COURSE OUTLINE (Details)

CMA 101 Basic Medical Terminology

• Course Description: The student will be introduced to basic prefixes, roots and suffixes, as well as disease terminology including anatomic, diagnostic, symptomatic, eponymic terms and standard abbreviations of the basic body systems. Additional time outside of class required for testing.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Define and evaluate data content and structure 2) Define prefixes and suffixes in relation to medical terminology 3) Interpret medical terms for patients 4) Record health status of patient using medical terminology and abbreviations accepted by the medical profession
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 102 Allied Health Technology & Information (Modified)

• Course Description: Orientation to the use of technology in the health care delivery system including: hardware, software, user interfaces, telecommunications and networks, and Health Management Information Systems (HIMS).
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Demonstrate knowledge of informational literacy appropriate for the entry level health care 2) Identify various types of hardware, software, and interface technologies associated with health care informatics 3) Describe technology-based allied health applications in hospitals, community health agencies, education, and research 4) Establish an electronic link through college or commercial vendor to access health information 5) Discuss ethical and legal considerations related to proprietary software, data security, information privacy and confidentiality 6) Discuss the importance of life long learning as it relates to the challenges implementing, operating, and upgrading health management information systems
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 103 Anatomy & Physiology 

• Course Description: This class is a requirement for some allied health programs and provides a survey of structure and function of the human body.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Name and describe function of major organ systems in the human body 2) Identify the major components (organs) of each system 3) Illustrate homeostatic principals 4) Define medical terminology used in the study of basic anatomy and physiology 5) Identify selected human body tissues microscopically 6) Identify major gross anatomical features of the skeleton
• Prerequisite:  None
  

CMA 104 Effective Communication Skills

• Course Description: This course is designed to assist the holistic health professional enhance his or her verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Emphasis is on the basic theories of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), assessment and communication in appropriate representational models, pacing, leading outcome specification and other skills to improve relationships between the holistic health practitioner and clients, patients and co-workers.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Explain presuppositions of NLP 2) Define three primary representational systems 3) Identify pacing and leading techniques 4) List predicates 5) Explain theories of anchoring 6) Perform interview skills to define outcome clearly
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 105 Introductions to Medical Assisting 

• Course Description: This course presents an overview of the health care industry, including organization of ambulatory care practice groups, solo practice offices, hospitals, professional organizations, and federal health care programs; health care delivery trends and issues; role of the medical assistant in different work environments.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Understand and apply principles of office management, planning, policy development, supervisory process, personnel training, equipment and facility maintenance, and time management 2)Understand the legal concepts and ethical responsibilities associated with patient care and the documentation of health information 3) Display professionalism with interpersonal situations and business functions 4) Apply principles of effective oral and written communication skills with patients, their families and other health care providers; teach patients methods of health promotion 5) Think rationally, systematically, and logically 6) Solve problems through proper means of analysis/synthesis
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 106 Medical Law and Ethics (Modified)

• Course Description: This course teaches students the fundamentals of medical ethics and law in the medical office setting with special emphasis on patient confidentiality; physician-patient relationship; implied, verbal and written consent; professional liability; malpractice, contracts, statutory reports, medical legal issues; ethical issues of modern health care.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Understand the legal concepts and ethical responsibilities associated with patient care and documentation of health information 2) Display professionalism in interpersonal situations and business functions 3) Apply principles of effective oral and written communication skills with patients, their families and other health care providers 4) Teach patients methods of health promotion 5) Think rationally, systematically, and logically 6) Solve problems through proper means of analysis/synthesis 7) Develop an appreciation for and a basic understanding of human development, our western heritage and the variations seen in other cultural, social, or political environments
• Prerequisite: None 
  

CMA 107 Fundamentals of Disease Processes

• Course Description: This course presents pathological changes associated with the most commonly occurring diseases of each body system. Correlates changes with patient response, diagnostic studies, and treatment modalities.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Discuss the mechanisms of disease, diagnosis, and treatment options 2) Define the various disease states and symptomology of the human organ systems 3) Recognize the effects that disease has on a person 4) Integrate holistic philosophy with medical theory as it applies to the disease process 5) Create a knowledge base to increase communications with other healthcare professionals 6) Identify appropriate referral parameters 7) Identify ways for the prevention of various diseases and disorders
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 108 Medical Office Coding

