MEAC - Medical Assisting

This course is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for employment in a clinical ambulatory care setting. The curriculum integrates both theoretical instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences to prepare students to function professionally and competently as integral members of the physician’s healthcare team. Key topics include: measurement and interpretation of vital signs, electrocardiography and diagnostic procedures, assisting in minor surgical procedures, parenteral and non-parenteral drug administration, principles of intravenous (IV) therapy, pediatric and geriatric care, care for patients with special needs, emergency protocols and response. Emphasis is placed on developing cultural competence, enabling students to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental patient care to individuals from diverse cultural and international backgrounds. Students will be prepared to contribute efficiently and empathetically within interdisciplinary healthcare teams, demonstrating both clinical proficiency and cultural awareness.

This is a combination lecture and lab course designed for medical assistants to introduce the clinical laboratory, the safety associated with, and those entry-level skills associated with the role of the medical assistant. The learner will explore the microscope, basic knowledge of the Clinical Laboratory Independent Agency (CLIA), and how to perform rapid testing in the areas of microbiology, urinalysis, clinical chemistry, hematology, serology, immunohematology, and phlebotomy. Learners will engage in personal and community emergency preparedness. Students will receive and become proficient from hands-on both in the classroom and laboratory.

This course provides both theory and lab practice introductions associated with a thorough range of the administrative skills a medical assistant should possess. Topics included are medical law and ethics, communication, appointments, scheduling, filing, insurance, coding/billing, managerial skills, accounts payable and receivable, quality improvement, and risk management. The course also introduces the student to the total patient encounter utilizing practice management and electronic health record software simulation as an integral part of the curriculum.