Health Services

To prepare students to communicate effectively with others in a healthcare setting

• Students will communicate and interact effectively with instructors and peers in a classroom setting.
• Students will interact with clients in accordance with agency requirements.
• Students will effectively communicate with other agencies to manage treatment regimens.

To prepare graduates to obtain employment related to medical assisting

• Graduates will obtain employment in the medical assisting field.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to perform the required skills for employment in medical assisting.
• Employers are satisfied with the skills of program graduates.
• Graduates are satisfied with the skills obtained in the Medical Assistant program.

To prepare graduates to successfully matriculate into MVCC´s AAS degree in Medical Assisting or comparable program.

• Graduates of the program matriculate with advanced standing into an AAS degree in Medical Assisting or comparable program.
• Graduates will be satisfied with the transfer process to an AAS degree in Medical Assisting program.

To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy.

• Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
• Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

This course introduces students to the administrative role of medical assistants. Topics include appointment scheduling, telephone procedures, receptionist duties, drug and prescription records, medical records, filing procedures, bookkeeping, insurance forms, banking, collections, processing mail, telecommunications, professional reports, and payroll. Corequisites: MR103 Medical Terminology and IS101 Computer Applications & Concepts 1.

This course introduces the structure, organization, and functioning of the human organism. It provides an overview of most of the systems of the body. Common diseases and injuries are described. This course does not meet graduation requirements for science, health science, or health-related majors.

This course concentrates on spelling, pronunciation, and the meaning of medical word components, common terms used in selected body systems, and medical abbreviations. (Spring semester)

This course provides knowledge of relevant computer skills and a solid foundation in the terminology and concepts of computer technology. Experience is provided with a variety of microcomputer software applications, including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, graphics, file management, and integrated software. Concepts and terms focus on preparing for a technologically oriented society and using the computer as a tool for productivity, research, and communication.

This course introduces the field of healthcare for people interested in the field. Topics include an introduction to the healthcare delivery system, a brief historical overview of U.S. healthcare, healthcare settings and programs,members of the healthcare delivery team, roles of healthcare professionals, legal and professional ethics, healthcare organizations and agencies,medical record content, risk management, continuous quality improvement, epidemiology (morbidity and mortality), and interpersonal communication skills.

The course introduces ethical and transcultural issues encountered in healthcare. Examples of topics include value development, ethical theories and controversies, principles of confidentiality, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.

This course teaches rescue breathing, CPR, two-rescuer CPR, and automatic external defibrillation (AED) skills. Students may complete certification from the American Heart Association basic life support (BLS) for healthcare providers.

This course introduces the clinical skills needed to assist the health care provider in a medical setting. Topics include aseptic techniques and infection control, obtaining the patient’s history and vital signs, sterilization procedures, recognition and use of surgical instruments, collecting and processing lab specimens, performing diagnostic tests, preparing and administering medications and immunizations, patient teaching, and coordinating patient care with other health care providers. Prerequisite: HC110 Medical Assistant - Administrative Theory. Corequisites: HC120 Medical Assistant Administrative Externship, BI206 Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology, MR115 Law in Health Care, and MR208 Pharmacology for Allied Health.

This externship allows students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom and laboratory settings to the clinical aspects of being a Medical Assistant. It includes 180 hours over the course of the semester. Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification must be on file (in the Allied Health Coordinator’s office) prior to beginning the externship. Prerequisite: HC110 Medical Assistant - Administrative Theory. Corequisite: HC112 Medical Assistant - Clinical Procedures.

This course introduces the legal aspects of health information, with emphasis placed on civil law and how healthcare settings are affected by law and by non-governmental rulemaking bodies. Topics include a review of the history of common law, the primary sources of law, tort law, the court system, corporate liability, medical staff issues, consent to treatment, confidentiality, reporting obligations, and patient rights. It discusses the principles guiding the control, security, and usage of health information. (Spring semester)

This course covers the pharmacological, pathophysiological, therapeutic, and diagnostic aspects of medicine. It includes the concepts and medical word components for body systems and disorders encountered in healthcare.Discussions include pharmacological agents and the diagnostics test(s) used for disease processes, the selection of a particular pharmacological intervention, how its effectiveness is monitored using diagnostic interventions, and the value of laboratory tests. Prerequisite:MR103 Medical Terminology. (Spring semester)

This externship allows students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom and laboratory settings to the clinical aspects of being a Medical Assistant. It includes 180 hours over the course of the semester. Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification must be on file (in the Allied Health Coordinator’s office) prior to beginning the externship. Prerequisite: HC120 Medical Assistant Administrative Externship. Corequisite: HC166 Office management for Medical Assistants.

This course includes the transcribing of medical reports as well as communication techniques such as formatting of medical reports, business communications, and agenda preparation and distribution.  The preparation of office policies and procedures are also included.  Emphasis is placed on the role of the manager, including personnel management and the provision for the privacy and security of information within the office setting.  Prerequisite: HC120 Medical Assistant Administrative Externship.  Corequisite: HC122 Medical Assistant Clinical Externship.