Medical Assisting

This course is an introduction to clinical procedures performed in the medical office. Students practice obtaining vital signs and medical histories, maintaining exam rooms, preparing for and assisting with routine and specialty exams, and performing diagnostic testing, including eye and respiratory testing. OSHA standards, communication techniques, cultural diversity, charting, patient education, therapeutic modalities, assistive devices, and nutritional and wellness concepts are also covered.

This course introduces basic medical laboratory techniques, diagnostic imaging tests, and cardiac diagnostic tests performed in the medical office. Laboratory terminology and the medical assistant’s responsibility in specimen collection and processing, including urine, blood, microbiology and immunology testing, and phlebotomy, are discussed. Safety, infection control, and OSHA guidelines are reinforced. Quality assurance, laboratory mathematics, and federal and state regulations regarding clinical laboratories are also addressed.

Students learn terminology and skills related to medication administration and assisting with minor surgery. Pharmacology principles and math, elements of prescriptions, TB and allergy testing, phlebotomy, and surgical supplies and instruments are discussed, along with the medical assistant’s role in assisting with surgical procedures. Emergency preparedness concepts and the medical assistant’s role in medical emergencies are reinforced. Safety, infection control and federal regulations regarding medications and surgical procedures are addressed.

This course provides a review of all skills acquired during prior Medical Assisting classes, including injections and phlebotomy. Through a comprehensive review, the student will prepare to sit for the national certification exam. Career development and employment seeking related topics will be discussed, including cover letters, resumes, applications, and professionalism during interviews, answering interview questions, appropriate follow-up after the interviews, and continuing education. Life skills and professional behavior will also be addressed.

This course allows the student to apply what they have learned in the program curriculum to practical use in a healthcare facility under the direct supervision of a preceptor on the site. Through the externship experience, the student gains first-hand knowledge of the workplace and perform the assigned duties to meet the expectations in a professional setting. Students are expected to adapt to the work environment and reflect regularly on their learning and observations. The externship work performed is not to be paid.