Course Number and Title:
MEA 100 Intro to Medical Assisting
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
2 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, infection control, and nutrition education are techniques covered.
Additional Materials
Medical Assistant Program Manual
Medical dictionary
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Explain the role of the medical assistant as a member of the healthcare team. (CCC 3, 4; PGC 3)
- Express the concepts of communication for a medical assistant. (CCC 1, 4; PGC 1)
- Examine the legal implications pertaining to medical assisting. (CCC 2, 4, 5; PGC 2, 3)
- Examine the ethical considerations and professionalism for a medical assistant. (CCC 4; PGC 3)
- Demonstrate protective practices as required in a medical office. (CCC 2; PGC 2)
- Demonstrate infection control as required in a medical office. (CCC 2, 6; PGC 2, 4)
- Explain nutrition as required in a medical office. (CCC 1, 3, 5; PGC 1, 4)
- Identify behavior skills necessary as a medical assistant (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3)
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:
- Explain the role of the medical assistant as a member of the healthcare team.
- List and explain the various administrative duties that could be assigned to a medical assistant.
- List and explain the various clinical duties that could be assigned to a medical assistant.
- Explain the various settings in which a medical assistant could work.
- Identify other healthcare professionals who interact with the medical assistant.
- Discuss who is responsible for supervising the medical assistant.
- Explain how the medical assistant has a role in supervision.
- Describe the role of medical assistants in a real or simulated medical office setting.
- Explain the purpose of routine maintenance of administrative or clinical equipment.
- Describe how to take an inventory and provide documentation.
- Explain the importance of data back-up.
- Express the concepts of communication for a medical assistant.
- Identify the styles and the types of verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Identify communication barriers and identify techniques for overcoming such communication barriers.
- List the elements of oral communication using a sender-receiver process.
- Define, describe, and demonstrate the principles of self-boundaries.
- Describe the role of the medical assistant as a patient navigator.
- Identify coping mechanisms.
- Discuss the theories of Maslow, Erikson, and Kubler-Ross.
- Identify issues associated with diversity as it relates to patient care.
- Respond to nonverbal communication.
- Select medical terminology correctly and pronounce accurately to communicate information in healthcare interactions.
- Examine the legal implications pertaining to medical assisting.
- Identify the scope of practice and standards of care for a medical assistant.
- Identify the provider role in terms of standard of care.
- Explain the components of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules in regard to privacy and release of information.
- Identify the standards outlined in The Patient Care Partnership.
- Discuss licensure and certification as they apply to healthcare providers.
- Recognize and compare criminal and civil laws as they apply to the practicing medical assistant.
- Define negligence, malpractice, statute of limitations, Good Samaritan Act, Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, living will/advanced directives, medical durable power of attorney, Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA), and risk management.
- Describe the purpose of medical malpractice insurance.
- List and discuss legal and illegal applicant interview questions.
- Identify the following legislation: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 and Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA).
- Describe the process in compliance reporting for conflicts of interest and incident reports.
- 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.
- Locate a state's legal scope of practice for medical assistants.
- Identify and complete compliance reporting based on public health statutes.
- Demonstrate documenting patient care accurately in the medical record.
- Identify and report an illegal activity in the healthcare setting following proper protocol in a classroom simulation.
- Explain how to write an incident report related to an error in patient care.
- Examine the ethical considerations and professionalism for a medical assistant.
- Define ethics and morals.
- Identify personal and professional ethics.
- Identify the effect of personal morals on professional performance.
- Identify professional behaviors of a medical assistant.
- Demonstrate professional response(s) to ethical issues.
- Demonstrate protective practices as required in a medical office.
- Explain and prepare a patient for a procedure or treatment.
- Identify workplace safeguards and comply with safety practices.
- Identify safety techniques that can be used in responding to accidental exposure to blood, other body fluids, needle sticks, and chemicals.
- Discuss fire safety issues in an ambulatory healthcare environment.
- Describe fundamental principles of evacuation of a healthcare setting.
- Describe the purpose of safety data sheets (SDS) in a healthcare setting.
- Discuss the protocols for disposal of biohazardous waste and chemicals.
- Identify principles of body mechanics and ergonomics.
- Demonstrate proper use of eyewash equipment and fire extinguishers.
- Demonstrate infection control as required in the medical office.
- Identify major types of infectious agents.
- Describe the infection cycle, including the infectious agent, reservoir, and susceptible host, means of transmission, portals of entry, and portals of exit.
- Explain medical asepsis as practiced within an ambulatory care setting.
- Identify methods of controlling the growth of microorganisms.
- Explain the principles of standard precautions.
- Describe and select personal protective equipment (PPE) for all body fluids, secretions, excretions, blood, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes.
- Identify the implications for failure to comply with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations in healthcare settings.
- Practice and participate in bloodborne pathogen training.
- Demonstrate handwashing.
- Prepare items for autoclaving.
- Perform sterilization procedures.
- Demonstrate proper disposal of sharps and regulated wastes.
- Explain nutrition as required in the medical office.
- Describe dietary nutrients, including carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals, electrolytes, vitamins, fiber, and water.
- Explain the function of dietary supplements.
- Identify the special dietary needs for weight control, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, lactose sensitivity, gluten-free, food allergies, and eating disorders.
- Identify the components of a food label.
- Explain nutrition to a patient according to the patient's special dietary needs.
- Identify behavioral skills necessary as a medical assistant.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
- Explain and reassure patients.
- Demonstrate empathy for patients' concerns.
- Demonstrate active listening.
- Respect diversity.
- Recognize personal boundaries.
- Demonstrate tactfulness.
- Demonstrate self-awareness.
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
|
|
Formative Assignments (15) Equally Weighted
|
25%
|
|
Summative Tests (15) Equally Weighted
|
30%
|
|
Summative Lab Competencies (33) Equally Weighted
|
35%
|
|
Summative Final Test (1)
|
5%
|
|
Summative Final Project (1)
|
5%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
AHTAASMEA Program Graduate Competencies:
- Exhibit effective nonverbal, verbal, and written communication in patient/client and family interventions and education and in professional relationships.
- Exercise independent judgment and critical thinking in performance of medical assisting, according to the profession's standards of practice.
- Demonstrate professional patterns of behavior consistent with the profession's code of ethics.
- Demonstrate clinical competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.
- Demonstrate administrative competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.
AHTDIPMAS Program Graduate Competencies:
- Exhibit effective communication, independent judgment, and critical thinking in performance of medical assisting, according to the profession's standards of practice.
- Demonstrate professional patterns of behavior consistent with the profession's code of ethics.
- 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)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- 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.