings. 17. Describe personal protective equipment. 18. Identify safety techniques that can be used to prevent accidents and maintain a safe work environment. 20. Describe the importance of Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in a healthcare setting. 22. Identify safety signs, symbols and labels. 23. State principles and steps of professional/provider CPR. 24. Describe basic principles of first aid. 25. Describe fundamental principles for evacuation of a healthcare setting. 26. Discuss fire safety issues in a healthcare environment. 27. Discuss requirements for responding to hazardous material disposal 28. Identify principles of body mechanics and ergonomics. 29. Discuss critical elements of an emergency plan for response to a natural disaster or other emergency. 30. Identify emergency preparedness plans in your community. 31. Discuss potential role(s) of the medical assistant in emergency preparedness. Psychomotor 1. Perform venipuncture. 2. Perform capillary puncture. 3. Perform electrocardiography. 4. Perform quality control measures. 5. Perform CLIA waived hematology testing. 6. Perform CLIA waived urinalysis. 7. Screen test results. 8. Maintain laboratory test results using flow sheets. 9. Participate in training on Standard Precautions. 10. Practice Standard Precautions. 11. Select appropriate barrier/personal protective equipment (PPE) for potentially infectious situations. 12. Comply with safety signs, symbols and labels. 13. Evaluate the work environment to identify safe vs. unsafe working conditions. 14. Develop a personal (patient and employee) safety plan. 15. Demonstrate proper use of the following equipment: eyewash, fire extinguishers, sharps disposal containers. 19. Participate in a mock environmental exposure event with documentation of steps taken. 21. Explain an evacuation plan for a physician’s office. 22. Demonstrate methods of fire prevention in the healthcare setting. 23. Maintain provider/professional level CPR certification. 24. Perform first aid procedures. 25. Maintain current list of community resources for emergency preparedness. Affective 1. Distinguish between normal and abnormal test results. 2. Display sensitivity to patient rights and feelings in collecting specimens. 3. Explain the rationale for performance of a procedure to the patient. 4. Recognize the effects of stress on all persons involved in emergency situations. 5. Show awareness of patient’s concern regarding their perceptions related to procedures being performed. 7. Demonstrate self-awareness in responding to emergency situations.

MAS 122 : Medical Assisting Laboratory Procedures II

This course continues to stress protective practices and infection control. It also explores laboratory procedures and techniques in microbiology, serology, immunohematology, and chemistry. Procurement of specimens is emphasized with adaptations based on individual needs (i.e. cultural and environmental), developmental life stages, language, and physical threats to communication. Students learn to screen patient results and executive data management using electronic healthcare records such as the EMR. Prerequisite: BIO 115 or BIO 234 and MAS 101, MAS 121. This course runs for seven weeks and includes four lecture hours and six laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.

