Allied Health Sciences

This course is an introduction to medical terminology and the language of health care. Students will be able to read and comprehend terminology used in a variety of medical records and reports by focusing on the definition, spelling and pronunciation of medical terms relating to the human body with an emphasis on understanding the root words, prefixes and suffixes used in health care settings.

This course covers the structural organization and the major organs of the human musculoskeletal, nervous, and integumentary systems. The normal function of each system, diseases and disorders related to each system, and pertinent diagnostic and treatment protocols will also be covered. Upon completion, students will understand gross anatomy of these systems, manifestations of diseases and disorders relative to these systems, diagnostic tests and treatment modalities.

This course covers the structural organization and the major organs of the human cardiac and respiratory systems. The normal function of each system, diseases and disorders related to each system, and pertinent diagnostic and treatment protocols will also be covered. Upon completion, students will understand gross anatomy of these systems, manifestations of diseases and disorders relative to these systems, diagnostic tests and treatment modalities.

This course covers the structural organization and the major organs of the human endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems. The normal function of each system, diseases and disorders related to each system, and pertinent diagnostic and treatment protocols will also be covered. Upon completion, students will understand gross anatomy of these systems, manifestations of diseases and disorders relative to these systems, diagnostic tests and treatment modalities.

This course covers the structural organization and the major organs of the human lymphatic, immune, and digestive systems. Normal function of each system, diseases, and disorders related to each system, and pertinent diagnostic and treatment protocols will also be covered. Upon completion, students will understand the gross anatomy of these systems, manifestations of diseases and disorders relative to these systems, diagnostic tests and treatment modalities.

This course provides students with an introduction to medical laws, ethics, and bioethics for healthcare professionals. Students will explore the legal, ethical and moral dilemmas in healthcare and will identify issues related to possible legal liability in the workplace. Additionally, this course will introduce the student to documentation in the medical chart or electronic medical record. Medico-legal principles as they relate to documentation will also be explored.

In this course, students apply the techniques and strategies related to Psychology of Motivation to explore employment resources. Students will explore the development of professional resumes, interviewing skills, and follow up communications. Upon completion of this course, students will have completed a portfolio of resources and documents to support their current and future job searches.

This course discusses the concepts of medical and surgical asepsis and aseptic technique, reviews proper hand washing techniques, electrocardiography, recognition of arrhythmias, and 12-lead ECG utilization. Topics include the disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments and assistance during minor surgical procedures utilizing universal (standard) precautions and infection control as specified by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

This course focuses on the components of safe medication calculation and administration with an emphasis on critical thinking involved in patient safety. Students review basic numerical concepts using the household, metric, and apothecary systems. Additionally, students learn to apply mathematical principles to the calculation of drug dosages in preparation for entry-level employment as a medical assistant.

Clinical Competencies I is designed to furnish the medical assisting student with the theory, rationale, and technical application of the medical assisting profession. Theoretical and practical applications are presented, demonstrated, and practiced by the student to prepare for professional practice. Areas studied include obtaining a health history and vital signs, proper documentation, performing ECGs, and assisting the physician with routine and specialty examinations. Students are required to obtain Standard First Aid Certification and Healthcare Provider CPR Certification to meet the objectives of this course.

Clinical Competencies II is a continuation of Clinical Competencies I. The course is designed to furnish the medical assisting student with the theory, rationale, and technical application of the medical assisting profession. Theoretical and practical applications are presented, demonstrated, and practiced by the student to prepare for professional practice in the areas of microbiology, specimen collection, sterile techniques, and specialty examinations. Pharmacological principles including dosage calculations, administration of intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections are also covered.

Clinical Laboratory Competencies is designed to furnish the medical assisting student with the theory, rationale, and technical application of the medical assisting profession. Theoretical and practical applications are presented, demonstrated, and practiced by the student in the areas of hematology and clinical chemistry. Hematological screening and diagnostic procedures, including aseptic blood collection (both venous and capillary) and miscellaneous Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rates, coagulation studies, and chemical and microscopic evaluation of urine specimens, are covered.

Medical Office Procedures is designed to furnish the Medical Assisting student with basic knowledge of administrative medical office management. Techniques, methods, and procedures covered include patient reception, record management, billing, scheduling, and human resource management. Medical law, ethics, and bioethics in the ambulatory health care setting are also the focus of this course.

Medical Insurance and Coding is an introduction to medical insurance and diagnostic and procedural coding. The course is designed to furnish the student with the basic knowledge of medical insurance, Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG), alternative health delivery systems, Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS), and diagnostic and procedural coding.

Exploring the use of computers to perform administrative functions in a medical office, including basic accounting, medical administrative software, and electronic health records (EHR). Through the use of simulated medical administrative software, students will learn to input patient information, schedule appointments, record payment transactions, submit electronic claims, and print financial and practice management reports. Students will learn the role of federal regulations for privacy and security of an electronic health record system. Using simulated EHR software, students will gain experience inputting information into an electronic patient record.

This course consists of a comprehensive review to prepare students for industry-recognized national credentialing exams in Medical Assisting. Topics will include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical laboratory and administrative procedures.

Students will be placed in a physician's office, clinic, group practice, or other healthcare setting to perform clinical and administrative duties appropriate to the Medical Assisting field. Students will participate in 160 hours of supervised, unpaid training.