Medical Assisting

This course introduces the theory, skills, tasks and techniques performed by the Medical Assistant and their correlation for caring for the patient in the ambulatory setting. Topics include infection control, medical and surgical asepsis, exposure control, sterilization techniques and OSHA standards. In addition, the study of and proper performance of vital signs, anthropometric signs and additional screening procedures associated with particular types of office visits and body systems will be taught. Phlebotomy will be introduced in this semester. The rationale for these screening tests and the ramifications of the results as they relate to patient’s state of health will be explored. Privacy concerns, ethical behavior, legal scope of practice, patient education and community resources will be explored as each body system is explored.

This is a course designed to familiarize the student with the general plan and structure of the human body and its function under normal, healthy conditions as well as an introduction to the body’s response to illness and disease. This semester is an introduction to anatomical divisions and body planes, cells, tissues, skin, glands and membranes, the skeletal, integumentary, muscular and respiratory systems.

Following the introduction to major anatomical structures the course explores the meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, the source of the terminology, spelling and accurate use and placement in medical office documents. The course focuses on the structure of medical terms, their word roots and components, prefixes, suffixes so that the student develops a working command and understanding of medical vocabulary related to disease in a variety of healthcare specialties.

This is a basic course designed to familiarize the student with pertinent information regarding pharmaceuticals such as legal and ethical concerns, terminology, definitions, abbreviations and classifications. In addition, the course will familiarize the student with approximately 50 of the more commonly prescribed medications with their trade and generic names, mode of action, side effects and usual doses. The medications discussed are correlated with the body systems discussed in other courses.

Math for Pharmacology is a course designed to help students develop a foundation in mathematical concepts and their applications in pharmacology. This course teaches students basic math skills such as algebraic equations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions. Additionally, students will learn how to apply these skills in a pharmacological context, such as calculating drug dosages.

The management of the office can greatly influence the success of the practice. This course provides students with a basis of professional behavior, telephone techniques, scheduling appointments, patient reception and processing, and medical records management. This first-semester course focuses on the administrative, office, and business skills that a medical assistant needs to be successful in an ambulatory care setting.

TThis is a hands-on laboratory course designed to teach the use of 21st-century computer skills and their application in a medical office. It includes an introduction to hardware, software, and operating systems. This course is designed to expand the students’ computer skills through the use of the most common business application software packages. Students will use Windows 11, Microsoft Office Pro 2024.

This course will provide students with fundamental principles of effective communication in a healthcare setting. Students will develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. The course will cover verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, as well as the different factors that influence communication.