Course Listing

MA 101 Medical Assistant 3 Lecture/4 Lab/4
This course introduces the first-year medical assistant student to the profession of medical assisting and the complex interactions that occur between the medical assistant, patient, his or her family, and the office staff. Emphasis is placed on basic medical assisting skills including, but not limited to, vital signs, exam room instruments, EKG recording and interpretation, exam positions, medical documentation, infectious disease cycle, standard precautions, body mechanics, and nutrition education. Prerequisite: MA 109.

MA 109 Medical Terminology 3
The students in this course will be presented with a systematic introduction to medical terms with an emphasis on definitions, spelling and pronunciation. The medical terms will be broken down to the Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and root words from which many of them have their origin. Students will develop a knowledge base for building medical terms by using word parts and will acquire a working knowledge of a medical vocabulary used by health care professionals to communicate information accurately.

MA 175 Phlebotomy Technician 3
This course is designed to expose the student to the knowledge and skills necessary to function safely and effectively as a phlebotomist. It provides accurate, up-to-date, practical information and instruction in phlebotomy procedures and techniques, along with a comprehensive background in phlebotomy theory and principles. Emphasis is placed on proper phlebotomy collection, equipment, method of patient identification, and techniques for routine and special collection procedures. Standard Blood and Body Fluid Precautions, as related to OSHA, are taught and practiced with attention to absolute compliance practice.

MA 175C Phlebotomy Technician Clinical 1
This 60-hour rotation affords clinical experiences in a hospital phlebotomy department, physician's office or independent laboratory, under supervision of a clinical staff member. Emphasis is placed on correctly performing routine venipuncture and skin puncture techniques, properly preparing and assembling equipment for procedures, correctly selecting additives for blood collection, labeling, and transporting collected blood specimens.

MA 202 Medical Assistant-Clinical I 3 Lecture/120 Hours Clinical/4
This course is the second of a three-part sequence dealing with the role of the medical assistant in health care. Student learning is focused on the ethical issues of patient care and the MA's role in assisting in physical exams for all of the medical specialties and in office surgery. The principles and procedures of collecting laboratory specimens, administering injections, pharmacology, and performing phlebotomy and microbiology techniques are addressed. In addition, principles of IV therapy are discussed. Prerequisite: MA 101.

MA 208 Medical Assistant-Administrative I 3 Lecture/3 Lab/4
This course prepares the medical assistant student to apply the administrative skills expected of the entry level practitioner. Medical office automation is an integral part of this course which gives an in-depth introduction to appointment scheduling, patient medical information, financial records, and processing insurance claims. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, communication, patient confidentiality, medical specialties, medical law and ethics. Prerequisite: CS 103 or comparable experience as approved by Department Chairperson.

MA 209 Medical Assistant-Administrative II 2 Lecture/4 Lab/3
Students combine skills acquired in MA 208 and develop additional knowledge of administrative functions required of a professional Medical Assistant. This course focuses on the medical billing process with emphasis on reimbursement, bookkeeping procedures, and an overview of medical insurance and third party guidelines. Students utilize transcribing machines to aid in preparation of medical records and histories. Job seeking skills such as résumé writing, interviewing, and professional conduct are covered. Prerequisite: MA 208.

MA 215 ICD-9-CM Coding 3
This course introduces students to the complex world of medical billing. Here, students will code diagnoses and procedures for the purpose of reimbursement from third party payers. Students will combine knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and the patho-physiology of disease processes in determining specific codes for each diagnosis and procedure.

MA 220 Medical Assistant-Clinical II 2 Lecture/240 Hours Clinical/4
Medical self-help and first aid techniques are stressed in this course with an emphasis on practicing within the scope of education, training and personal capabilities. Students gain experience in patient teaching, health promotion, and disease prevention. Time is spent in a physician's office where students utilize both the administrative and clinical skills accrued throughout their studies. Prerequisite: MA 202.

MA 225 Introduction to CPT Coding 3
This introductory course provides the student with the fundamental concepts of medical coding using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding book. Upon successful completion of this course the students will be able to identify procedural information from a medical record pertaining to the billing process and convert this information into simplified numerical codes that can be electronically processed for payment by third party payers - such as insurance companies and Medicare. Prerequisites: BL 116, CS 103, MA 109.