Medical Assistant Program

910 HOURS
DIPLOMA PROGRAM
DAY & EVENING CLASSES

Hunter’s Medical Assistant program prepares students to perform both administrative and clinical tasks under the direction of a physician. As a critical link between the patient and the doctor, medical assistant serve in many capacities: receptionist, secretary, insurance coder, patient educator and clinical assistant. The latter requiring the medical assistant to perform venipuncture, prepare patients for examinations, assist with examinations and special procedures, and perform EKG and various laboratory tests.

Students will spend 120 hours externing an actual work environment in order to gain valuable “on-the-job” training.

Job Titles for Graduates of the Medical Assistant Program

The following list includes, but is not limited to, many of the most common job titles for which this program prepares students and requires the use of the skills learned as a predominant component of the job.

Courses Offered

MA101: Medical Terminology – 60 hours

During Medical Terminology the student is introduced to the language of medicine. Medical words are analyzed along with their relationship to the human body. Students will use this new language to facilitate communication with other health care professionals about their patients and will become familiar with vocabulary and word parts that will help them comprehend anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic techniques, medical treatments and procedures. In addition, abbreviations and medical specialties are included. Prerequisite: none

MA102: Keyboarding with Microsoft Word – 60 hours

During this course students are introduced to the various parts of a computer and its operation. The course includes the development of keyboarding skills through touch, mastery of the keyboard and speed building. Students progress from basic keyboarding skills to the basics of Microsoft Word and the fundamentals of word processing. By the end of this course each student will have produced a professional resume suitable for email with the help of personnel from HBS’s Career Development/Job Placement Department. Prerequisite: none

MA 103: Clinical I – Clinical Asepsis and Pharmacology – 60 hours

Clinical I introduces medical asepsis, hazard standards, sterilization equipment and techniques used to control and to reduce the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. During this course students will learn how to assist a physician with minor surgery and learn surgical asepsis, bandaging and emergency medical procedures. The course continues with pharmacology, including writing prescriptions, methods of administration, pharmaceutical references and sources, legislation relating to drugs, classifications and actions, and trade and generic names of drugs. The course will also introduce mathematical computations of pharmaceutical measurements and calculations and provide basic information on the apothecary and metric systems, and conversions from one system to another. Prerequisite: none

MA201: Clinical II – Clinical Skills and CPR – 60 hours

Clinical II begins with instruction on preparing a new patient medical record which includes administrative, clinical, laboratory, diagnostic, therapeutic and hospital documents. Students will learn to take and document vital signs, assist physicians with a physical examination as well as with specialty exams like obstetrics, pediatrics and gynecology. Also included in this course is training that will lead to certification in CPR. Prerequisite: MA103

MA202: Anatomy & Physiology I – 60 hours

Anatomy & Physiology I provides students with a comprehensive study of the human body through an understanding of the structure and function of its parts. Starting with a basic of cellular composition, each body system is examined with emphasis on both normal and pathological processes. The body systems covered in A&P I include: the skeletal system, muscular system, circulatory system, nervous system and urinary system. Prerequisite: none

MA203: Medical Office Practice & Procedures – 60 hours

Medical Office Practice & Procedures is designed to prepare the Medical Assistant student with the theory and skills necessary to perform administrative procedures in a medical office. This course begins with an introduction to the health care system, communication skills and the duties of the medical assistant as an administrator including patient interaction. During this course students will learn the management of medical records and explore in depth types of insurance, managed care and third party reimbursement guidelines. In addition, students will be introduced to medical billing and coding including the use of ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems. Students will also be introduced to accounting procedures for the medical office, including accounts payable and receivable, billing and collection procedures, bank deposits, petty cash, preparing checks, posting adjustments and processing refunds. There will also be an emphasis on medical law and ethics. Prerequisite: None

