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MEA 100 Intro to Medical Assisting

This course provides an overview of the medical assistant profession. The role of the medical assistant, professional behaviors, communication skills, and medicine law and ethics are discussed. Lab safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, infection control, and nutrition education are techniques covered.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

MEA 100 Intro to Medical Assisting

Campus Location

  • Wilmington

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

1 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the medical assistant profession. The role of the medical assistant, professional behaviors, communication skills, and medicine law and ethics are discussed. Lab safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, infection control, and nutrition education are techniques covered.

Additional Materials

Medical Assistant Program Manual

Allied Health/Science Department Program Student Policy Manual

Medical dictionary

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Explain the role of the medical assistant as a member of the healthcare team. (CCC 3, 4; PGC 3)
  2. Express the concepts of communication for a medical assistant. (CCC 1, 4; PGC 1)
  3. Examine the legal implications pertaining to medical assisting. (CCC 2, 4, 5; PGC 2, 3)
  4. Examine the ethical considerations for a medical assistant. (CCC 4; PGC 3)
  5. Demonstrate protective practices as required in a medical office. (CCC 2; PGC 2)
  6. Demonstrate infection control as required in a medical office. (CCC 2, 6; PGC 2, 4)
  7. Explain nutrition as required in a medical office. (CCC 1, 3, 5; PGC 1, 4)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Explain the role of the medical assistant as a member of the healthcare team.
    1. List and explain the various administrative duties that could be assigned to a medical assistant.
    2. List and explain the various clinical duties that could be assigned to a medical assistant.
    3. Explain the various settings in which a medical assistant could work.
    4. Identify other healthcare professionals who interact with the medical assistant.
    5. Discuss who is responsible for supervising the medical assistant.
    6. Explain how the medical assistant has a role in supervision.
    7. Describe the role of medical assistants in a real or simulated medical office setting.
    8. Define patient-centered medical home (PCMH).
    9. Explain the purpose of routine maintenance of administrative or clinical equipment.
    10. Identify how to perform routine maintenance of administrative or clinical equipment.
    11. Describe how to take an inventory and provide documentation.
    12. Explain the importance of data back-up.
  2. Express the concepts of communication for a medical assistant.
    1. Identify the styles and the types of verbal and nonverbal communication.
    2. Identify communication barriers, and identify techniques for overcoming such communication barriers.
    3. List the elements of oral communication using a sender-receiver process.
    4. Discuss coaching a patient as it relates to compliance with health maintenance, treatment plan, and adaptions relevant to the individual patient needs.
    5. Discuss the applications of electronic technology in professional communication.
    6. Define, describe, and demonstrate the principles of self-boundaries.
    7. Define patient navigator.
    8. Describe the role of the medical assistant as a patient navigator.
    9. Use professional communication to respond to examples of assertive, aggressive, and passive behaviors.
    10. Distinguish between the adaptive and the non-adaptive coping mechanisms.
    11. Discuss the theories of Maslow, Erikson, and Kubler-Ross.
    12. Discuss examples of cultural, social, and ethnic diversity.
    13. Select feedback techniques to obtain patient information, including reflection, restatement, and clarification.
    14. Respond to nonverbal communication.
    15. Select medical terminology correctly and pronounce accurately to communicate information to providers and patients.
    16. Describe how to coach patients appropriately considering cultural diversity and communication barriers.
    17. Arrange a current list of community resources related to patients' healthcare needs.
    18. Practice empathy, active listening, and nonverbal communication.
    19. Practice respect for individual diversity, including gender, race, religion, age, economic status, and appearance.
  3. Examine the legal implications pertaining to medical assisting.
    1. Recognize and differentiate between scope of practice and standards of care for medical assistants.
    2. Identify how to compare and contrast provider and medical assistant roles in terms of standard of care.
    3. Explain Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules in regards to privacy and release of information.
    4. Summarize the Patient's Bill of Rights as it relates to choice of treatment, consent for treatment, and refusal of treatment.
    5. Discuss licensure and certification as they apply to healthcare providers.
    6. Recognize and compare criminal and civil laws as they apply to the practicing medical assistant.
    7. Define negligence, malpractice, statute of limitations, Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, living will/advanced directives, medical durable power of attorney, Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA), and risk management.
    8. Describe liability, professional (malpractice), and personal injury insurance.
    9. List and discuss legal and illegal applicant interview questions.
    10. Identify the following legislation: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 and Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA).
    11. Describe the process in compliance reporting for conflicts of interest and incident reports.
