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Accelerated Medical Assistant Certificate Program with Clinical Externship

Program includes National Certification & a Clinical Externship Opportunity | Mentor Supported; Because this is an accelerated program, students will be virtually meeting with an instructor periodically to monitor progress an

The Medical Assisting Profession

The Medical Assisting program is designed to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. Medical assistants with a clinical background perform various clinical tasks including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiogram, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and other related tasks. Job opportunities are prevalent with physician’s offices, clinics, chiropractor’s offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities.

The Medical Assisting Program

This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. Instruction includes preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, taking and documenting vital signs, technical aspects of phlebotomy, the 12-lead EKG and the cardiac life cycle.

The purpose of the Medical Assisting program is to prepare students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office.

This course covers the following key areas and topics:

  • Clinical responsibilities of the medical office - assisting the physician with patient related care
  • Preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine procedures and diagnostic testing
  • HIPAA, patient confidentiality, legal aspects of healthcare and regulatory patient care issues
  • Recording and taking of vital signs, blood pressure, and other patient care items related to the physician office visit
  • Review and administration of medications, allergies & other pharmacology related items
  • Laboratory procedures, phlebotomy and the proper techniques required to collect specimens for laboratory analysis
  • Cardiology and the proper placement of leads when taking a 12 lead EKG

Medical Assisting Detailed Course Information

This program covers the following key areas and topics:

  • Responsibilities of the clinical medical assistant and introduction to healthcare facilities
  • Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, circulation of the heart and blood vessels
  • Care & safety of patients, medical & legal aspects of care, confidentiality and HIPAA
  • Effective verbal and non-verbal communication, interpersonal skills and human behavior
  • Aseptic techniques, infection prevention, universal precautions, proper use and disposal of biohazards and sharps
  • Documenting patient medical histories, updating patient medical files, vital signs and documentation
  • ppling sterile dressings, preparing patients for x-rays, performing various injections, administering oral medications, instructing patients on the proper usage of medications

THE MEDICAL ASSISTING PROFESSION

  • Define the medical assistant's role in the healthcare profession
  • Explain the AMA's Principles of Medical Ethics

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

  • Provide examples of verbal, nonverbal, and symbolic communication
  • Discuss listening strategies
  • Explain potential barriers to communication with patient
  • Explain cultural and age factors as they relate to communication
  • Explain the grief process

PATIENT-CENTERED CARE

  • Define the medical assistant's role in patient-centered care
  • Discuss wellness and the holistic approach to healthcare
  • Explain the mind-body connection
  • Describe the different types of pain, pain assessment, and pain management
  • Discuss the methods of assisting patients with special needs
  • Define the medical assistant's role as it relates to extended life, terminal care, and hospice
  • Describe the considerations and laws associated with extended life care

SAFETY AND THE PATIENT ENCOUNTER

  • Define the medical assistant's role as it relates to safety in the medical office
  • Discuss proper body mechanics for the medical office employee
  • Describe procedures intended to provide a safe environment Discuss emergency plans for a medical facility
  • Explain Standard Precautions and OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standards
  • Define the medical assistant's role in the clinical visit
  • Define triage
  • Explain the types of consent needed from patients Identify the parts of the medical record
  • Explain how to chart for a medical record
  • Discuss the role of EMS in emergency care

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL ASEPSIS

  • Explain Standard Precautions and OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standards
  • Describe the medical assistant's role in infection control within the medical office
  • Explain the cycle of infection and the body's natural defenses against infection
  • Explain the practices related to aseptic technique for a health professional

PHARMACOLOGY AND MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

  • Describe the role of the medical assistant in medication administration
  • Explain the procedures for administering medication in various forms
  • Describe pharmacological terms related to drug effects, functions, classifications, and nomenclature
  • Perform basic dosage calculations
  • State the safety guidelines for administering medications
  • Explain the forms, routes, and procedures for medication administration

VITAL SIGNS

  • Take vital signs
  • Explain how to prepare a patient for a physical examination
  • Describe the assessment methods used in an examination

MINOR SURGERY

  • Explain how to prepare skin for a surgical procedure
  • Set up a sterile tray
  • List the responsibilities of the medical assistant in assisting in a minor surgical procedure
  • Explain how to assist with suturing
  • Explain how to remove sutures or staples
  • Explain how to change a sterile dressing

MEDICAL IMAGING

  • Define the medical assistant's role in medical imaging
  • Describe the types of diagnostic imaging used in medical facilities
  • Describe the equipment used for selected diagnostic imaging procedures
  • Explain the safety guidelines to protect patients and staff in selected diagnostic imaging procedures
  • Explain patient preparation and instructions for selected diagnostic imaging procedures
  • Explain patient positioning for selected diagnostic imaging procedures

PULMONARY SYSTEM AND TESTING

  • Explain the role and responsibilities of the medical assistant in pulmonary testing
  • Describe basic anatomy and physiology of the pulmonary system
  • Discuss common pulmonary diseases
  • Explain tests and procedures related to pulmonary assessment and diagnosis

