Medical Assisting (MA22)  Diploma

Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots prefixes and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots prefixes and suffixes) word building abbreviations and symbols and terminology related to the human anatomy.

Focuses on basic normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include general plan and function of the human body integumentary system skeletal system muscular system nervous and sensory systems endocrine system cardiovascular system lymphatic system respiratory system digestive system urinary system and reproductive system.

Introduces the fundamental concepts terminology and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology the Windows environment Internet and email word processing software spreadsheet software database software and presentation software.

Introduces the basic concept of medical assisting and its relationship to the other health fields. Emphasizes medical ethics legal aspects of medicine and the medical assistant*s role as an agent of the physician. Provides the student with knowledge of medical jurisprudence and the essentials of professional behavior. Topics include: introduction to medical assisting; introduction to medical law; physician/patient/assistant relationship; medical office in litigation; as well as ethics bioethical issues and HIPAA.

Introduces medication therapy with emphasis on safety; classification of medications; their actions; side effects; medication and food interactions and adverse reactions. Also introduces basic methods of arithmetic used in the administration of medications. Topics include: introductory pharmacology; dosage calculation; sources and forms of medications; medication classification; and medication effects on the body systems.

Introduces the skills necessary for assisting the physician with a complete history and physical in all types of medical practices. The course includes skills necessary for sterilizing instruments and equipment and setting up sterile trays. The student also explores the theory and practice of electrocardiography. Topics include: infection control and related OSHA guidelines; prepare patients/assist physician with age and gender-specific examinations and diagnostic procedures; vital signs/mensuration; medical office surgical procedures and electrocardiography.

Furthers student knowledge of the more complex activities in a physician*s office. Topics include: collection/examination of specimens and CLIA regulations/risk management; urinalysis; venipuncture; hematology and chemistry evaluations; advanced reagent testing (Strep Test HcG etc); administration of medications; medical office emergency procedures and emergency preparedness; respiratory evaluations; principles of IV administration; rehabilitative therapy procedures; principles of radiology safety and maintenance of medication and immunization records.

Emphasizes essential skills required for the medical practice. Topics include: managed care reimbursement and coding.

Emphasizes essential skills required for the medical practice in the areas of computers and medical transcription. Topics include: medical transcription/electronic health records; application of computer skills; integration of medical terminology; accounting procedures; and application of software.

Provides fundamental information concerning common diseases and disorders of each body system. For each system the disease or disorder is highlighted inlcuding: description etiology signs and symptoms diagnostic procedures treatment management prognosis and prevention. Topics include: introduction to disease and diseases of body systems.

Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in a medical office job setting. This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work setting at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration practice and follow-through. Topics include: application of classroom knowledge and skills and functioning in the work environment.

Seminar focuses on job preparation and maintenance skills and review for the certification examination. Topics include: letters of application resumes completing a job application job interviews follow-up letter/call letters of resignation and review of program competencies for employment and certification.