Medical Assisting

Freshman Program

The Medical Assistant 9th Grade program will prepare the student to learn the basics of medical assisting. The students will receive instruction in medical terminology, roles and functions of a Medical Assistant, communication skills, OSHA regulations, fire and safety procedures, medical asepsis and the height and weight of an adult, child and infant. Students will also be certified by the American Heart Association, in Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider. Medical math will be taught on a regular basis. Computer projects, including research into medical careers and illnesses will be done during the course of the year.

The Freshman Medical Assisting program provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of medical assisting. Key areas of focus include:

• Medical Terminology: Learning and understanding medical terminology
• Medical Career Paths: Learn a variety of health career paths, as well as the required training to achieve those career goals
• Medical Asepsis: Practicing proper hand hygiene and infection control techniques.
• Patient Care: Developing effective communication skills and providing compassionate patient care.
• CPR and First Aid: Obtaining CPR certification to respond to medical emergencies.
• Medical Math: Applying mathematical concepts to medical calculations, such as medication dosage and solution preparation.
• Computer Skills: Utilizing computer skills for medical recordkeeping, scheduling, and other administrative tasks.

By the end of the freshman year, students will have a strong understanding of the medical field and be prepared to advance to more complex clinical and administrative skills in their sophomore year.

Sophomore Program

Sophomore Medical Assistant career and technical program is a 90-day course, which consists of 6-day cycles. The students learn the necessary theory and skills required to function in the role of a medical assistant. Instruction is offered in clinical skills, which include: vital signs, vision and hearing screenings, assisting with the physical exam and specialty procedures, sterilization techniques, and collecting, handling, and storing of specimens. Instruction is also focused on oral and written communication, employability skills, professionalism, and medical terminology. This course provides the student with the technical skills to advance to junior year.

The Sophomore Medical Assisting program builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in the freshman year. Key areas of focus include:

• Clinical Skills:
  • Taking vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respirations)
  • Performing vision and hearing screenings
  • Assisting with physical exams and minor procedures
  • Sterilizing and disinfecting medical instruments
  • Vision and Hearing Screening
• Administrative Skills:
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Medical recordkeeping
  • Insurance verification and billing
• Professionalism and Communication:
  • Developing effective communication skills with patients, healthcare providers, and colleagues
  • Adhering to professional standards and ethical guidelines

By the end of the sophomore year, students will have a solid foundation in both clinical and administrative skills, preparing them for advanced training and real-world experiences in their junior and senior years.

Sophomore Related Class 2

Electronic Medical Records

This course will provide the essential concepts, functionalities, and benefits of EMRs in modern healthcare settings. Gain practical insights into data management, security, interoperability, and regulatory compliance within the context of electronic health records.

This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of Electronic Health Records (EMRs). Key topics include:

• EMR Basics: Understanding the definition, purpose, and components of EMRs.
• Benefits of EMRs: Exploring the advantages of using EMRs, such as improved patient care, increased efficiency, and enhanced communication.
• EMR Functions: Learning about the core functionalities of EMRs, including patient demographics, medical history, medication administration, and progress notes.
• Data Security and Privacy: Understanding HIPAA regulations and data security best practices to protect patient information.
• Interoperability: Exploring the concept of interoperability and how EMRs can facilitate seamless information exchange between healthcare providers.
• EMR Implementation: Learning about the process of implementing an EMR system in a healthcare facility.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Use EMR systems effectively.
• Understand the importance of data security and privacy.
• Navigate the complexities of EMR systems.
• Contribute to the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare services.

Junior Program

The Junior Medical Assistant Program is designed to prepare students who will assist physicians in a health care setting. During Junior Shop the student spends six day cycles in the shop. Students develop advanced skills in shop which include sterile technique, performing electrocardiography, venipuncture, and advanced laboratory techniques. The students spend part of the shop cycle placed at diverse clinical placements to further develop and implement these advanced skills. The varied clinical settings provide the student the opportunity to efficiently perform learned skills in an actual clinical situation and allows for the continuation of career exploration.

The Junior Medical Assisting program builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in the freshman and sophomore years. Students will develop advanced clinical skills, including:

• Advanced Phlebotomy: Performing venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques.
• Electrocardiography (ECG): Administering and interpreting ECGs.
• Laboratory Procedures: Performing a variety of laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, hematocrit, cholesterol and glucose testing.
• Medical Assisting Procedures: Assisting with minor surgical procedures, such as wound care and suture removal.