Credits

3
Cognitive
  1. Discuss implications for disease and disability when homeostasis is not maintained.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of basic math computations.
  3. Apply mathematical computations to solve equations.
  4. Identify measurement systems.
  5. Describe the infection cycle, including the infectious agent, reservoir, susceptible host, means of transmission, portals of entry, and portals of exit.
  6. Discuss infection control procedures.
  7. Identify personal safety precautions as established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
1
  1. List major types of infectious agents.
1
  1. Compare different methods of controlling the growth of microorganisms.
1
  1. Match types and uses of personal protective equipment (PPE).
1
  1. Identify disease processes that are indications for CLIA waived tests.
1
  1. Describe Standard Precautions, including: transmission based precautions, purpose, activities regulated.
1
  1. Discuss the application of Standard Precautions with regard to: all body fluids, secretions and excretions, blood, non-intact skin, mucous membranes.
1
  1. Identify the role of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regulations in healthcare settings.
1
  1. Describe personal protective equipment.
1
  1. Identify safety techniques that can be used to prevent accidents and maintain a safe work environment.
2
  1. Describe the importance of Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in a healthcare setting.
2
  1. Identify safety signs, symbols and labels.
2
  1. State principles and steps of professional/provider CPR.
2
  1. Describe basic principles of first aid.
2
  1. Describe fundamental principles for evacuation of a healthcare setting.
2
  1. Discuss fire safety issues in a healthcare environment.
2
  1. Discuss requirements for responding to hazardous material disposal.
2
  1. Identify principles of body mechanics and ergonomics.
3
  1. Discuss critical elements of an emergency plan for response to a natural disaster or other emergency.
3
  1. Identify emergency preparedness plans in your community.
3
  1. Discuss potential role(s) of the medical assistant in emergency preparedness.
Psychomotor
  1. Perform venipuncture.
  2. Perform capillary puncture.
  3. Perform electrocardiography.
  4. Perform quality control measures.
  5. Perform CLIA waived hematology testing.
  6. Perform CLIA waived urinalysis.
  7. Screen test results.
  8. Maintain laboratory test results using flow sheets.
  9. Participate in training on Standard Precautions.
1
  1. Practice Standard Precautions.
1
  1. Select appropriate barrier/personal protective equipment (PPE) for potentially infectious situations.
1
  1. Comply with safety signs, symbols and labels.
1
  1. Evaluate the work environment to identify safe vs. unsafe working conditions.
1
  1. Develop a personal (patient and employee) safety plan.
1
  1. Demonstrate proper use of the following equipment: eyewash, fire extinguishers, sharps disposal containers.
1
  1. Participate in a mock environmental exposure event with documentation of steps taken.
2
  1. Explain an evacuation plan for a physician’s office.
2
  1. Demonstrate methods of fire prevention in the healthcare setting.
2
  1. Maintain provider/professional level CPR certification.
2
  1. Perform first aid procedures.
2
  1. Maintain current list of community resources for emergency preparedness.
Affective
  1. Distinguish between normal and abnormal test results.
  2. Display sensitivity to patient rights and feelings in collecting specimens.
  3. Explain the rationale for performance of a procedure to the patient.
  4. Recognize the effects of stress on all persons involved in emergency situations.
  5. Show awareness of patient’s concern regarding their perceptions related to procedures being performed.
  6. Demonstrate self awareness in responding to emergency situations.

MAS 124 : Survey of Medical Coding and Billing

This course introduces the student to medical insurance coding using the International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology codes for physician services and outpatient procedures. Students develop knowledge and skill in working with the physician to receive maximum reimbursement; demonstrating sensitivity in communicating with providers and patients; and applying managed-care policies, third-party guidelines, and billing and collection practices. This course runs for seven weeks and includes one lecture hour and three laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies. 1 credit. Prerequisite: HLT 101 or HLT 106, and BIO 115 or BIO 234

Credits

1
1. Identify the current procedural and diagnostic coding systems, including Healthcare Common Procedure Coding Systems II (HCPCS Level II). 2. Describe how to use the most current procedural coding system. 3. Identify the effects of upcoding and down coding. 4. Define medical necessity. 5. Perform procedural coding. 6. Perform diagnostic coding. 7. Utilize medical necessity guidelines.

MAS 200 : Medical Assisting Practicum and Theory

Students are assigned supervised clinical experiences to practice medical assisting duties and responsibilities learned in class and college laboratories. Various sites are utilized, including medical offices, outpatient clinics, laboratories, and surgical centers. The course includes a weekly seminar to correlate practice and theory and to develop workplace readiness practices. Prerequisite: HCI 124, HLT 102, MAS 122, MAA 103, MAS 102. This class includes 169 clinical and administrative practicum hours and 21 seminar hours; offered in the second half of the semester. Instructional Support Fee applies.

Credits

4
1. Describe the duties and responsibilities of the Medical Assistant. 2. Discuss the role of other health care members in patient care. 3. Describe how the medical externship works. 4. Discuss the learning opportunities experienced at the clinical externship site. 5. List student responsibilities during the medical externship. 6. List the steps to prepare a resume and cover letter. 7. Discus the process for locating potential employers when looking for a job 8. Describe the questions and the most suitable answers used during job interviews. 9. Describe measures to prevent job burnout. 10. Discus the steps to preparing an oral presentation. 11. Explain how to prepare for job advancement or career change. 12. Describe the learning opportunities experienced in service-learning. 13. Prepare a resume and cover letter. 14. Successfully answer job interview question during mock interview. 15. Give an oral presentation using communication and critical thinking skills. 16. Journal reflective clinical and service-learning experiences. 17. Self-reflect and answer directed questions linking service-learning to course content 18. Successfully complete 10 hours of service-learning. 19. Successfully complete 166 hours of supervised unpaid clinical externship experience.