2024-2025 College Catalog

Medical Assisting Diploma Program [D45400]

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.

Fall Semester

BIO 163Basic Anatomy & Physiology

5

MED 110Orientation to Medical Assisting

1

MED 118Medical Law and Ethics

2

MED 121Medical Terminology I

3

MED 130Administrative Office Procedures I

2

MED 140Exam Room Procedures I

5

Total Credit Hours:18

Spring Semester

MED 122Medical Terminology II

3

MED 131Administrative Office Procedures II

2

MED 150Laboratory Procedures I

5

MED 270Symptomatology

3

PSY 150General Psychology

3

ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3

Total Credit Hours:19

Summer Semester

MED 260MED Clinical Practicum

5

MED 264Medical Assisting Overview

2

Total Credit Hours:7

Total Credit Hours: 44

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