Course Titles and Descriptions

Below are the general education and core course titles and descriptions for the Medical Assistant program.

79 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces the creation and maintenance of a patient medical record. Training includes earning a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) certificate. The use of computers in modern medical settings, including managing patient appointments and overseeing a medical records system, is reviewed.

Students will study HIPAA, computerization, and appointment and records management terminology. Professional telephone communication skills are simulated. Students practice EKGs and prepare for the Certified EKG Technician certification examination in their final Front Office Course.

79 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces students to managing all aspects of medical office finances. Practice includes diagnostic and procedural coding for insurance billing. Students will track claims reimbursement, process patient statements, and review fee collection processes.

Students will study terminology associated with financial management. In their final Front Office Course, students will practice EKGs and prepare for the Certified EKG Technician certification examination.

79 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course teaches students the fundamentals of medical front office management, common management styles, and associated terminology. Professional communication skills that frame a patient-friendly experience are practiced in written communications with patients, vendors, and insurance companies.

The oversight of reception and treatment areas, patient and employee safety, supplies inventory and ordering, employee training, and office emergency preparedness are included. In their final Front Office Course, students will practice EKGs and prepare for the Certified EKG Technician certification examination.

26.5 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course is the first of three (3) courses covering human organ systems’ structure and function. These courses will discuss the basics of the structures and functions of the human body.

Between MA 110A, MA 110B, and MA 110C, topics on all major organ systems will be examined while considering them in the state of health versus the state of disease.

26.5 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course is the second of three (3) courses covering human organ systems’ structure and function. These courses will discuss the basics of the structures and functions of the human body.

Between MA 110A, MA 110B, and MA 110C, topics on all major organ systems will be examined while considering them in the state of health versus the state of disease.

25.5 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This is the third of three (3) courses covering human organ systems’ structure and function. These courses will discuss the basics of the structures and functions of the human body.

Between MA 110A, MA 110B, and MA 110C, topics on all major organ systems will be examined while considering them in the state of health versus the state of disease.

44 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces the health record as private and protected information defined in the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Students will learn to navigate through an Electronic Health Record Management system.

Students will be exposed to various patient and business management features, including time management matrix, record creation, documentation, maintenance, appointment follow-up, services rendered, insurance billing, and reimbursement tracking.

20 Clock Hours/1 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces Medical Terminology foundations, including Word Roots’ Suffixes and Prefixes. As learning progresses, students learn terms associated with each Body System. Adaptive Learning exercises drive student memorization throughout the course, and quizzes and Examinations reinforce understanding.

20 Clock Hours/1 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of MA 120A with a “C” or higher.

This course builds upon principles learned in Medical Terminology A, including Word Roots, Suffixes, and Prefixes. As learning progresses, students learn terms associated with each Body System.

Adaptive Learning exercises drive student memorization throughout the course, and both Quizzes and Examinations reinforce understanding.

90.5 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces students to clinical patient care. Students will practice professional medical communication with patients and colleagues. They are taught procedures for minor surgery assistance, including set-up, instrument sterilization, and autoclave technique.

Students learn aseptic medical practices OSHA requires for exposure control and medical waste disposal. Aseptic practice is reinforced through needle safety techniques, medication administration, and the drawing of blood from a vein during phlebotomy.

90.5 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces students to clinical skills associated with a physical examination. Medical Ethics are explored, including guarding private information and protecting Patient Rights. Pharmacologic terminology and abbreviations are practiced.

Math skills to correctly calculate dosages and convert grams and ounces for medicine administration are practiced. Students practice and review associated drugs, lab tests, diagnostic studies, and treatment courses.

Students will study First Aid and earn CPR Basic Life Support certification through the American Heart Association (AHA BLS for Health Care Providers).

90.5 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces students to Microbiology and Blood Chemistry. Students practice asepsis and the disposal of biohazard waste. Students will practice laboratory procedures, including urinalysis, phlebotomy, and hematology.

Students will review the purpose and categories of laboratory tests, including collecting, labeling, transporting, and handling specimens.

97.5 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course contains five (5) sections, each pacing with the student along their program path and addressing formative knowledge and skills. Sections include New Student Success, Introduction to Healthcare and the Medical Assistant Role, Certified Medical Assistant, and Certified EKG Technician Examination Preparation.

It concludes with an Externship Preparation area for monitoring the completion of Background Checks, Vaccinations, Drug Screen Clearance, Resume creation, and Interview Skills Practice.

180 Clock Hours/6 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of MA 100 – MA 220 with a “C” or better.

The Clinical Externship is six (6) weeks of student placement in a facility that performs various skills depending on specialty. It provides hands-on practice exposure and an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts.

The student will assist facility staff with daily front and back office duties under staff supervision. This experience marks the transition from being a student to performing as a Medical Assistant.