Medical Assisting A.A.S Degree [A45400]

Program Information

The Medical Assisting curriculum prepares multi-skilled health care professionals qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures. Course work includes instruction in scheduling appointments, coding and processing insurance accounts, billing, collections, computer operations; assisting with examinations/treatments, performing routine laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, supervised medication administration; and ethical/legal issues associated with patient care. Graduates of CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting programs may be eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certification Examination to become Certified Medical Assistants. Employment opportunities include physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, health departments, and hospitals.

Semester-by-Semester Plan

First Year

Fall Semester

BIO 163	Basic Anatomy & Physiology	5
MED 110	Orientation to Medical Assisting	1
MED 118	Medical Law and Ethics	2
MED 121	Medical Terminology I	3
MED 130	Administrative Office Procedures I	2
MED 140	Exam Room Procedures I	5
Total Credit Hours:		18

Spring Semester

MED 122	Medical Terminology II	3
MED 131	Administrative Office Procedures II	2
MED 150	Laboratory Procedures I	5
MED 270	Symptomatology	3
PSY 150	General Psychology	3
ENG 111	Writing and Inquiry	3
Total Credit Hours:		19

Summer Semester

MED 260	MED Clinical Practicum	5
MED 264	Medical Assisting Overview	2
Total Credit Hours:		7

Second Year

Fall Semester

ENG 112	Writing and Research in the Disciplines	3
BUS 137	Principles of Management	3
MAT 143	Quantitative Literacy	3

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective (3 Credits)

ART 111	Art Appreciation	3
ART 114	Art History Survey I	3
ART 115	Art History Survey II	3
HUM 115	Critical Thinking	3
MUS 110	Music Appreciation	3
MUS 112	Introduction to Jazz	3
PHI 215	Philosophical Issues	3
PHI 240	Introduction to Ethics	3
Total Credit Hours:		12

Spring Semester

COM 231	Public Speaking	3
BUS 153	Human Resource Management	3
BIO 155	Nutrition	3
MED 272	Drug Therapy	3
Total Credit Hours:		12

Total Credit Hours: 68

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate proficiency on the cognitive competencies as stated in the standards set forth by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

• Students will demonstrate proficiency on the psychomotor competencies as stated in the standards set forth by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

• Students will demonstrate proficiency on the affective competencies as stated in the standards set forth by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Technical Requirements

Standard	Example of Activity or Behavior
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with co-workers, patients, families and persons from variety of backgrounds	Establish rapport with patients, families, and co-workers
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form	Collect and document assessment data, explain treatments, procedures, obtain and disseminate information relevant to work duties
Mental/cognitive abilities sufficient to plan and implement assigned duties in responsible manner	Displays attitudes and actions consistent with ethical standards of medical assisting, including confidentiality, respect, tact, collaboration and teamwork
Physical abilities sufficient to maneuver in small spaces, lift and carry equipment up to 30 pounds, push and have sufficient fine motor dexterity for kneeling, bending, stooping, pinching, grasping and manipulating instruments and equipment	Move around exam room, administer CPR, transfer patients using stretchers and wheelchairs; lift and carry 30 pounds of weight safely
Gross and motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care	Move, calibrate, pause equipment and supplies. Lift, transfer and position patients.
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs in person or remotely	Assess heart and lung sounds, assess blood pressure, hear sounds of instruments and equipment with or without corrective devices
Visual acuity sufficient for assessment, performance of office and clinical procedures and maintenance of environmental safety	Observe patient responses, monitor vital signs, read instruments, computer screens, identify reagents and lab media with or without corrective devices
Tactile ability sufficient for assessment and performance of clinical procedures<\td>	Perform palpation techniques such as bony landmarks, venipuncture sites, and differentiate between temperature and pressure variations
Emotional stability sufficient for performing the medical assisting role	Maintain calm and efficient manner in all situations; remain alert to surrounding and potential emergencies
Olfactory ability sufficient to perform medical office or clinical procedures	Distinguish drugs, liquids and/or chemicals