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MEDICAL ASSISTING

720 clock hours; 47 Credit units Certificate Program

Program Description:

The Medical Assisting Program (certificate) is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as medical assistants in a variety of health care settings. Students study the structure and function of the major body systems in conjunction with medical terminology, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, computer skills, administrative processes, bookkeeping and accounting practices, and the processing of medical insurance forms and claims.

This program is divided into eight learning units called modules. The first seven modules, A through G, are classroom modules. Each stands alone as a unit of study and is not dependent upon the completion of any previous or subsequent module. If students do not complete any portion of a module, the entire module must be repeated. Students may enter the program in any of the seven modules and continue through these modules until all have been completed. Following the successful completion of the first seven modules, A through G, students participate in a 160-hour externship.

Program Prerequisites

  • Proof of good health: A report which includes a medical history, physical examination and PPD test or CXR signed by a healthcare provider performing the physical examination shall be provided to the institution indicating that the student does not have any health conditions that would create a hazard to him/her and patients or visitors. Due before clinical training begins.
  • Must be free from conviction by any court (other than minor traffic convictions) or have clearance from the California Department of Health Services.
  • Submit completed Live scan form before clinical training begins. ✓ Must attend the Excell College orientation (1st day of class)

Objectives

The objective of the Medical Assisting Program is to provide the student with the appropriate didactic theory and hands-on skills required and necessary, to prepare them for entry level positions such as clinical or administrative assistant, medical receptionist, and medical insurance biller. Students study the structure and function of the major body systems in conjunction with medical terminology, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, computer skills, administrative processes, bookkeeping and accounting practices, and the processing of medical insurance forms and claims.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior.
  • Discuss the history of medical assisting as it relates to medical practice and professional organizations.
  • Recognize and respond to verbal and non-verbal communication, and use appropriate communication techniques.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and use appropriate terminology for the different body systems, illnesses and injuries associated with those systems, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
  • Apply principles of infection control and use appropriate aseptic technique.
  • Perform clinical responsibilities, including preparing patients for examination and procedures, preparing and administering medications as directed, collecting and processing specimens, recognizing emergencies, and performing CPR and first aid.
  • Identify minor surgical procedures and demonstrate the ability to assist with those procedures.
  • Instruct and teach patients methods of health promotion and disease prevention.
  • Maintain accurate patient records.
  • Perform administrative procedures that include telephone techniques, appointment scheduling, record management, and insurance billing procedures.
  • Demonstrate skills related to word processing, medical transcription, the processing of insurance claims, and simulated computerized medical office applications.
  • Implement current procedural terminology and ICD-9 coding.
  • Accurately complete bookkeeping, banking, and financial procedures.
  • Demonstrate acceptable speed and accuracy in computer keyboarding.
  • Develop a resume and identify a career plan that includes potential job leads, networking contacts, a job search schedule, and five year goals.

The method by which these objectives and the mission of the institution fulfilled will be achieved through direct instruction, lecture and practicum. The Instructor provides assistance by integrating technology into instruction and emphasizes student-centered learning and by placing more responsibility on the students to take the initiative for meeting the demands of various learning tasks.

Program Outline

Course Descriptions

Module 110: Administrative Medical Assisting Duties

This module will introduce the students to the history and practice of medicine. It will present the basic concepts of medical law and ethics, communications (verbal and nonverbal and written), and telephone techniques. The module also covers the different aspects associated with medical assisting which includes the description of the office facilities, equipment and supplies, patient reception, appointment scheduling, managing medical records and medical office management. In addition, the module presents professionalism by describing the concepts of making a commitment to your job.

Module 120: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

This module covers the introduction to anatomy and physiology, including the organizational levels of the body and medical terminology. The course also presents the definition of anatomical position, as well as the terms of body positions, body planes, directional terms, body cavities, quadrants and body regions. The module provides the concepts of the skeletal and muscular systems; their structures, functions and common disorders. It will also present the basic drugs/agents, diagnostic and lab tests associated with the musculoskeletal system. Word building skills will be incorporated within the module. Concepts of professionalism, discussing the personal traits of the health care professional is also presented. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.

Module 130: Office Environment Safety Infection Control and Laboratory

This module covers the concepts relating to the office environment safety and measures that includes discussion of blood borne pathogens, universal precautions, proper body mechanics and quality assurance. The module further presents concepts of infection control and clinical laboratory. Lymphatic and immune systems are also discussed. Concepts of professionalism relating to working with others will be described. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.

Module 140: Psychology and Special Senses

This module presents the concepts of the nervous and integumentary systems, as well as the eye and ear. The module covers the systems’ structures and functions, common disorders, drugs/agents, diagnostic and lab tests. Word building skills will be incorporated throughout the module. Additional topics for this module are psychology and patient education. Concepts of professionalism, discussing the “professionalism and your personal life” is also presented. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.

Module 150: Medical Management

This module covers the concepts of financial management, medical insurance, types and claims. The module further presents the concepts of medical coding, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the digestive and urinary systems. Concepts of professionalism relating to the practicum experience will be described. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.

Module 160: Clinical Medical Assisting Duties

This module covers the concepts of clinical medical assisting duties as they relate to vital signs, physical examinations, medical specialties and their relationship to lifespans, and nutrition. The module also presents concepts and information related to the study of anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Concepts of professionalism relating to career planning and employment will also be discussed. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.

Module 170: Pharmacology and Office Emergencies

This module covers the concepts of pharmacology and office emergencies. This module also presents the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine and reproductive systems. Review of professionalism, as well as the forms associated with preparation for employment will be discussed. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.

Module 180: Medical Assisting Externship

Upon successful completion of Modules 110 through 170, Medical Assisting students participate in a 160 hour externship at an approved facility. The externship provides the student an opportunity to apply principles and practices learned in the program and utilize entry level Medical Assisting skills in working with patients. Medical assisting externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at the participating externship sites, and under general supervision of the school staff. Externs are evaluated by supervisory personnel at the site at 80- and 160-hour intervals. Completed evaluation forms are placed in the students’ permanent records. Students must successfully complete their externship experience in order to fulfill requirements for graduation.