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Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
Degree Overview
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The objective of the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting is to provide students the medical assisting skills required for entry into the healthcare industry. This program gives students theory and hands-on experience that will allow them to demonstrate their clinical skills including patient care, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, assisting with exams, collecting specimens, administering patient medication, recording vital signs, and taking patient history. Students will also be able to demonstrate administrative skills including scheduling, bookkeeping procedures, medical office and records management, processing of insurance claims, and procedural and diagnostic coding.
Program Requirements and Online Options
Students can complete the program through classroom instruction. Arts and Sciences courses can also be completed online. It typically takes weeks 60 weeks (6 quarters) to complete the entire Associate’s program without breaks.
Credits Required
Number of Classes
Core Component
67.5
15
Arts and Sciences
22.5
5
Total Required for Graduation
90
20
Core Courses
Arts and Sciences
Computer Office Applications - CIS110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
In this course, students learn how to generate word, spreadsheet, database, and presentation documents using the Microsoft Office Professional suite of products. Topics include: editing methods, document merging, templates, document preparation, file naming and storage conventions, backup methods, macros, desktop publishing, object linking and embedding (OLE), and Visual Basic application extensions.
Anatomy and Pathophysiology I - MED110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is a scientific study of the structure of the human body and its parts, including relationships, functions, and disease processes of the integumentary digestive urinary systems, and nutrition and metabolism.
Medical Terminology - MED120
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents a study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. A programmed learning, word building systems approach is used to learn word parts for constructing or analyzing new terms. This provides the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms and check their spelling. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation. Abbreviations are introduced as related terms are presented with each unit.
Medical Office Billing, Coding, and Insurance - MED130
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED120
This course will train the student in the major medical insurances and claims forms processing. It will include information on national and other common insurance plans, as well as claim form completion and ICD and CPT coding. Problem solving and managed care systems will also be discussed. Daily financial practices to include patient fee determining, credit arrangements bookkeeping and bank-keeping procedures will be discussed. Additionally the process of purchasing equipment and supplies will be covered. Computer use in the ambulatory environment will also be taught.
Basic Clinical Procedures - MED140
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED110
This course focuses on universal precautions in the medical environment, including understanding blood borne pathogens, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, infection control, collecting and handling specimens and an introduction to microbiology. In addition, the student will gain proficiency in medical asepsis in a simulated setting. Also covered will be emergency procedures.
Medical Computer Applications - MED160
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: IST101
This course is designed to give the student exposure to computer software applications as used in the medical office environment. This includes the use of medical office management software for organizing front office procedures and word processing software for typing medical reports and transcription. Other medical software may also be introduced.
Anatomy and Pathophysiology II - MED210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED110
This course is a scientific study of the structure of the human body and its parts, including relationships, functions, and disease processes of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
Professional Procedures - MED220
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 255, MED 250 and MED 285
This course is designed to assist students as they transition from the classroom into professional medical assisting practice. A comprehensive review of the clinical, administrative and general areas of competence required for entry-level practice will be covered as well as the methods of obtaining professional credentials.
Medical Law and Ethics - MED230
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to cover medical jurisprudence and medical ethics. Legal aspects of office procedures are covered, including a discussion of various medical and ethical issues in today's medical environment.
Pharmacology - MED240
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED110 & MED210
Various aspects of clinical pharmacology will be discussed including a study of the various medications currently prescribed for the treatment of illnesses and diseases based on a systems method. Included in the course are common abbreviations used in prescription writing, interpretation of prescriptions, and legal aspects of prescriptions. In addition, dosage calculations and administration of medication will be taught and practiced.
Medical Office Practice - MED250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED120
This course introduces the student to the administrative functions of the medical office or clinic. Emphasis is placed on written and oral communication, scheduling, medical records, documentation and filing. In addition, telephone techniques, etiquette and management/human resource skills will be covered.
Phlebotomy - MED255
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 140 and MED 210
This course is a review of laboratory and clinical procedures in a medical office. It includes the discussion of possible complications of phlebotomy. The student will perform venipuncture and capillary sticks while using proper safety procedures.
Exams and Specialty Procedures - MED260
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED140
This course presents theories and principles of patient care, including taking medical histories and documentation, the physical examination, rehabilitation medicine, minor surgery, and specialty procedures.
Electrocardiography - MED285
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED210
This course enables the student to perform electrocardiography (EKG) and recognize and interpret basic cardiac rhythms along with atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias. Recognition and identification of the location of various myocardial infarctions is also included in the course. Utilizing the skills learned, the student will be able to identify and respond appropriately to life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and EKG changes.
Externship - MED290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Minimum of 81 Qtr. Credit hours completed
This course is 135 hours of unpaid, supervised, practical in-service in a health care facility in which the student practices direct application of all functions learned within allied health curricula.
College Composition - ENG111
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on reviewing grammar, sentence structure, punctuation skills, and style points required for effective written communication. Students use a standard handbook and apply proofreading skills to all types of written communications. The student is guided in learning writing as a process: understanding audience and purpose, exploring ideas and information, composing, revising, and editing.
Current Topics in English - ENG290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in English including, but not limited to, introductory topics in understanding and creating various genres of English communication such as narrative prose, technical communication, poetry, and cinematic forms.
Oral Communications - ENG310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents the principles and functions of spoken communications. The student learns how to prepare to deliver various types of oral presentations. Emphasis is on planning and on how to orient content to a particular audience. Students present short talks and plan and present longer, more formal speeches on assigned topics and/or on topics of choice.