    12. Define informed consent, implied consent, expressed consent, patient incompetence, emancipated minor, mature minor, subpoena duces tecum, respondent superior, res ipsa loquitor, locum tenens, defendant-plaintiff, deposition, arbitration-mediation, and Good Samaritan Laws.
    13. Locate a state's legal scope of practice for medical assistants.
    14. Identify and report an illegal activity in the healthcare setting following proper protocol in a classroom simulation.
    15. Explain how to write an incident report related to an error in patient care.
    16. Practice sensitivity to patient rights.
    17. Defend the integrity of the medical record.
    18. Identify and distinguish between fraud and abuse.
  4. Examine the ethical considerations for a medical assistant.
    1. Define ethics and morals.
    2. Differentiate between personal and professional ethics.
    3. Identify the effect of personal morals on professional performance.
    4. Prepare a plan for separation of personal and professional ethics.
    5. Demonstrate appropriate response(s) to ethical issues.
    6. Describe how to recognize the impact personal ethics and morals have on the delivery of healthcare.
  5. Demonstrate protective practices as required in a medical office.
    1. Describe basic principles and steps of professional/provider CPR.
    2. Produce up-to-date documentation of professional/provider level CPR.
    3. Describe basic principles of first aid as they pertain to the ambulatory healthcare setting.
    4. Demonstrate first aid procedures for bleeding, diabetic coma or insulin shock, fractures, seizures, shock, and syncope.
    5. Explain and prepare a patient for a procedure or treatment.
    6. Use critical thinking skills when performing patient assessment and patient care.
    7. Identify and comply with safety signs, symbols, and labels.
    8. Identify safety techniques that can be used in responding to accidental exposure to blood, other body fluids, needle sticks, and chemicals.
    9. Discuss fire safety issues in an ambulatory healthcare environment.
    10. Describe fundamental principles of evacuation of a healthcare setting.
    11. Describe the purpose of safety data sheets (SDS) in a healthcare setting.
    12. Discuss the protocols for disposal of biological chemical materials.
    13. Identify principles of body mechanics and ergonomics.
    14. Identify critical elements of an emergency plan for response to a natural disaster or other emergency.
    15. Demonstrate proper use of eyewash equipment, fire extinguishers, and sharps disposal containers.
    16. Practice and participate in a mock exposure event with documentation of specific steps.
    17. Review the work environment to identify unsafe working conditions.
    18. Identify the physical and emotional effects on persons involved in an emergency situation.
    19. Demonstrate self-awareness in responding to an emergency situation.
  6. Demonstrate infection control as required in the medical office.
    1. Describe the infection cycle, including the infectious agent, reservoir, and susceptible host, means of transmission, portals of entry, and portals of exit.
    2. Explain medical asepsis as practiced within an ambulatory care setting.
    3. Identify methods of controlling the growth of microorganisms.
    4. Explain the principles of standard precautions.
    5. Describe and select personal protective equipment (PPE) for all body fluids, secretions, excretions, blood, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes.
    6. Practice and participate in bloodborne pathogen training.
    7. Demonstrate handwashing.
    8. Prepare items for autoclaving.
    9. Demonstrate wound care.
    10. Demonstrate dressing change.
    11. Demonstrate proper disposal of sharps and regulated wastes.
  7. Explain nutrition as required in the medical office.
    1. Describe dietary nutrients, including carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals, electrolytes, vitamins, fiber, and water.
    2. Explain the function of dietary supplements.
    3. Identify the special dietary needs for weight control, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, lactose sensitivity, gluten-free, and food allergies.
    4. Explain nutrition to a patient according to the patient's special dietary needs.
    5. Show awareness of a patient's concerns regarding dietary change during a classroom simulation.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative Tests (7) equally weighted

5%

Summative Final Test (1)

5%

Summative Lab Competencies (44) equally weighted

75%

Formative Reading Lesson and Study Guide (14)

equally weighted

5%

Summative Connect/Study Guide Assignment (14)     

equally weighted    

5%

Formative Site Evaluation Report (2) equally weighted

5%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

AHTAASMEA Program Graduate Competencies: 

  1. Exhibit effective nonverbal, verbal, and written communication in patient/client and family interventions and education and in professional relationships.
  2. Exercise independent judgment and critical thinking in performance of medical assisting, according to the profession's standards of practice.
  3. Demonstrate professional patterns of behavior consistent with the profession's code of ethics.
  4. Demonstrate clinical competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.
  5. Demonstrate administrative competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.

AHTDIPMAS Program Graduate Competencies:

  1. Exhibit effective communication, independent judgment, and critical thinking in performance of medical assisting, according to the profession's standards of practice.
  2. Demonstrate professional patterns of behavior consistent with the profession's code of ethics.
  3. Demonstrate clinical and administrative competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal