Medical Assistant Courses
Students learn the skills needed to function in a clinical office setting including patient relations, laboratory procedures and safety, maintaining medical asepsis, recognizing surgical instrumentation, conducting proper autoclaving and disinfecting, obtaining vital signs, draping patients, assisting with examinations and treatments, and performing diagnostic procedures. Students also learn to prepare and maintain a sterile surgical environment, prepare a patient for minor surgery, and assist during minor surgical procedures.
Prerequisites: MED1120
Prerequisites or Corequisites: HEA2200, SCI2100
3 Credit Hours
MED1120 Medical Office Administration
Introduction to the healthcare industry and the medical assistant profession. Emphasizes patient relations as well as efficient procedures and administration of the professional office. Telephone techniques, patient scheduling, medical records management, and patient privacy within the practice are covered. Explores career development opportunities and strategies. Stresses entry-level job requirements and upward career paths.
3 Credit Hours
MED1130 Medical Emergencies and Electrocardiography
Introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the cardiac system. Students learn how to perform electrocardiogram (EKG) on patients, troubleshoot EKG machine problems, and recognize basic cardiac arrhythmias. Spirometry testing is performed. Students will also learn to respond to common emergency situations, administer first aid in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, recognize the effect of stress on all persons involved in emergency situations, and demonstrate self-awareness in responding to emergency situations. Emphasis is placed on professional attitudes and the principles and basic concepts of ethics and laws involved in providing medical services. Students must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification through the American Heart Association.
Prerequisites or Corequisites: HEA2200, SCI1100. MED1120 (Medical Assistant students only)
3 Credit Hours
MED1140 Specimen Collection and Procedures
Students learn a variety of laboratory procedures, specimen collection, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment Waiver Test, and Point of Care Testing (PoCT). Includes performing proper venipuncture and finger-stick techniques for obtaining human blood specimens, as well as other methods of collecting body fluid specimens while complying with OSHA Standards.
Prerequisites: MED1120 (Medical Assistant students only)
Prerequisites or Corequisites: HEA2200, SCI2100
3 Credit Hours
MED1160 Principles of Pharmacology and Human Diseases
Basic principles of pharmacology and human pathophysiology are combined to further the understanding of medication administration, as well as the therapeutic and non-therapeutic effects of various medication classifications. This course covers the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug preparation, and dose calculation as well as the various routes of drug administration. Also covered are the etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and treatment of the common pathologies.
Prerequisites: MED1120
Prerequisites or Corequisites: HEA2200, SCI2100
3 Credit Hours
MED2280 Medical Assistant Capstone and Practicum
This course requires the student to integrate the knowledge, skills, and techniques learned throughout the Medical Assistant program. The practicum component provides students with 165 hours of hands-on work experience in a supervised ambulatory healthcare environment. The on-campus component elicits reflection on the application of principles and practices learned throughout the entire Medical Assistant program. This course is designed to reinforce the knowledge and skills necessary to sit for industry-specific certifications examinations such as the Certified Medical Assistant – CMA (American Association of Medical Assistants), Registered Medical Assistant - RMA, and/or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant - CCMA.
Prerequisites: MED1100, MED1120, MED1130, MED1140, MED1160, HEA2200, SCI2100
6 Credit Hours