Medical Assistant Program Course Descriptions

Principles of effective communication skills used in patient education and health history documentation are discussed. The students learn to assist with various types of routine medical examinations and to record the patient’s physical measurements and vital signs. Prerequisite: None

Provides the theory of electrocardiography, including the QRS complex, P&T waves and the electrical impulse system. Basic procedures include 12-lead ECG placement and machine operation. Holter monitoring and mounting of ECG’s recognition of artifacts and cardiac emergencies will be addressed. Introduction to pulmonary function tests and spirometry practice is also included. Prerequisite: None

The course covers a basic knowledge of pharmacology, the study of drugs and their usage. Students will focus on dose calculations, drug abbreviations, drug actions and usage of the drug reference manuals. Students will also learn practical applications of various injection techniques and medication administration and documentation. Prerequisite: None

This course focuses on medical and surgical asepsis used in ambulatory care settings. OSHA standards required in the performance of infection control and personal safety are also discussed. Students will identify surgical instruments and sterile techniques required while assisting in minor office surgery. An overview of dermatology and wound care will be discussed. Microbiological testing including culture and sensitivity will be presented. Prerequisite: None

This course discusses the concepts related to the practice of phlebotomy. Students will learn medical terminology, including prefixes, suffixes, word roots, abbreviations and symbols. Basic diagnostic and laboratory tests associated with phlebotomy venipuncture procedures, which includes the discussion of the process and steps, equipment, venipuncture sites, collection tubes and routine blood test and cultures will be taught. Students will learn the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system and become familiar with the disorders and diagnostic tests of the circulatory system. Prerequisite: None

This course discusses the practice of phlebotomy and venipuncture pre-examination variables. Students will also learn the organizations and agencies that support quality assurance in a health care setting. Concepts and skills related to venipuncture procedures are taught, including a review of human anatomy and physiology. This course will also cover special procedures involving non-blood specimens and tests. Prerequisite: None

This course discusses the concepts related to the practice of phlebotomy. Students will learn medical terminology, including key terms and abbreviations. They will also learn concepts and skills related to special collection procedures which include pediatric and elderly collection procedures, as well as arterial and intravenous collections. Point-of-care testing principle applications will also be taught. Prerequisite: None

This course guides students through the employment process by learning to complete applications, prepare cover letters and write effective resumes and follow-up letters. Other topics include interview skills, networking, continuing education, resigning a position, career advancement and a general orientation to the ever-changing dynamics of the health care delivery system. Prerequisite: None

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of administrative medical assisting including professional telephone techniques, patient appointment scheduling, written communication, electronic applications and quality customer service. Students will explore an overview of medical law and ethics of the health care profession. Prerequisite: None

Coordination and regulation of the body systems are discussed in this course. Students learn how the nervous system and the endocrine system work together to control the functions of the body. Cellular reproduction, body systems and directional terms are addressed. Prerequisite: None

In this course, students will examine the structure, function and conduction of the heart and the pathway of circulation. Students will also explore the physiology of respiration, which includes the structures and disorders of the respiratory system and treatment options. Included in the course are blood composition, typing and disorders. The course also examines the lymphatic system to include the organs and their functions and discusses immunity. Prerequisite: None

This course focuses on construction, pronunciation and application of medical words including prefixes, suffixes and word roots. A basic level of organization within the human body is presented. An overview of the major body systems is provided and terms related to the systems are learned. Abbreviations and pharmacology concepts and introductory legalities related to documentation in the health care industry are included. Prerequisite: None

A 210-hour, full-time externship in an approved facility under the supervision of a qualified professional. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all classroom courses in the program.