Medical Assistant

This second of a two-course sequence is designed as a co-requisite course for the medical assistant student attending clinical affiliation. Skills and competencies learned in Clinical Procedures I will be reinforced for the student to gain a higher level of proficiency and confidence in their abilities as medical assistants. Theory content will cover anatomy and physiology, and place emphasis on specific organs and body systems and their associated illnesses and disease entities. In addition, the physiological aspects of working with special populations will be considered. This course stresses the disease processes, diagnostic studies, treatment protocols, and drug and diet therapies involved in the various systems of the human body.

The student performs administrative and clinical skills, under the supervision of qualified staff members, in a physician’s office and in a clinical laboratory as available. During the affiliation the student adheres to the working hours and policies of the assigned agency. The student is not paid for the externship.

Other/Practicum Hours: 9 (135 clock hours)

Senior seminar is offered in the final semester of the Medical Assistant Program. This capstone course will provide the students an overview of the complete medical assisting curriculum. Classroom meetings provide the opportunity to explore and discuss their program experiences while integrating the theoretical concepts with their practicum experiences.  Emphasis is placed on all facets of medical assisting pertinent to administrative, laboratory, and clinical procedures performed in the medical environment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in the areas covered on the national certification examination for medical assistants. Activities will include applying and preparing for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam, updating résumés, cover letters, applying for jobs, interviewing techniques, and successful employment strategies.