Medical Assisting (MA22)  Diploma

(Prerequisite: None) This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/technical program of study. Topics include: Computer Applications/Technology Skills, Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communication Skills, and Career Exploration.

(Prerequisite: ENGL 0097 OR Appropriate Placement Test Score AND READ 0097 OR Appropriate Placement Test Score) Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

(Prerequisites: MATH 0097 OR Appropriate arithmetic placement test score.) Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, geometric concepts, technical applications, and basic statistics.

(Prerequisite: Provisional admission) Presents basic concepts within the field of psychology and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking and emotion. Emphasis is placed on students understanding basic psychological principles and their application within the context of family, work, and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychology as a science, the nervous and sensory systems, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, stress and health, and social relations.

(Prerequisite: Provisional Admission) 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.

(Prerequisites: None) Prepares students in understanding the application of mathematics in their health science program courses. The topics included are basic mathematics, medical terminology, mathematical conversions, weight and measurement applications used in health science programs. Additionally, problem solving strategies, basic principles of medication administration, and research in health science will be incorporated into the course competencies.

(Prerequisites: Program Admission) This course introduces the fundamental concepts of medical assisting and its role within the broader healthcare field, emphasizing the importance of medical ethics, legal aspects of medicine, and the medical assistant's function as an agent of the physician. Students will gain knowledge of medical jurisprudence, professional behavior, and essential skills required for medical practice. Topics include an introduction to medical assisting, medical law, the physician/patient/assistant relationship, medical office litigation, ethics, bioethical issues, HIPAA, office protocol, time management, appointment scheduling, medical records, electronic records, medical office equipment, medical references, mail services, and professional communication.

(Prerequisites: Program Admission) (Co-requisites: None) Introduces medication therapy with emphasis on safety, classification of medications, their actions, side effects, medication and food interactions, and adverse reactions. Also introduces the basic concept of arithmetic used in the administration of medications. Topics include: introductory pharmacology; dosage calculation; sources and forms of medications; classification of medications; and medication effects on the body systems.

(Prerequisites: Program Admission) (Co-requisites: None) 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, respiratory evaluations, and electrocardiography. A $40 fee is associated with this course due to the increased cost of items used for lab, for example, testing kits.

(Prerequisite: Program Admission) (Co-requisites: None) 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; applied clinical microbiology; advanced reagent testing (Strep Test, HcG, etc.); administration of medications; maintenance of medication and immunization records; medical office emergency procedures and emergency preparedness; rehabilitative therapy procedures; principles of radiology safety and nutrition. A $50 fee is associated with this course due to the increased cost of items used for lab, for example, testing kits.

(Prerequisite: Program Admission) (Co-requisites: None) This course emphasizes the essential skills required for managing insurance claims and administrative tasks within a medical practice. It provides comprehensive information on filing insurance claims, understanding types of third-party plans, managed care policies and procedures, insurance coding conventions, and the application of computer skills in medical settings. Topics include managed care, reimbursement, coding, accounting procedures, electronic health records, and practice management software.

(Prerequisites: Program Admission) (Co-requisites: None) Provides review of anatomy and physiology per body system and fundamental information concerning common diseases and disorders of each body system. For each system, the disease or disorder is highlighted, including: description, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment, management, prognosis, and prevention. Topics include: review of anatomy and physiology and diseases of the body systems.

(Prerequisites: Program Admission) (Co-requisites: None) This course provides an in-depth clinical practicum experience in a medical office setting, allowing hands-on application and reinforcement of professional skills. Students will engage in real-world tasks that require concentration, practice, and technical proficiency while integrating classroom knowledge into workplace functions. The course includes a seminar component focused on job preparation, employment maintenance, and certification exam review. Topics covered include: resume writing, job applications, interview techniques, professional correspondence, workplace expectations, and a comprehensive review of program competencies to support employment readiness and certification success.