Medical Assistant

Prerequisite Courses

This certificate requires minimum math proficiency through MATH 020 Elementary Algebra.

FIRST SEMESTER - FALL

Prerequisite(s): Grade of A in ENGL 050 Introduction to College Reading and Composition I or ENGL 060 Introduction to College Reading and Composition II, grade of B in ENGL 050 or ENGL 060 with corequisite of ENGL 070 English Composition I Workshop, or appropriate score on placement test.

English Composition I is the first in a two-course composition sequence. The central purposes of English Composition I are to develop critical reading and thinking skills and to write thesis-driven, text-based essays. The course takes a process-oriented approach to writing that incorporates prewriting, drafting, reviewing, and revising. Students in English Composition I learn basic research skills and apply them to at least one text-based research essay.

Prerequisite(s): Mathematics Proficiency:  Math proficiency through MATH 020 - Elementary Algebra .
Technology Competency:  CISY 102 - Computer Literacy or CISY 103 - Computer Concepts and Programming or CISY 105 - Foundations of Computer Science or passing score on the Technological Competency Test.
Corequisite(s): BIOL 120 - Human Biology, HLTH 150 - Medical Terminology, ENGL 111 - English Composition I.

This course is designed to offer the student the necessary administrative theory and lab practice to become a competent medical assistant in an entry-level position.  In addition to basic administrative skills, areas covered will include an overview of the healthcare industry, professional behavior in the workplace, interpersonal relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, legal and ethical issues, nutrition, patient education, medical terminology, and emergency preparedness and procedures. 

General Education Course: Science (lab)

This course is an introductory study of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on the basic anatomy and physiology of the human systems and their interactions. The course is designed to give students a general understanding of their bodies in health and disease. Three-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

BIOL 124 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I and BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II may be substituted.

This course introduces the student to medical terminology through the study of word structures such as common medical prefixes & suffixes and the origins of terminology used in medical practice today. Also includes basic anatomy and physiology, appropriate medical terminology, and procedures and diagnostic testing for each body system.

Online course

SECOND SEMESTER - SPRING

Prerequisite(s): MATC 111 - Administrative Medical Assistant Principles, BIOL 120 - Human Biology, HLTH 150 - Medical Terminology, ENGL 111 - English Composition I.
Corequisite(s): MATC 116 - Phlebotomy Theory and Lab, HLTH 109 - Pharmacology, HLTH 107 - Pathophysiology.

This course is designed to offer the student the necessary clinical theory and lab practice to become a competent medical assistant in an entry-level position.  Basic clinical skills covered in this course include vital signs and patient interview; infection control and medical asepsis; surgical asepsis; surgical supplies, instruments and assisting with surgical procedures; assisting with a primary physical exam and other specialty exams; assisting in the clinical laboratory and with the analysis of urine, blood, and other body specimens; and performing dosage calculations and medication administration.

Prerequisite(s): MATC 111 - Administrative Medical Assistant Principles, BIOL 120 - Human Biology, HLTH 150 - Medical Terminology, ENGL 111 - English Composition I.
Corequisite(s): HLTH 107 - Pathophysiology, HLTH 109 - Pharmacology, MATC 121 - Clinical Medical Assistant Principles.

This course is designed to provide the student with the necessary theory and instruction in phlebotomy techniques. Upon completion of this course, the student will possess an orientation to basic phlebotomy procedures including equipment and techniques used for capillary puncture, venipuncture, and bleeding times. Other topics covered include infectious diseases and their prevention; professionalism and total quality in phlebotomy services; and medicolegal issues and health law procedures.

Prerequisite(s): HLTH 150 - Medical Terminology; BIOL 120 - Human Biology or BIOL 124 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I & BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II.

This course is an introduction to pharmacology, including terminology, drug category, use, side effects, contraindications, and interactions. Common dosage ranges and routes of administration will also be examined. A general understanding of the actions and reasons for use of various groups of pharmacologic agents is introduced. Medications are discussed according to major drug classifications and body systems.

Online seven-week class.

Prerequisite(s): HLTH 150 - Medical Terminology; BIOL 120 - Human Biology or BIOL 124 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I & BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II.

This course covers disease etiology and organ system involvement, including physical signs and symptoms, prognoses, and common complications and their management. The disease process, basic concepts and terminology are presented. This course also includes an examination of the most common diseases of each body system, with normal anatomy and physiology compared to pathologic anatomy and physiologic malfunctioning due to disease process. Diagnostic methods, management, treatment modalities and prognosis are discussed.

Prior to registering for MATC 128 - Medical Assistant Professional Practicum, students must provide Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification by the American Heart Association, a criminal history background check, and documentation of student liability insurance. Student must also provide results of a physical examination, mantoux test, laboratory and urine drug screening, proof of immunizations and current tetanus shot. All documents will be submitted to the Medical Assistant Program Coordinator.

SUMMER

Prerequisite(s): MATC 121 - Clinical Medical Assistant Principles MATC 116 - Phlebotomy Theory and Lab, HLTH 107 - Pathophysiology, HLTH 109 - Pharmacology.

The Professional Practicum course is designed to provide the medical assistant student with administrative and clinical experience in the medical assisting field. The practicum site will provide the student with a broad base of “hands on” experiences. Emphasis is placed on preparing the student to perform safely and competently in an administrative and clinical environment. Students are to maintain a consistent level of professionalism, appearance, and attendance throughout the entire practicum. Students will sign a statement at the beginning of the practicum advising them that they will not be paid for practicum services and that they must provide their own transportation to the practicum site.

Total Credits 36