An advanced-level medical assistant course that explores the clinical functions of the medical practice. Presents topics such as phlebotomy, administration of medication, electrocardiography, assisting with minor surgery, and treatments. Students practice the concepts of medical and surgical asepsis, and routine diagnostic tests and procedures.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Medical and Surgical Asepsis
- Minor Surgery
- Sterilization and Disinfection
- Pharmacology
- Administration of Medications
- Hematology
- Phlebotomy
- Spirometry: Peak Flow Measurements
- Electrocardiogram
- Special Populations: Pediatrics and Geriatrics
- Medical Laboratory Tests: Blood Chemistry, Microbiology and Urinalysis
COGNITIVE DOMAIN
- Explain the principles of medical vs surgical asepsis.
- Describe the physical examination procedure including equipment, and patient preparation.
- Discuss the pharmaceutical agents (medications) required for the medical office assistant.
PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAIN
- Demonstrate competence in all required clinical procedures in the laboratory setting.
- Calculate common medical dosages seen in medical assisting.
- Enter medication into the Computer Pharmacy Order Entry System.
- Apply OSHA Standard Precautions in the performance of all job duties.
AFFECTIVE DOMAIN
- Demonstrate empathy in personal interactions with patients, physicians and staff members.
- Demonstrate awareness of the legal scope practice for medical assistants.
- Perform all clinical procedures according to the ethical standards of the profession.
I.P.2. Perform: electrocardiography, venipuncture, capillary puncture, pulmonary function testing
I.P.3. Perform patient screening using established protocols
I.P.4. Verify the rules of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation
I.P.5. Select proper sites for administering parenteral medication
I.P.6. Administer oral medications
I.P.7. Administer parenteral (excluding IV) medications
I.P.8. Instruct and prepare a patient for a procedure or a treatment
I.P.9. Assist provider with a patient exam
I.P.10. Perform a quality control measure
I.P.11. Obtain specimens and perform: CLIA waived hematology test, CLIA waived chemistry test, CLIA waived urinalysis, CLIA waived microbiology test
II.P.1. Calculate proper dosages of medication for administration
II.P.2. Differentiate between normal and abnormal test results
II.P. 3. Maintain lab test results using flow sheets
II.P.4. Document on a growth chart
III.P.4. Prepare items for autoclaving
III.P. Perform sterilization procedures
III.P.6. Prepare a sterile field
III.P.7. Perform within a sterile field
III.P.8. Perform wound care
III.P. 9.Perform dressing change
III.P.10. Demonstrate proper disposal of biohazardous material: sharps, regulated waste
IV.P.1. Instruct a patient according to patient's special dietary needs
X.P.5. Perform compliance reporting based on public health statues
X.P.6. Report an illegal activity in the healthcare setting following proper protocol
X.P.7. Complete an incident report related to an error in patient care
II.P.1. Comply with: safety signs, symbols, labels
XII.P.2. Demonstrate proper use of: eyewash equipment, fire extinguishers, sharp disposal containers
XII.P.3. Use proper body mechanics
XII.p.4. Participate in a mock exposure event with documentation of specific steps
XII.P.5. Evaluate the work environment to identify unsafe working conditions
Medical Assistants graduating from a program accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) will demonstrate cognitive knowledge based on academic subject matter required for competence in the field. They will incorporate cognitive knowledge in the performance of psychomotor and affective learning domains.
Assessment and Requirements
The emphasis in this course will be on individual learning experience which will include active student participation in classroom and laboratory activities, A cooperative rather than a competitive learning atmosphere is encouraged. Students are expected to attend all classroom and laboratory sessions. Assessment of academic achievement will be determined using a combination of learning activities, participation, examinations, and the final exam.
Required textbooks will be determined by the department faculty.