• Course Description: Participants will learn basic rules, regulations and principles for assigning ICD-9-CM codes to patient encounters for billing physician services. Additional out-of-class assignments are required.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Understand structure and analysis of health data 2)Be able to do basic ICD-9 coding and indexing of information 3) Comprehend management of reimbursement systems for health insurance claims
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 109 Basic Clinical Assisting Procedures

• Course Description: This course provides and introduction to clinical assisting procedures in the medical office emphasizing patient preparation, medical history interviews, vital signs, positioning and draping, medical asepsis, assisting with physical exams, eye and ear assessment and procedures.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Competently perform clinical duties associated with assisting physician in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in an ambulatory care setting , by taking vitals and assisting in physical exams 2) Understand the legal concepts and ethical responsibilities associated with patient care and the documentation of health information 3) Display professionalism with interpersonal situations and business functions 4) Apply principles of effective oral and written communication skills with patients, their families and other health care providers 5) Teach patients methods of health promotion 6) Be able to apply principles of aseptic techniques and infection control 7) Obtain and record patient history 8) Prepare patient for and assist with routine specialty examinations
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 110 Medical Office Accounting 

• Course Description: This course focuses on the principles of bookkeeping, automated and manual patient financial accounting, collection techniques, employee payroll, banking procedures, medical supplies purchasing and inventory.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Demonstrate competence in performing administrative clerical duties and managing medical practice finances 2) Think rationally, systematically, and logically 3) Solve problems through proper means of analysis/synthesis 4) Demonstrate proficiency in computer operations and applications relative to patient care and the management of a medical office 5) Apply principles of effective oral and written communication skills with patients their families and other health care providers 6) Explain general office policies 7) Post entries on a day sheet, adjustments, mom-sufficient fund checks, collection agency payments 8) Perform accounts receivable, billing and collection procedures, process refunds and credit balances, inventory of supplies and equipment 9) Prepare a bank deposit 10) Utilize computer software to maintain office systems
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 111 Medical Assisting Directed Practice I 

• Course Description: This course is an introduction to the ambulatory care clinical setting involving structured observation and participation in the administrative and clinical aspects of patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician or certified medical assistant. Other topics include assisting with patient preparation, physical examinations, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping tasks and medical transcription.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Apply principles of effective oral and written communication skills with patients, their families and other health care providers 2) Teach patients methods of health promotion and nutrition 3) Demonstrate competence in performing administrative duties and managing medical practice finances, Medical Records Management 4) Perform all aspects of patient reception and processing 5) Maintain the office environment and all daily operations
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 112 Medical Laboratory Procedures (Modified)

• Course Description: In this course participants learn techniques required to perform laboratory procedures in a medical office, including collection of specimens for testing/transport, venipuncture, urinalysis, cultures, quality control, and laboratory safety.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Identify the medical assistant's role in coordinating laboratory tests and results 2) List and describe the basic components and applications of medical office laboratory technology 3) Practice the tasks associated with collecting, labeling and handling of specimens in the medical office 4) Demonstrate the routine procedures involved in the examination and testing of microorganisms, urine, blood, and other specimens 5) Explain the purposes of common laboratory tests and distinguish between normal and abnormal values 6) Use methods of quality control 7) Perform routine maintenance of administrative and clinical equipment
• Prerequisite: None
  

CMA 113 CPT Coding

• Course Description: Participants will learn additional rules, regulations and principles for assigning CPT codes to patient encounters for billing physician services. This course also includes expansion on and review of ICD-9 coding and medical insurance billing, forms and regulations.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Correlate knowledge of general anatomy and medical terminology to perform coding and billing tasks 2) Be able to do basic CPT, and HCPCS coding and indexing of information 3) File, rebill, and troubleshoot insurance claims for the medical office to include private, government, PPO, and HMO insurances 4)Comprehend management of reimbursement systems for health insurance claims
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 114 Medical Office Management