MA301: Hematology I – 60 hours

Hematology I introduces students to lab safety (Universal Precautions) where emphasis will be placed on the general rules for safety following Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and guidelines in the collection of high quality blood specimens. Students will then proceed to discussions of the laboratory environment with an introduction to the parts and use of a microscope. Additional lecture and lab sessions cover components of blood, capillary procedures, hemoglobin determination methods, microhematocrit determination, white blood cell differential count, red blood cell morphology, and blood typing. The course also includes training in phlebotomy (venipuncture) procedures for collection of diagnostic blood specimens. Prerequisite: MA101, MA103, MA201, MA202

MA302: Anatomy & Physiology II – 60 hours

Anatomy & Physiology II continues on with the study of the body and covers the following body systems: the senses, respiratory system, integumentary system, digestive system, endocrine system, and the male and female reproductive systems. Prerequisite: MA202

MA303: Urinalysis and Microbiology – 60 hours

During this course students will review the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system and be introduced to the urinalysis area of a laboratory. Students will learn the techniques and procedures of collection, handling and testing of urine specimens including microscopic examination. In addition, students will study microorganisms and their relationship to illness and learn about the basic supplies and equipment used by this lab department. Lectures will be presented about the collection of specimens; fixed slides will be utilized for microscopic identification and presentation will include collection, handling and testing of microbiological specimens. Finally, students will learn how to process rapid tests commonly found in a physician’s office. Prerequisites: MA101, MA103, MA201, MA202, MA301

MA401: Hematology II – with Blood Chemistry – 60 hours

During this course the practical application of venipuncture continues as students study clinical chemistry, coagulation, serology and blood typing. Students will also be introduced to the clinical chemistry area of a laboratory. In addition, students will learn the theory and practical background concerning solutions and colorimetry, as well as the specifics of blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and cholesterol. Prerequisite: MA101, MA103, MA201, MA202, MA301

MA402: Medical Manager – 60 hours

This course prepares students to utilize a leading computerized billing and medical software program, Medical Manager. During this course students will learn to input patient demographics, create insurance claim centers, input billing data and post charge payments. The various forms of a typical medical office will be used to compile standard insurance claim forms to bill insurance companies. Maintaining patient accounts and managing practice finances using the billing program is included. Accuracy is emphasized. Prerequisite: MA101, MA102, MA203

MA403: Electrocardiography & Cardiac Testing – 60 hours

This course begins with a review of the cardiovascular system and its relationship to EKGs. During this course students will review taking and recording pulses, pulse pressure and blood pressure. Also included will be a discussion of various cardiac testing procedures, i.e., Halter Monitoring and Stress Testing. Students will also learn to properly and successfully complete an electrocardiogram, how to observe for abnormal EKGs and classify disease of the heart. Prerequisite: MA101 through 403

MA501: Electronic Health Records – 10 hours

To improve the way patient data is accurately maintained in a variety of health care settings, the medical industry is undergoing a major transition from traditional paper records to digital records. This course introduces students to the use of electronic records in a medical practice including their theory and benefits. Topics covered are creating patient records, importing health history records, and reading and interpreting patient files. Privacy and security of health records are also covered. Prerequisite: MA101 through MA403

MA502: Career Development – 10 hours

Students in this course will prepare for a job search. Career Development provides an opportunity for students to learn and apply critical self-examination techniques for developing a successful career path and an awareness of the need to include life-long learning into career management. Topics include career planning research, job searching, developing career search documents, and refining interview and communication skills. Students will be directed in completing online applications and attaching resumes. Mock interviews will be conducted. Prerequisite: MA101 through MA403

MA503: Certification Review – 10 hours

This course provides students with an in-depth review of the skills and knowledge for the Medical Assistant Certification Examination. Students will utilize study guides and pretesting and review medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, EKG, hematology, law and ethics, medical records, and other related topics. All students enrolled in this Certification Review course must register for the Medical Assistant Certification Examination at this time. Prerequisite: MA 101 through MA403

MA601: Externship – 160 hours

During the externship phase of training students are placed in a medical facility for some real world experience. Instruction centers on observing experienced personnel and performing the duties of a medical assistant under the strict supervision of trained professionals. Students will be evaluated by the site supervisor on the basis of performance. Prerequisite: MA101 through MA503

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