MEDA 1014 - Medical Assisting

1. Summarize the history and evolution of the medical assisting profession.
2. Explain the role and responsibilities of medical assistants within the healthcare team.
3. Analyze ethical and legal considerations relevant to medical assisting, including patient rights and confidentiality.
4. Describe the scope of practice and professional standards for medical assistants.

Effective Communication in Healthcare

5. Demonstrate effective communication techniques for interacting with patients and healthcare professionals.
6. Apply customer service principles to enhance patient satisfaction and improve care delivery.
7. Utilize interpersonal communication skills to foster teamwork within a healthcare setting.

Office Procedures and Technology

8. Schedule and manage appointments efficiently to optimize patient flow.
9. Maintain accurate medical records, including both paper charts and electronic health records (EHRs).

Insurance and Billing

10. Explain the fundamentals of medical coding using ICD-10 and CPT systems.
11. Process insurance claims and perform insurance verification tasks accurately.

Regulatory Compliance

12. Apply HIPAA regulations to ensure patient confidentiality and data protection.
13. Demonstrate compliance with OSHA standards for safety in medical offices.

Overview of Human Anatomy and Physiology

14. Identify the major body systems and describe their functions.
15. Recognize basic pathologies and common medical conditions associated with each system.

Medical Terminology

16. Interpret medical terms by analyzing prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
17. Use common abbreviations and terminology appropriately in clinical settings.

Infection Control and Safety

18. Perform aseptic techniques and sterilization procedures to maintain a clean clinical environment.
19. Demonstrate proper hand hygiene and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Patient Care Skills

20. Measure and record patient vital signs accurately.
21. Assist healthcare providers during physical exams.
22. Operate and perform electrocardiograms (EKG/ECG) following standard protocols.

Minor Surgical Assistance

23. Prepare instruments, supplies, and the clinical area for minor surgical procedures.
24. Assist healthcare providers during minor office surgeries, ensuring patient comfort and safety.

Basic Lab Procedures

25. Collect and handle specimens correctly, including venipuncture, capillary puncture, and urine collection.
26. Perform CLIA-waived tests, such as glucose monitoring and urinalysis, and interpret results.

Lab Safety and Equipment Use

27. Operate laboratory equipment, including microscopes, following safety and quality control protocols.

Pharmacology and Medication Administration

28. Identify common drug classifications and their uses in medical treatment.
29. Interpret prescriptions accurately and provide appropriate patient education.
30. Administer medications via oral, topical, and injectable routes, ensuring proper dosage calculations.

Career Preparation

31. Develop a professional resume and practice effective interview techniques.
32. Apply job search strategies to secure employment in the medical field.

Certification Exam Preparation

33. Review and practice core concepts to prepare for CMA, RMA, or equivalent certification exams.

Clinical Practicum

34. Apply administrative and clinical skills in a supervised healthcare setting.
35. Observe and assist with patient care to gain real-world experience.
36. Reflect on practicum experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

• Students develop higher order thinking skills.
• Students develop information literacy.