Medical Assisting

Associate Degree now offered at the Springdale Campus!

The Associate Degree of Applied Science program in Medical Assisting prepares the student for integral, multifunctional administrative and clinical roles in physicians’ practices and ambulatory care settings. Administrative duties may include preparing and maintaining medical records, scheduling and monitoring appointments, scheduling hospital admissions and procedures, diagnostic and procedural coding, submitting claims, monitoring reimbursements, and managing accounts
receivable and payable.

Assistant looking at X-ray.

Clinical duties may include obtaining patient history and vital signs, assisting in procedures, examinations, and treatments, preparing and administering medications, and diagnostic testing and maintenance of the treatment area and medical equipment.

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Course Listing

CAP 111 Keyboarding and Word Processing I

This course introduces the student to word processing concepts and terminology. Topics and hands-on activities include performing such applications as creating, formatting and editing documents and tables, merging documents and working with templates. A brief introduction to the keyboard and proper typing techniques will be covered, including an emphasis on speed- building and efficiency.

PSY 211 Developmental Psychology

This course is an introduction and survey of theories on the growth and development of the human being from conception to maturity and into old age. Topics include the special problems of the young child, emotional and social adjustment of the adolescent and young adult, marriage and the family, and issues unique to the elderly.

Prerequisite:
PSY 101

HIT 220 Pathophysiology of Human Diseases I

The course is designed to provide the student with a foundation for basic disease concepts including neoplasms, inflammation and infection. The etiology, treatment, pharmacology and prognosis of diseases associated with the body systems are studied.

Prerequisites:
BIO 145 and MOA 111

HIT 225 Pathophysiology of Human Diseases II

This course is a continuation of the Pathophysiology of Human Disease 1. Emphasis on basic disease concepts including neoplasms, inflammation and infection are further examined. The etiology, treatment, pharmacology and prognosis of diseases associated with the body systems are studied.

Prerequisite:
HIT 220

HIT 230 Diagnosis Coding

This course is designed to provide the student the principles and guidelines of the International Classification Disease Coding (ICD) manual. The sequencing of diagnoses for ambulatory facilities and the principles for the application of codes for the inpatient setting are incorporated.

Prerequisites:
MOA 120 or HIT 225

HIT 240 Procedural Coding

This course is designed to provide the student the principles and basic rules of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and the Healthcare Common Procedural Coding Systems (HCPCS) coding manuals. Some topics included in this course are guidelines, general coding and modifiers. Evaluation and Management Codes, Anesthesia and Surgery Radiologic Procedures and Pathology and Laboratory CPT Codes as applied from physician and facility perspectives are studied. Compliance and ethical coding issues are stressed.

Prerequisites:
MOA 120 or HIT 225

MED 101 Introduction To Medical Assisting

This course offers administrative duties in a medical office including traditional and managed care settings. Managed care topics include managed care contracts, implications of managed care contracts on financial aspects of practices, referrals and collection techniques. Legal issues will be addressed on legal considerations with Administrative, Contract, and Tort Laws; Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); Informed consent; legal concepts in Civil Litigation Process; Identify Code of Ethics, ethical guidelines for physicians; and Bioethical Dilemmas such as HIV, AIDS and Genetic Engineering.

MED 110 Pharmacology/Dosage and Calculations

This course examines various types of drugs, uses, contraindications, adverse reactions, dosage, routes, and patient education. Basic principles in administering medications, universal precautions, nonparenteral and parenteral medications, equipment and supplies will be provided. Dosage calculations and techniques of medication administration are practiced in the laboratory component.

Prerequisite:
BIO 145, MOA 111, MTH 115

MED 120 Hematology and Serology

This course is designed to introduce the students to phlebotomy and other collection techniques to obtain samples on which various hematological tests and blood chemistries are performed. Needlestick safety and prevention will also be addressed.

Prerequisite:
BIO 145, MOA 111

MED 130 Urinalysis and Microbiology

This course of study offers the basis for understanding the role and responsibilities of urinalysis procedures in the physical, chemical, and microscopic analysis. This is a basic analysis of urine and the study of microorganisms as they relate to laboratory practice.

