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 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 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.