Medical Assistant Course Descriptions

MEDA 100: MA: Basic Clinical Skills

Introduction to the role and scope of practice of the Medical Assistant. Builds skills used in the examination and treatment of patients in the medical office including communication, patient history and documentation, room prep, and assisting with patient examinations. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AHE 110, AHE 115, BSTEC 104.

Course Level Objectives

1. Describe the process for obtaining a complete medical history and performing basic patient assessments in both adult and pediatric populations. 
2. Explain the role of the Medical Assistant (MA) in assisting the medical practitioner with selected procedures and exams.
3. Discuss interpersonal communications and demonstrate the process of language, listening skills, and nonverbal communication.
4. Identify professional behaviors of an MA such as exercising empathy, understanding personal boundaries and critical thinking skills related to patient care.
5. Explain the key concepts of patients' rights and the laws that govern patient confidentiality. 
6. Describe infection control including the chain of infection, explain how infection spreads and list the methods available to break the chain of infection to stop or slow the spread.

MEDA 101: MA: Basic Clinical Skills Simulation Lab

Practical application of foundational skills in taking medical histories and documentation, room prep and assisting with patient exams, screening patients per protocols and performing first aid procedures when necessary. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in or completion of MEDA 100.

Course Level Objectives

1. Perform patient screening including collecting and accurately recording  patient signs, symptoms, and medical history while demonstrating recognition and interpretation of nonverbal communication.
2. Demonstrate common screening assessments specifically for the pediatric population. 
3. Demonstrate first aid procedures, exam room preparation, assisting with provider exams and procedures and instructing a patient in said procedures while practicing medical asepsis.
4. Correctly use and pronounce medical terminology and exercise professionalism and empathy  in health care interactions with clients and other members of the healthcare team.
5. Demonstrate professional and accurate telephone and electronic messaging communication techniques.

MEDA 105: MA: Transition to Practice I: Clinical

Introductory clinical experience centered on fundamental medical assisting skills that have been introduced thus far in the Medical Assisting Program. Students will be supervised by instructors and staff at a variety of clinical sites. Prerequisite(s): Completion of AHE 115, MEDA 100, MEDA 101, and SHS 170.

Course Level Objectives

1. Safely and effectively perform all patient care skills as outlined in the skills checklist under supervision of the clinical instructor and partner clinic staff.
2. Utilize constructive feedback from partner clinic staff and college faculty to improve and build skills.
3. Properly record and submit the required clinical practicum paperwork. 
4. Share and discuss clinical experiences while protecting patient and student confidentiality. 
5. Address legal/ethical issues, clinical reasoning, empathy towards others and demonstrate awareness of diversity in the community they serve.

MEDA 110: MA: Diagnostic Procedures I

Instruction in cardiovascular and respiratory anatomy and physiology, and cardiac and pulmonary function testing; electrocardiography performance, equipment use, recognition of normal findings, and response in emergency situations. Corequisite(s): MEDA 111.

Course Level Objectives

1. Identify the major organs and structures in the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, describe their normal function, and compare this with common pathologies.
2. Describe electrocardiography concepts and equipment applications, and identify types of artifacts and methods of resolving them.
3. Describe pulmonary function testing and measurement procedures and when they are used.
4. Identify different types of emergency situations and interventions associated with cardiopulmonary procedures, and conditions that may necessitate methods of oxygen administration.

MEDA 111: MA: Diagnostic Procedures I Simulation Lab

Practical application of cardiopulmonary testing skills on simulated patients including ECG/EKG recordings, placement of Holter Monitors, pulmonary function testing and peak flow measurements, and application of oxygen administration devices. Corequisite(s): MEDA 110.

Course Level Objectives

1. Perform testing and diagnostic procedures, such as ECG/EKG's, associated with common cardiopulmonary diseases including instructing and preparing the patient for the test or procedure. 
2. Respond appropriately to common first aid and emergency situations associated with cardiopulmonary patients during care, testing, and procedures.
3. Maintain equipment used in common cardiopulmonary testing and procedures.

MEDA 115: MA: Diagnostic Procedures II

Instruction in basic lab techniques used by the medical assistant. Topics include lab safety, quality control, collecting and processing specimens, performing selective tests, phlebotomy, screening and follow-up of test results, and OSHA/CLIA regulations. Corequisite(s): MEDA 116.

Course Level Objectives

1. Identify the organs and structures in the cardiovascular system.
2. Understand infection control and protective practice theories and methods.
3. Identify Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived tests, common patient screening tests, and identify erroneous or problematic test results and formulate appropriate actions. 
4. Describe techniques for the collection of blood and other specimens, identify any special precautions needed, methods employed for safe transport of blood and specimens and first aid procedures associated with specimen collection.

MEDA 116: MA: Diagnostic Procedures II Simulation Lab

Practical application of lab techniques including phlebotomy and specimen collection and processing procedures, first aid procedures commonly associated with blood collection, safety and infection control, and proper recording of procedures and laboratory results. Corequisite(s): MEDA 115.

