Medical Assistant

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Degrees and Certificates

Medical Assistant,
Certificate of Completion

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate caring and respectful communication as a medical assistant.

Demonstrate competence in administrative duties as a medical assistant.

Demonstrate competence in clinical duties as a medical assistant.

Practice medical assisting collaboratively.

Obtain employment in a variety of healthcare settings.

Incorporate critical thinking in practice as a medical assistant.

Demonstrate standard safety and emergency practices and procedures as a medical assistant.

Display professionalism in their appearance, job performance, and ability to work as team members.

Provide patient education and current community resource information.

Practice medical assisting according to AAMA Code of Ethics.

Classes

MA 110: Medical Office I

Credits

Beginning skills for use in the business/medical office, including computers, reception, appointment scheduling, office mail, telephone skills, medical filing, medical coding and insurance forms.

MA 111: Body Structure & Function

Credits

Study of body structure and function of body systems and related disease commonly associated with each system. Diagnostic and laboratory procedures used for diagnoses are discussed throughout the course.

MA 112: Pharmacology

Credits

Basic concepts of pharmacology, including basic drug categories and use of most commonly prescribed medications in the medical office. Includes a review of math concepts related to medications, dose calculations, administration principles, injection preparations and site choice, and safety practices associated with medication administration.

MA 113: Universal Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogens

Credits

Meets requirement of the AIDS Omnibus Bill passed by the Washington State legislature regarding HIV/AIDS education for employees working in a healthcare setting. OSHA's blood borne pathogens standard concerning universal precautions is emphasized in the healthcare setting as well as with historically marginalized individuals, individuals experiencing homelessness and within substance abuse populations.

MA 115: Clinical Procedures

Credits

Introduction to clinical procedures for the medical office, including taking a medical history, exam room preparations, vital signs and measurements, assisting with minor surgery, medical asepsis and infection control, universal precautions for blood and body fluids, principles of rehabilitation and charting.

MA 116: Office Communications

Credits

Includes integrated computer applications and development of professional written communication skills for use in the medical office, and principles of consumer relations.

MA 118: Medical Law and Ethics

Credits

Study of workplace legalities, including a basic overview of the legal system and legal and ethical considerations for the medical assistant in the medical office. Topics include medical records, management, medical contracts, concepts of health care reform and workplace responsibilities, including confidentiality, informed consent and patient rights.

MA 120: Medical Office II

Credits

Develops advanced skill in the use of computer systems for office billing procedures, including established accounts, accounts receivable and accounts payable, payroll inventory control, collections, and purchasing. Explores the basic types of medical insurance, study of claims processing and third-party reimbursement.

MA 125: Clinical Procedures II

Credits

Covers the principles of nutrition and dietary modifications as a form of treatment. Develop clinical skills in the following areas: care of cardiac patients (including EKGs), pediatrics, reproductive health, GI, pulmonary, ortho, neuro and EENT.

MA 135: Clinical Procedures III

Credits

General introduction to the medical laboratory and use of the microscope. Topics of study include principles of safe specimen collection, handling and testing, phlebotomy; introduction to microbiology and hematology with special attention given to CLIA waived testing, urinalysis, principles of safe medication administration, and care of the diabetic patient.

MA 260: Practicum/Externship for Health Care Assistant

Credits

Application of knowledge and skill in an unpaid experience in a medical office.

MA 265: Practicum Seminar

Credits

Focus is on the externship experience and transitioning from student to professional medical assistant.