Prerequisite:
MOA 111, Co-requisite: BIO 145

MED 140 Medical Practices and Procedures I

This course is designed to introduce students to the understanding of clinical, diagnostic, and routine lab procedures. This study offers the basis for understanding the role and responsibilities of emergency procedures and first aid. The course will address the principles of infection control measures, Universal Precautions, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, (OSHA), patient charts, medical history, and documentation methods. The study of vital signs, pediatric, gerontology, exams and procedures of body systems will also be a part of this course.

Prerequisite:
MOA 111

MED 150 Medical Practices and Procedures II

This course is designed to enhance student understanding of clinical, diagnostic, and routine laboratory procedures. Topics include medical and surgical asepsis, sanitation, and chemical disinfections of instruments, sterilization procedures, physical examination and its components, positioning/draping of patients, diagnostic imaging and basis for electrocardiography preparation.

Prerequisite:
MOA 111

MED 270 Management For Allied Health Care Professionals

This course will incorporate the principals and practices necessary for efficient allied health care management and supervision. Leadership, team building, personal management, documentation and risk assessment, strategic planning, and other topics relative to management within the allied health care professions are presented.

MED 299 Medical Assisting Externship

Students are placed in an appropriate healthcare organization in order to provide them the skills and knowledge acquired in their collegiate coursework. Students must complete at least 180 clock hours of practical experience.

Prerequisite:
Departmental Approval

MOA 111 Medical Terminology

Medical terminology prepares the student to create medical forms, reports, letters, and to communicate with medical personnel by the study of the basic structure of medical terminology through prefixes, suffixes, word roots, and combining forms. The course includes pronunciation, spelling, and definitions of medical terms. The student is introduced to medical abbreviations.

MOA 120 Introduction To Medical Insurance

This course is an introduction to the health insurance industry, major insurance programs, and federal health legislation, medical coding, medical billing and. Topics to be covered in this course will include: responsibilities of the health professional, legal issues, health insurance basics, procedural and diagnostic coding, insurance claim processing, and medical billing.

Prerequisite:
MOA 111

MOA 130 Computer Applicatons For Health Professionals

The student is introduced to various office applications. Special emphasis is placed on integrated applications designed for medical account management. Scheduling, billing, insurance claims submission, letters, memos and reports are some of the areas addressed in this course.

Prerequisite:
MOA 120 or MED 190

MOA 140 Legal And Ethical Aspects Of Health Information

This course addresses the legal and ethical principles governing health information. The information is organized into three main areas: legal system and procedures; confidentiality issues; fraud and abuse. The course presents a comprehensive study of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

MTH 115 Mathematics for Health Care Professionals

This course provides instruction in and practice of mathematical concepts relevant to health care professions. Topics include fractional values, calculations, conversions, ratios, and proportions, as well as critical analysis of numerical data and statistical reports. Review and practice of basic mathematical operations is provided as needed.

General Courses

BIO 145 Anatomy & Physiology

The structure and function of body systems and organs are studied to develop an overall knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and systems are covered. Among the systems studied are the skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine.

ENG 111 Composition I

Composition I is a course in expository writing, emphasizing those methods which are most frequently used in analysis, evaluation, and argument. Though the course assumes competence in grammar, usage, and mechanics, appropriate review in these skills will be provided as the need arises.

Prerequisite:
ENG 090 or placement

ENG 112 Composition II

This course is a continuation of ENG 111 and is designed to teach students to compose effective argumentative essays, including a researched essay. Emphasis is placed on selection and restriction of topics, thesis statements, organization, development, coherence, clarity, and style. Adherence to the conventions of grammar, usage, and mechanics is required.

Prerequisite:
ENG 111

PSY 101 Principles of Psychology

This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts in psychology. Topics include theoretical bases, perception, learning, motivation, personality, and the relationship of biology to psychological illness and treatment.

PSY 211 Developmental Psychology

SOC 101 Principles of Sociology

This course is an introduction to basic sociological concepts and the principles and methods employed in the scientific study of human societies. Topics include the socialization of individuals and groups, social stratification, social organization, deviant behavior, and the influences leading to social change.