MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM

The objective of the Medical Assistant Program is to provide the student with the appropriate didactic theory and hands-on skills required and necessary

Total Clock Hours

560

Number of Weeks

Program Delivery

Residential

Type of Instruction

Lecture, Lab, and Externship

Leads to the Standard Occupational Classification

31-9092 Medical Assistant

Program Goals and Objectives

The objective of the Medical Assistant 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.

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 seven learning units. 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 unit must be repeated. Students may enter the program in any of the seven units and continue through these units until all have been completed. The State of California does not require that medical assistants be certified, but such a certificate may increase the chances of being hired.

The California Certifying Board For Medical Assistants exam may be taken upon successful completion of the program. Students who pass this exam and meet graduation requirements will be eligible to work as Certified Medical Assistants.

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

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

Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate 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 techniques.
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.
Accurately complete bookkeeping, banking, and financial procedures.
Demonstrate acceptable speed and accuracy in computer keyboarding.

Program Outline

Course Number	Course Title	Lecture	Lab	Clock
MA 101	Introduction to Medical Assisting	32	48	80
MA 102	Anatomy & Physiology I	32	48	80
MA 103	Business Communications	32	48	80
MA 104	Anatomy & Physiology II	32	48	80
MA 105	Medical Insurance & Coding	32	48	80
MA 106	Patient Preparation	32	48	80
MA 107	Pharmacology and Office Emergencies	32	48	80
Totals		224	336	560

Course Descriptions

MA 101Introduction to Medical Assisting

The field of Medical Assisting is recognized as one of the most adaptable and rapidly growing professions in the healthcare sector. Within this course, students get the opportunity to delve into the diverse skills and duties associated with a Medical Assistant’s role. An understanding of the different members that make up a healthcare team will be developed. We will also emphasize the significance of maintaining professionalism and abiding by legal and ethical guidelines in healthcare settings. The necessity of cultivating proficient communication skills will be highlighted, especially regarding patient interactions. Furthermore, this course will equip students with knowledge of crucial medical terminology, integral to the functions of a Medical Assistant.

MA 102 Anatomy & Physiology I

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the structure and operation of the various systems within the human body. The detailed anatomy of each system and their respective physiological functions will be thoroughly explored. This knowledge will enable students to grasp the intricate interconnections among these body systems. Consequently, students will be better equipped to correlate patient complaints, examination outcomes, and clinical findings with the clinical evaluation and the subsequent treatment strategy.

MA 103 Business Communications

This course aims to equip students with the diverse administrative abilities essential for effective performance within medical practices. It is crucial for a Medical Assistant to possess proficient written communication and computing abilities to fulfill the demands of electronic medical record data entry. The course material will train students in appropriate telephone answering methods to ensure effective scheduling and registration of patients within the practice management system, all while complying with HIPAA privacy regulations. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of their part in the revenue cycle within a medical environment.

MA 104 Anatomy & Physiology II

This program represents the sequel to the first course in Anatomy and Physiology. It aims to familiarize learners with the structure and function of each body system. The curriculum encompasses a detailed exploration of the anatomy of every body system, along with their respective physiological functions. By comprehending the intricate interdependencies of the body systems, learners will be able to correlate a patient’s symptoms, the examination data, and the clinical findings with the clinical evaluation and treatment plan. Furthermore, the course aims to educate students on the diverse safety protocols implemented in healthcare environments to prevent disease transmission.

MA 105 Medical Insurance & Coding

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the array of insurance coverages that community health centers engage with. The aim is to enable students to comprehend and elucidate the significance of the Insurance eligibility process, along with its impact on patient care. It also includes an introduction to the necessary diagnostic and procedural codes for submitting charges to third-party payers. Furthermore, students will acquire the ability to process the requisite claims for claim adjudication. Additionally, practical skills, such as how to measure and record patients’ vitals and how to accurately document patients’ medical records in preparation for physical examinations, will also be part of the course curriculum.

MA 106 Patient Preparation

Throughout this course, learners will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, prepare, and execute a variety of in-office examinations and procedures. These skills are crucial in assisting healthcare providers in delivering patient care across all age demographics, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Students will also become adept at handling sensitive discussions with patients, particularly in specialized areas such as behavioral health, oncology, and geriatric care. This involves mastering techniques that facilitate effective communication and build patient trust. Another key learning objective of this course is understanding and implementing safety protocols in the medical office laboratory. Students will learn how to prepare and clean medical instruments and equipment, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, learners will gain practical experience in performing venipuncture. This procedure will be taught with a strong emphasis on adhering to safety guidelines, reinforcing the importance of patient safety in all medical procedures.

MA 107 Pharmacology and Office Emergencies

In this course the student will gain insight into the critical role of medication administration. They will be guided on how to accurately dispense medications, emphasizing the importance of the correct dosage, medication, patient, timing, and administration route, in adherence to the physician’s prescription. Upon successful completion of this course, learners will have equipped themselves with the essential skills required to administer first aid in potential emergency situations, specifically within an outpatient context. Furthermore, an introduction to the Patient-Centered Medical Home Model will be provided. Additionally, learners will explore the Social Determinants of Health and their impact on an individual’s wellbeing.

Graduation Requirements

The candidate for a certificate of completion must:

Complete all classes with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 70% (on a scale of 1-100 percent);
Achieves a minimum cumulative attendance percentage of 80% ;
Meet all applicable clinical, classroom, and laboratory skill-proficiency standards;

Upon completion of the program students will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible for certification in the State of California as a Certified Medical Assistant from the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA).

The Medical Board of California www.mbc.ca.gov has approved the California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants http://www.ccbma.org.

Upon completion of the Medical Assistant program graduates will receive information on how and where to take the test from their instructor.

Graduates may also take a national certification examination. There are four major certification agencies that issue a medical assistant certification they are:

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offering the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification
American Medical Technologists (AMT) offering the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) offering the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offering the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification

All four certification agencies require medical assistants to pass a certification exam in order to become certified.