Advanced Composition and Research - ENG320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent
This course emphasizes advanced writing and research including understanding the documentation process, presenting material in academic form, and academic research techniques. Materials may Include MLA and APA styles effective use of internet research tools, critical reading processes, and research writing techniques.
Special Topics in English - ENG490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in English. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics such as English philology and etymology, as well as advanced topics in rhetoric and critical interpretation of texts.
Principles of Ethics - HUM110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the application of ethics to personal and professional life. Positive and negative sides of behavior and how this affects self-image and self-respect will be discussed.
Spanish I - HUM210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course uses vocabulary and structure through a series of activities designed for realistic communication which allow students to achieve both written and spoken Spanish language skills. Through reading, dialogue, and associated study, students develop an understanding of the language and cultural distinctions of Spanish speakers worldwide.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in philosophy, religion, culture, and/or language arts.
World Literature - HUM320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes an understanding and appreciation of world literature. Materials covered Include Western and non-Western literary endeavors. Focus will be on similarities among the various literatures, analysis of literary genre, and appreciation of voice.
The American Experience - HUM330
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the development of American values and Institutions through analysis of social, political, and economic materials. The course examines the Influence of political, economic, social, and environmental factors as it explores Ideas of Individualism, success, and national character. Materials may include historical documents, literature, and social, political, and artistic works.
Understanding World Cultures - HUM410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course discusses civilizations and cultures as they evolved from Eastern, Western, African and South American influences. The student is enabled to relate diverse cultures to their impact on contemporary society, politics, and world events.
Spanish II - HUM420
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: HUM310
This course reviews the fundamentals of the Spanish language and provides special attention to the continuing development of students' conversational and reading skills. Students build upon their understanding of the language in both written and oral forms.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities II - HUM491
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities III - HUM492
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Fundamentals of Mathematics - MAT110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the basic techniques of mathematics and applies them to problem solving in different areas of business and industry. This course does not count towards the Bachelor's program.
College Algebra - MAT210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course explores a series of algebraic concepts including rational expressions, radicals and exponents, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and applications.
Current Topics in Mathematics - MAT290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on current issues in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, set theory, algebraic concepts, geometry, and probability.
Statistics - MAT310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents material essential in an increasing number of professional fields by providing a new type of competence, quantitative literacy. Topics include descriptive statistics; collecting and interpreting data; inferential statistics; probability; consumer mathematics; management mathematics; and growth and scaling.
Calculus - MAT410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MAT210 or equivalent
This course focuses on techniques of differential and integral calculus likely encountered in professional activities and real-world situations. Students will gain a sound, intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of calculus through a problem-solving approach. Topics include functions, graphs, and limits; differentiation; derivatives; exponential and logarithmic functions; integration; and variables.
Special Topics in Mathematics - MAT490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permission of the Instructor
This course concentrates on special topics in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, mathematical history and philosophy, Euclidian and non-Euclidian geometries, linear algebra, polar coordinates, vectors, partial derivatives, line integrals, and multiple integrals, as well as applications for these topics.
Social Psychology - PSY110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an application of the Psychological principles to the development of a stable social framework within business and personal environments.
Current Topics in Psychology - PSY290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in learning, memory, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, psychological assessment, mental health, psychology of personality, and creativity.
Organizational Behavior - PSY310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites:
Human Growth & Development - PSY320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the human organism. Materials include those related to the various stages of the life span, and the developmental Influence of social class, the family, the school, and the group. A focus is placed on the abilities, needs, problems, and concerns of humans to change throughout life, and how people are shaped by their experiences throughout their development.
Critical Thinking and Reasoning - PSY340
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to help students develop thinking skills and make good judgments. Participants are exposed to both logical and illogical thinking processes as a means to develop their skills in reasoning, analysis and the use of logical arguments. Various kinds of arguments are presented and analyzed, and logical fallacies are explored with the goal of reaching sound conclusions. Deductive and inductive reasoning are examined as are the criteria for sound reasoning and common reasoning mistakes people make. Students debate issues from different sides with both logical and illogical arguments.
Special Topics in Psychology - PSY490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: PSY110 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in deviant behavior, psychological testing and assessment, religious behavior, neurophysiology, and psychology and the law.
General Science - SCI110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines scientific concepts and principles in an integrated manner to provide an overview of the sciences. Topics include physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth science, and biology as a means to address areas such as growing global population, limited resources and the fragile environment.
Microbiology - SCI250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines the structure, nutrition, growth, genetics, classification, and ecology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Attention will be given to methods of microbial control, and the human immune response to microbes. Students will also learn the fundamentals of microscopy, laboratory safety, scientific method and techniques of experimentation. Laboratory component required
Current Topics in Science - SCI290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in meteorology, geology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and the space sciences.
Introduction to Biochemistry - SCI360
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: SCI110
This course examines the basic structures and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides and proteins and their role in human metabolism. Vitamins, co-enzymes, and minerals are examined and pathways for xenobiotic metabolism are discussed.
Impact of Science and Technology - SCI410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of science and future thinking. The content demonstrates how scientific and technological advances have significantly impacted all aspects of contemporary life.
Special Topics in Science - SCI490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in interdisciplinary topics such as the history of science and technology, cross-cultural studies of science, cosmology, biotechnology, the use of science and technology to enhance human abilities and quality of life, and techniques for assessment and remediation of science and technology hazards.
