Medical Assisting Diploma (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: Regular Admission) 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.

(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: MATH 1012) (Co-requisites: MATH 1111) 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: ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, PSYC 1010, ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090) 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.

(Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090, MATH 1012) (Co-requisites: MAST 1090, MAST 1110) 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: introduction to pharmacology; dosage calculation; sources and forms of medications; medication classification; and medication effects on the body systems.

(Prerequisites: ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, PSYC 1010, ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090) Emphasizes essential skills required for the medical practice. Topics include: office protocol, time management, appointment scheduling, medical office equipment, medical references, mail services, medical records, and professional communication.

(Prerequisites: ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, PSYC 1010, ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090) (Co-requisites: MAST 1100, 1120) 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.  A $20 fee is associated with this course due to the increased cost of items used for lab: for example, testing kits. 

(Prerequisite: MAST 1080, ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090) (Co-requisites: MAST 1030, MAST 1110) 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 $25 fee is associated with this course due to the increased cost of items used for lab: for example, testing kits. 

(Prerequisites: ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, PSYC 1010, ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090) (Co-requisites: MAST 1080, MAST 1120) Emphasizes essential skills required to file insurance claims within the medical practice. Provides information on types of third party plans, managed care policies and procedures, and insurance coding conventions. Topics include: managed care, reimbursement, and coding.

(Prerequisite: MAST 1100, ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090, ENGL 1010) (Co-requisites: MAST 1030, MAST 1090) Emphasizes essential skills required for the medical practice in the areas of computers and application of computer skills, electronic health records, accounting procedures, and practice management software. Topics include: accounting procedures and application software.

(Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090, ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, PSYC 1010) (Co-requisites: MAST 1080, MAST 1100) Provides review of anatomy and physiology per body system and fundamental information concerning common diseases and disorders or 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: Completion of all required coursework prior to externship/practicum, a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, no unresolved grades of 'F' or 'I' from previous courses, and good academic standing) (Co-requisite: MAST 1180) 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; functioning in the work environment.

(Prerequisite: Completion of all required courses except MAST 1170) (Co-requisite: MAST 1170) 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.