Provides students with the basic medical terminology framework needed before advancing to a more comprehensive medical terminology or anatomy and physiology based course.

Provides a framework for building and defining medical vocabulary. Students use techniques to gain an understanding of prefixes, suffixes, word roots, and combining forms related to every organ system. No previous knowledge of anatomy, physiology, or pathology is necessary.

Introduces students to Electronic Health Records (EHR) through an examination of existing transitions and structures between medical facilities. Emphasizes how Practice Management (PM) software is utilized, how Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems are utilized, and exposes students to the world of Health Information Management (HIM). Practical applications and guided exercises will enable the student to be prepared for changes in the healthcare field.

Explores the human body and its correlation to health and disease. Emphasis on human anatomy and physiology of cells, tissues, organs, and systems with an overview of common pathophysiology. Application of math skills that model various anatomic and physiological processes.

Provides the necessary skills to work in an administrative capacity within a medical office or clinical setting. Topics covered include introduction to medicine and medical assisting, communication skills, community resources, telephone and reception, managing appointments, written communication, filing procedures, basic bookkeeping, and medical office management. Emphasis on medical ethics and proper record keeping.

Develops fundamental skills needed to be an effective member of the physician's office laboratory. Emphasizes common medical laboratory diagnostic procedures and following standard protocols established by both the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and OSHA guidelines. Students will develop skills in a variety of blood collection methods, specimen collection, pharmacology, drug calculations, and preparing and administering medications. Emphasis will be placed on infection prevention, patient identification, specimen labeling, quality assurance, specimen handling, processing, accessioning, professionalism, ethics, and medical terminology.

Applies fundamental phlebotomy and specimen processing skills in a clinical laboratory or healthcare environment, learn advanced procedures, and connect students to employment opportunities. The practicum requires 40 clinical hours and a minimum of 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures from human sources.

Introduces the basic skills necessary in the medical clinical setting related to the administrative and clinical medical assistant. Emphasizes theory and skills necessary for gathering patient information that will assist the physician in diagnosing, initiating treatment, or prescribing procedures for common disorders. Develops skills related to interpersonal communication, records management, administrative responsibilities, financial administration, patient education, and patient care activities for the physician's office.

Defines and describes therapeutic action and major side effects of common drugs, principles of medication, and dosage calculations. Students will also gain knowledge in basic principles for administering different types of medications and the universal precautions and standards related to the role of a Medical Assistant.

Builds on the knowledge gained in Foundations of Medical Assisting I. Students will develop and demonstrate skills necessary to use clinical office equipment. Emphasis on clinical examinations and diagnostic testing for common disorders and pathologies throughout the body systems in addition to assisting with therapeutic procedures conducted in a physician's clinical office setting. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: physician practices and specialties, advanced techniques related to diagnostic testing and therapeutic procedures, applying basic theory, and following current standard protocols during clinical procedures and treatments prescribed by the physician.

Provides supervised placement in a contracted facility for guided experience in the application of business and administrative skills in a healthcare office. Emphasis is placed on enhancing competence in medical office skills for comprehensive patient care and strengthening professional communications and interactions.

Reinforces skills developed in Foundations of Medical Assisting I and II, and emphasizes skills needed to take a patient through an entire office visit encounter. Reinforces proper clinical techniques based on theories of clinical laboratory testing. Reinforces use of clinical/physician office equipment. Students will become proficient and advance their skills in all areas of the medical clinical setting in order to enter their externship.

Introduces the fundamentals of coding. Emphasizes the transformation of the reason for a patient encounter documented by the physician into CPT numeric designations (codes) to facilitate reimbursement for all services rendered. Emphasis on currently tested CPT, HCPCS, and ICD coding processes; reimbursement and compliance; reporting guidelines; national codes; and modifiers.

Provides supervised placement in a contracted facility for guided experience in the application of technical and practical medical assistant skills. Emphasis is placed on medical office orientation, administrative tasks in medical office situations, and patient interaction in a medical office environment. Students will perform competent entry-level medical assistant skills in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains, as appropriate to the externship site. Upon successful completion, students will have completed 200 hours in primary care setting.

Applies fundamental medical administrative skills in an office, clinic, or hospital setting. Emphasis is placed on medical records management, insurance processing, coding and billing, management of practice finances, information processing, and fundamental office tasks. Students will also maintain familiarity with clinical and technical concepts of coordinating administrative office functions in the health care setting. The practicum requires 160 clinical hours in a medical office setting.

Provides in-depth study of processing health insurance claims. Examines all aspects of medical insurance including plan options, payer requirements, state and federal regulations, abstraction of source documents, accurate completion of claims, coding of diagnoses, and procedures/services.

Applies fundamental coding and billing knowledge and enhances practical skills in an office, clinic, or hospital setting. Provides practical experience in submitting medical claims for reimbursement, processing bills, operating computerized billing systems, and gaining a working knowledge of various insurance plans. The practicum requires 160 clinical hours.

Prepares students in allied health programs to enter the workforce with a basic understanding of federal healthcare programs and federal healthcare laws. The course will provide students with a knowledge of the populations receiving assistance from the government as well as identifying the federal laws that govern workers' provisions of health services laws.