EENT

  • Define the medical assistant's role in the EENT office
  • Describe the anatomy and physiology of the eye and ear
  • Describe selected diseases and disorders of the eye and ear
  • Explain diagnostic procedures and assessments related to the eyes and ears
  • Describe the anatomy and physiology of the nose, nasal passages, and throat
  • Describe selected diseases and disorders of the upper respiratory system
  • Discuss diagnosis and treatment procedures of the upper respiratory system

IMMUNOLOGY AND ALLERGIES

  • Define the medical assistant's role in the immunology office
  • Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the immune system
  • Describe immunodeficiency diseases and disorders
  • Describe common diagnostic procedures for allergies

DERMATOLOGY

  • Define the medical assistant's role in the dermatology setting
  • Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system
  • Describe common types of dermatitis and skin disorders

ENDOCRINOLOGY

  • Define the medical assistant's role in the endocrinology office
  • Identify the structures of the endocrine system
  • Discuss the physiology of the endocrine system
  • Discuss the diseases and disorders of the endocrine system

EMERGENCY CARE

  • Define the medical assistant's role in emergency care
  • Discuss the role of EMS in emergency care
  • List the equipment and supplies maintained for emergencies in a medical office
  • Explain how to manage selected emergencies in the medical office

GASTROENTEROLOGY AND NUTRITION

  • Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system
  • Explain selected diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal system
  • Identify the six nutrients of the body and their functions
  • Explain the use of food guidance tools
  • Discuss nutritional related disorders
  • Explain the MA's role in the diagnostic procedures related to the gastrointestinal system

ORTHOPEDICS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

  • Explain the steps of common procedures performed in the orthopedic office
  • Describe common diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system
  • Describe the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system
  • Define the role of the medical assistant in the orthopedic office

PEDIATRICS

  • Define the medical assistant's role in a pediatric specialty office
  • Discuss the age-related physical and developmental factors for children
  • Explain how to assist in procedures performed in the pediatric specialty office
  • Describe common childhood diseases and disorders

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

  • Define the role of the medical assistant in the obstetric/gynecology office
  • Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system
  • Explain the basics of menstrual cycle and menopause
  • Describe common disorders and conditions related to the female reproductive system
  • Discuss the processes of pregnancy and childbirth
  • Obtain a complete obstetrical medical history
  • Explain common complications of pregnancy
  • Discuss the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding
  • Explain how to assist in common procedures in the obstetric/gynecology office

NEUROLOGY

  • Define the medical assistant's role in the neurology/neurosurgery practice
  • Describe the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system
  • Describe common diseases and disorders of the nervous system
  • Explain how to assist in common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the neurology/neurosurgery practice

MENTAL HEALTH

  • Define the medical assistant's role in the mental health field
  • Describe the cognitive functions of the brain
  • Define mental wellness
  • Describe common mental health disorders
  • Explain how mental disorders are assessed, diagnosed, and treated

ONCOLOGY

  • Identify the medical assistant's role in the oncology office
  • Describe the different types of malignant neoplasms
  • Describe routine cancer screening tests
  • Explain tumor markers and how they are used in cancer diagnosis
  • Discuss the staging and grading of malignancies
  • Discuss the various remedies used in cancer treatment
  • Explain hospice care for terminally ill patients
  • Describe a cancer prevention lifestyle

GERIATRICS

  • Define the medical assistant's role in the geriatric office
  • Describe the physical changes that take place during aging
  • Explain the psychological aspects of aging
  • Describe the social components of the aging process
  • Discuss the nutritional needs and challenges associated with aging
  • Describe the various cultural views of the elderly in society

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

  • List the five National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) classifications of complementary and alternative medicine

Education and National Certifications

  • Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
  • There are no state approval and/or state requirements associated with this program.
  • National Certification exam is available to students who successfully complete this program:
    • National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam
    • In addition to facilitating entry-level clinical medical assisting related positions, this course is ideal for students interested in pursuing a future formal Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Nursing (LPN) or a Nursing (RN) program.

National Certification

Students who complete the Auburn University Accelerated Medical Assistant program will be prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam(s). In order to work as a Medical Assistant, many states nationwide are requiring that learners achieve national certification prior to working in that state. Students who complete this program are encouraged to complete the practical/clinical externship option with their program. This comprehensive program is designed to prepare students to sit for National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam(s). Students who complete this program can and do sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam(s) and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so.

Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement of this program, once students complete the Clinical Medical Assistant program they have the ability to participate in a clinical externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a Clinical Medical Assistant. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/ or other requirements necessary to work in a hospital, physicians practice, clinic and/or with other healthcare organizations. All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed in a healthcare organization near their location. Auburn University works with national healthcare organizations and has the abilityto place students in clinical externship opportunities nationwide.

Externship will take place at the conclusion of this accelerated program.

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