COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Medical Assistant Administration program is 10 months in length (Phase I & II). During this course, initially the students will receive basic instruction in skills required in any health care setting. The students will receive an understanding of the health industry and its various career paths, both traditional and nontraditional. Competency based areas include medical law and ethics, communications, medical terminology, medical math, body system review and pathology of disease, human growth and development including life continuum. Instruction and practice will be provided in basic skills used in most health care settings, including specific skills such as the taking of vital signs, basic patient intake skills, documentation skills, computer input and retrieval skills, understanding of quality control and quality assurance, standard precautions, as well as others.

This course provides the basic skills necessary for employment in a physician's office or medical clinic. Instruction includes training in basic secretarial, financial, accounting, and receptionist duties, as well as the use of office equipment typically found in a medical office environment. Students use medical terminology and abbreviations common to the occupation and appropriate written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills with colleagues, patients, patient's families, and physicians.

COURSE OUTCOMES: At the end of this course the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Medical Assistant in relation to administrative and clinical duties.
2. Describe the legal, ethical, and confidentiality responsibilities of a medical assistant.
3. Use appropriate written, verbal, and non-verbal techniques with colleagues, patients, patient's families, and physicians.
4. Discuss the importance of following policy and procedures pertaining to the safe use of equipment, body mechanics, handling hazardous waste materials, universal precautions, and safeguarding prescription pads, negotiable instruments, and patient's records.
5. Demonstrate front office administrative secretarial skills required in a medical office environment.
6. Explain how coding, billing, and the submission of health insurance claim forms financially impact health care providers.
7. Demonstrate professionalism in patient interaction, scheduling appointments, and oral and written communication.
8. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of office equipment, including computer and network, fax, copier, and telephone systems.