• Course Description: In this course students explore administrative duties in a physician's office, including scheduling, monitoring patient appointments, outpatient procedures, hospital admissions, medical and office equipment maintenance, storing supplies and pharmaceuticals, hiring, evaluating and managing office personnel
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Understand and apply principles of office management, planning, policy development, supervisory process, personnel training, equipment and facility maintenance, and time management 2) Demonstrate competence in performing administrative clerical duties and managing medical practice finance 3) Understand the legal concepts and ethical responsibilities associated with patient care and the documentation of health information 4) Display professionalism with interpersonal situations and business functions 5) Apply principles of effective oral and written communication skills with patients, their families and other health care providers; teach patients methods of health promotion 6) Think rationally, systematically, and logically 7) Solve problems through proper means of analysis/synthesis 8) Utilize computer software to maintain office systems
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 115 Health Unit Coordinating

• Course Description: In this course students learn the role of the health unit coordinator as an allied health professional will be the focus of this course. A review of the history of the profession, the hospital environment, and management of the nursing unit will be covered.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Discuss and apply principles of professionalism related to the profession of health unit coordinating 2) Describe the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with patient care including the patient record 3) Apply principles of effective oral and written communication skills when dealing with patients, their families, and other health care providers 4) Think rationally, systematically, and logically while solving problems related to the duties required of health unit coordinators 5) Demonstrate knowledge of human structure and function and medical terminology 6) Apply principles of Immunology and Microbiology as it relates to the hospital environment and medical office
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 116 Medical Assisting Directed Practice II (Modified

• Course Description: This course is an intermediate experience in a physician's office involving structured observations and participation in the administrative and clinical aspects of patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician or certified medical assistant. Other topics include assisting with minor office surgery, therapeutic modalities, administration of medications, insurance coding/claims, care of patient records and other office management skills.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Competently perform clinical duties associated with assisting a physician in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in an ambulatory care setting 2) Understand and apply principles of office management, planning, policy development, supervisory process, personnel training, equipment and facility maintenance, and time management 3) Apply principles of effective oral and written communication skills with patients, their families and other health care providers 4) Teach patients methods of health promotion 5) Demonstrate knowledge of human structure and function and recognize common disorders of the body 6) Think rationally, systematically, and logically 7) Solve problems through proper means of analysis/synthesis 8) Prepare patient for and assist with routine and specialty examinations, along with treatments and minor office surgeries 9) Perform sterilization techniques
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 117 Survey of Drug Therapy

• Course Description: This course provides an overview of the conventional drug classes presenting only the more commonly prescribed preparations primarily emphasizing common effects and indications for use.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) List drug classes 2) Identify commonly prescribed drugs and be able to calculate drug dosages for administration 3) Understand basic safety in drug administration 4) Apply pharmacology principles to prepare and administer oral and parenteral medications 5) Maintain medication and immunization records 6) Describe common effects and indications for specific prescription drugs including: basic principles of kinetics & dynamics, autonomic pharmacology, cardiovascular pharmacology, analgesic & anti-inflammatory pharmacology, psychotropic pharmacology, endrocrine pharmacology, antimicrobial therapy, urinary/gastrointestinal/reproductive, and basic pharmacological aspects of local and general anthesia
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 118 Computer Medical Office Applications

• Course Description: This course teaches entry-level skills for computer-based management of a medical office emphasizing software for patient records, billing and collections, daily financial transactions, insurance processing, and the production of routine reports and summaries. Out-of-class lab work is required.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Perform applicable technical operation skills, software skills (keyboarding, application software competency, software integration, transcription), and non-technical skills (decision-making, planning, time management) 2) Demonstrate proficiency with computer technology at a level compatible with business/industry requirements 3) Demonstrate proficiency in computer operations and applications relative to patient care and the management of a medical office
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 119 Practice Clinical Assisting Procedures

• Course Description: Intermediate level clinical procedures performed in a family practice setting such as medical microbiology, bandaging and dressing changes, administering therapeutic modalities, preparing and administering medications, pediatric immunizations and procedures, allergy procedures, and patient teaching.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Demonstrate the routine procedure involved in the examination and obtain specimens for microbiological testing 2) Explain the role of the medical assistant in pre- and postoperative patient instruction 3)Differentiate between, scratch, intradermal, patch, and RAST testing 4) Discuss the medical assistantant professional responsibilities associated with the preparation and administration of medication 5) Demonstrate the skills necessary for calculating drug dosages and administering medications by any of the methods common to a medical office 6) Relate the safety precautions associated with drug therapy, including the care and disposal of supplies 7) List and describe the components of assessing and responding to various medical office emergencies 8) Prepare patient for and assist physician with routine and specialty examinations
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 120 Medical Records

