Medical Assistant
Program Description
This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as medical assistants in a variety of health care settings. Students study the structure and function of the major body systems in conjunction with medical terminology, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, computer skills, administrative processes, bookkeeping and accounting practices, and the processing of medical insurance forms and claims.
The curriculum is structured to provide theory and practical application of knowledge and skills needed to function as a medical assistant. Medical assistants are skilled interact with different kinds of patients, their families and other professionals. Medical assistants duties are vary depending on the healthcare environment important but some typical duties include recording patients’ weight, height, temperature, blood pressure and medical history. Medical assistants help doctors examine and treat patients and do routine chores needed for office operation. They sterilize instruments and equipment used in tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts and take electrocardiogram. Other clinical duties may include telling patients about medication and self-treatment and applying bandages. In addition, the clinical duties medical assistance may be responsible for some clerical duties which include all the rain supply sending out letters, billing patients, completing insurance forms and writing down dictation. In some offices, they keep financial records and handle credit, collections and other bookkeeping duties.
The medical assistant program presents modules in terminology, anatomy and physiology, safety, and appointment, computers, medical office emergencies/CPR, medical insurance, and performance improvement. This course also presents modules covering medical office receptionist, records, finances, insurance billing and office management. In addition, the medical assistant program will cover exam room procedure, specialty procedures, pharmacology, minor office surgery, laboratory procedures, nutritional needs of patients and patient education.