Through clinical rotations, students will gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Physician’s Offices: Assisting with patient care, administrative tasks, and clinical procedures.
• Clinics: Gaining experience in specialized clinics, such as pediatric, geriatric, or women’s health clinics.

By the end of the junior year, students will be well-prepared for their senior year and future careers as medical assistants. They will have the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of healthcare settings and provide high-quality patient care.

Junior Related 2

Pathophysiology

This course provides instruction on the study of how diseases or abnormalities develop within the body, encompassing the physiological processes that lead to the manifestation of illness or dysfunction.

Pathophysiology is the study of the functional changes associated with disease or injury. This course will delve into:

• Cellular Injury: Mechanisms of cellular injury, including hypoxia, chemical injury, and genetic damage.
• Inflammation and Repair: The inflammatory response, wound healing, and tissue regeneration.
• Hematologic Disorders: Diseases of the blood, such as anemia, leukemia, and hemophilia.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension.
• Respiratory Disorders: Diseases of the respiratory system, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diseases of the digestive system, including ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Renal Disorders: Diseases of the kidneys, such as acute and chronic kidney disease.
• Endocrine Disorders: Disorders of the endocrine glands, such as diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders.
• Neurological Disorders: Diseases of the nervous system, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

By understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease, students will be better equipped to provide effective patient care and support.

Senior Program

Senior Medical Assisting students who are eligible may obtain a co-op opportunity as a medical assistant in a health care setting. All other students will attend placement at a variety of health care settings for the duration of the cycle. Each trimester the student will change sites.

Senior Medical Assisting students gain valuable hands-on experience through clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Physician’s Offices: Assisting with patient care, administrative tasks, and clinical procedures.
• Clinics: Gaining experience in specialized clinics, such as pediatric, geriatric, or women’s health clinics.

During these rotations, students will:

• Apply their clinical and administrative skills to real-world situations.
• Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry.
• Network with healthcare professionals and build professional relationships.

By the end of their senior year, students will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as skilled medical assistants. They will have the confidence and competence to provide high-quality patient care and contribute to the healthcare team.

Senior Related 2

Medical Coding/Advanced Medical Terminology/Nutrition

The Advanced Medical Terminology course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the language used in the medical field. Students learn the roots, prefixes, and suffixes of medical terms, enabling them to decipher and analyze complex medical terminology. The course covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, diseases, diagnostic procedures, and treatments.

The Medical Coding course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of medical coding, which involves assigning alphanumeric codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services provided by healthcare providers.

The Nutrition course covers a range of topics related to food, health, and wellness. The course aims to educate students about the importance of nutrition in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing diseases. Some topics covered include introduction to macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), their functions in the body, and recommended daily intake.

This course delves deeper into the intricacies of medical terminology, building upon the foundational knowledge acquired in earlier courses. Key topics include:

• Complex Medical Terms: Analyzing and interpreting complex medical terms, including those related to specific medical specialties.
• Medical Abbreviations and Acronyms: Understanding and using common medical abbreviations and acronyms.
• Medical Record Documentation: Learning how to accurately document medical information using appropriate terminology.
• Medical Terminology in Different Specialties: Exploring the specific terminology used in various medical specialties, such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology.

Medical Coding

The Medical Coding course provides a comprehensive overview of medical coding principles and practices. Key topics include:

• Medical Coding Systems: Understanding the different coding systems used in healthcare, such as ICD-10-CM and CPT.
• Coding Guidelines: Learning the coding guidelines and regulations established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
• Coding Accuracy and Efficiency: Developing skills in accurate and efficient coding.

Nutrition

The Nutrition course provides a foundation in the principles of nutrition and its impact on health. Key topics include:

• Macronutrients: Understanding the roles of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the body.
• Micronutrients: Learning about the importance of vitamins and minerals in maintaining optimal health.
• Dietary Guidelines: Following recommended dietary guidelines to promote healthy eating habits.
• Label Reading: Interpreting food labels to make informed food choices.
• Special Diets: Understanding the principles of special diets, such as diabetic diets and low-sodium diets.

By completing these courses, students will be well-prepared to enter the healthcare workforce and contribute to the delivery of quality patient care.

Certifications

Post-Secondary Education