• Course Description: Participants will learn fundamentals of private and public insurance programs, Workers' Compensation claims, Medicaid and Medicare claims. Focus is also placed on medical records administration, including creating, maintaining, protecting and preserving records.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Demonstrate competence in performing clerical duties and managing medical practice finances 2) Identify the correct claim form associated with each type of insurance and demonstrate the correct methods of processing each claim 3) Discuss the economic impact of insurance payments on a medical practice 4) Identify and practice the proper use of diagnostic and procedural coding books 5) Identify suitable equipment and supplies for patient records 6) Discuss reasons for maintaining accurate patient records 7) Organize the correct components of a complete medical record and demonstrate proper entries, filing, and storage of patient records
  Prerequisite sequence of HIM 260 and 261 may be taken concurrently with this course; see admissions coordinator to waive the prerequisite prior to registration.
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 121 Medical Assisting Seminars

• Course Description: This seminar involves discussion of directed practice experiences and prepares the student for the American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certification Examination through student presentations and topics relative to the medical assisting profession.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Analyze and appraise the diversity of experiences encountered during the final directed practice 2) Identify areas of growth and discuss the steps necessary to improve performance as a practicing medical assistant 3) Discuss challenging situations faced or potentially encountered during the directed practice and propose workable, competent solutions to the identified problem 4) Review and select areas of study in preparation for successful performance on the Certification Examination 5) Develop a resume, job search strategies, and areas of self-management
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 122 Special Clinical Assisting Procedures 

• Course Description: Techniques required to perform advanced/specialized procedures such as assisting with sigmoidoscopy, basic respiratory procedures, OB/GYN procedures, physical agents to promote tissue healing, and basic nutrition.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) List, identify, and state the function of each instrument commonly used during a proctosigmoidoscopy, a gynecological examination, and an obstetrical examination 2) Illustrate the therapeutic uses of heat and cold applications 3) Create patient teaching activities for various applications of therapeutic modalities, crutch walking and use of a wheelchair 4) Identify and discuss special considerations for the pediatric patient 5) Discuss various methods of contraception and explain common diagnostic studies of the reproductive system 6) Identify and discuss special procedures for the pregnant patient 7) Describe the major food sources, classic deficiency diseases, and basic function of nutrients required for good health 8) Illustrate the role of the medical assistant in teaching and interpreting the therapeutic diet for a patient 9) Describe the medical assistants role in urologic and male reproductive examinations 10) Differentiate among common mental health disorders 11) Prepare patient for and assist with procedures, treatments, and minor office surgeries 12) Outline the medical assistants role in gynecologic and reproductive examinations 13) Describe the procedural steps for preparing a patient for and assisting with lumbar puncture and EEG 14) Distinguish among common respiratory system diseases and diagnostic procedures
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 123 Vibrational Healing Survey

• Course Description: In this course, students will learn about Vibrational Healing, also sometimes termed energy healing. Vibrational Healing methods have been used for centuries by many cultures to pursue health by preventing and treating imbalances in individuals.
• Learning Outcomes: 1) Define Vibrational Healing 2) Discuss the history of Vibrational Healing 3) Understand the human energy system, including meridians and chakras 4) Describe multiple methods of Vibrational Healing, including: Meridian Energy Theories: (Acupressure, Reflexology, Reiki, Acupuncture ), Sound Therapy, Nutrition Therapy, Color & Light Therapy, Homeopathy, Flower Essences, Aromatherapy, Crystals and elixirs 5) List possible uses for Vibrational Healing
• Prerequisite: None

CMA 124 Job Readiness Developments (Modified)

This course is designed to help students develop the skills needed to fulfill their employment objectives. Upon completion of this course participants will be assisted in gaining employment in this carrier. Various concerns will be covered. In this part of the course students will learn the following:

• Punctuality
• Leadership Development
• Internship experience
• Role playing techniques on interviewing
• Proper appearance when interviewing
• Resume preparation and procedures on filling out a job application

CMA 125 Externship (Modified)

Participants will be sent for Clinical Externship at current Community-affiliated hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices and will be participating in assisting doctors in routine physical examinations, taking vital signs, assisting in minor surgery, and performing administrative tasks.

The student will observe all cases and perform the physical examinations with and without assistance under the supervision of assigned licensed practice of their respective department; maintain log of studies; schedule appointments; maintain medical records in office.