Course Level Objectives

1. Successfully and safely collect, transport, and process specimens and perform Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived tests associated with common diseases.
2. Demonstrate quality control measures and first aid commonly associated with specimen collection and laboratory procedures.
3. Record laboratory test results into the patient's record, identify abnormal test results and report them to appropriate personnel.   
4. Practice applicable infection control measures and protective practices associated with diagnostic and laboratory procedures.
5. Employ empathy and professionalism to reduce patient anxiety during blood and specimen collection procedures.

MEDA 120: MA: Administrative Skills

Introduction to office management knowledge and skills: management of medical records, mail processing, scheduling appointments, scheduling patient flow for practitioners, developing policies and procedures, basic practice finances, and billing procedures. Corequisite(s): MEDA 121.

Course Level Objectives

1. Identify and compare different types of scheduling methods.
2. Describe methods of routine maintenance and inventory of equipment and supplies.
3. Demonstrate the ability to understand  and apply uses and elements of patient records, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Electronic Health Record (EHR), and Practice Management Systems.
4. Recall and implement components of bookkeeping terms, patient payment obligations and methods, and types of billing adjustments for services rendered.
5. Compare and implement types of medical coding systems and steps for filing insurance claims. 
6. Demonstrate methods of patient advocacy and education regarding billing including Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Remittance Advice (RA) Statements, Advanced beneficiary notice (ABN).

MEDA 121: MA: Administrative Skills Simulation Lab

Practical application of skills for accurate record keeping, medical charting, patient scheduling and billing.  Corequisite(s): MEDA 120.

Course Level Objectives

1. Manage an appointment schedule.
2. Perform medical practice and patient accounting procedures using medical necessity guidelines, including insurance verification/preauthorization/precertification and patient Explanation of Benefits (EOB) counseling.
3. Accurately enter billing and coding information.

MEDA 155: Special Topics: Medical Assistant

Seminars and classes of current interest in the Medical Assisting field. Each class will have its own outline and syllabus as appropriate. S/U grade option. 

Course Level Objectives

MEDA 200: MA: Advanced Clinical Skills

Introduction to specialized clinical procedures. Builds skills in medication administration, medical office surgery, emergency care, eye and ear assessment/procedures, techniques to promote tissue healing, patient navigation and education, and telehealth. Corequisite(s): MEDA 201.

Course Level Objectives

1. Describe various techniques for medication and immunization administration, identify adverse reactions and emergency procedures to treat them, and discuss medication interactions.
2. Explain how the MA assists in clinical procedures and minor surgery such as gynecological examinations, wound care, lesion removal, suturing, and biopsies. 
3. Explain how to perform eye and ear assessments and procedures, and why they are performed.
4. Describe the principal techniques of disinfection and instrument processing and sterilization and handling of hazardous waste according to specified guidelines. 
5. Identify techniques for educating patients and the role of the medical assistant as a patient navigator. 
6. Understand and apply different types and uses of electronic technology used in professional communication and telehealth.

MEDA 201: MA: Advanced Clinical Skills Simulation Lab

Practical application of skills in medication administration, assisting with surgical procedures, performing eye and ear assessments, patient navigation and education, and telehealth. Corequisite(s): MEDA 200.

Course Level Objectives

1. Prepare and administer medications as directed by a provider.
2. Assist the provider in selected procedures including minor office surgeries, set up and preparation of the procedure room.
3. Perform patient eye and ear assessments and procedures.
4. Demonstrate procedures to promote healing, such as application of cold and heat therapies and measuring a patient for crutches, and educating the patient in how to perform their care plan. 
5. Apply proper techniques for disinfection, instrument processing and sterilization during specified procedures including gynecological exams, biopsies, and cyst removals.
6. Demonstrate proper handling of chemical and biohazardous waste in the primary care setting. 
7. Educate and advocate for patients regarding office policies, medical encounters, and community resources to facilitate referrals.

MEDA 205: MA: Transition to Practice II: Clinical

Practical experience in the clinical, diagnostic, and administrative skills and functional role of the medical assistant. Students will be supervised by instructors and staff at a variety of clinical sites. Includes seminars addressing employment strategies. Prerequisite(s): Completion of MEDA 100, MEDA, 101, MEDA 105, MEDA 110, MEDA 111, MEDA 115 and MEDA 116. Corequisite(s): MEDA 120, MEDA 121, MEDA 200 and MEDA 201.

Course Level Objectives

1. Safely and efficiently practice any necessary patient care skills and knowledge presented in the Medical Assisting Program on real patients while under supervision by the appropriate partner clinic representative(s).
2. Accept constructive feedback  from the partner clinic representatives and staff, and college faculty and look for opportunities to improve and build skills.
3. Properly record and submit the required clinical practicum paperwork. 
4. Share and discuss clinical experiences while protecting patient and student confidentiality. 
5. Address legal/ethical issues, clinical reasoning, empathy towards others and demonstrate awareness of diversity in the community they serve.
6. Practice interviewing techniques, produce a functional resume and cover letter, and perform self-reflective assignments.