Simi Institute for Careers & Education | Evaluated Learning Experience
Medical Assistant Clinical AH 206
160 hours (4 weeks).
September 1972 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to greet, receive, and direct patients and visitors at a contracted externship site; be familiar with preparing and managing patient medical records, including obtaining and recording patient's demographic data and insurance information; identify and use proper medical terminology, approved abbreviations, and symbols; be familiar with and assist with (if applicable) as needed: urinalysis, blood tests, and cultures; perform and properly document some vision and hearing tests; explain and perform venipuncture procedures, and pulmonary function testing/procedures; prepare examination room and organize equipment for patient procedures; assist with patient examinations, transfers, treatments, and minor surgeries; perform aseptic techniques. Four-week clinical experience may include assisting with the following, pursuant to site and patient/case needs: take vital signs, patient's height and weight, record data and report abnormalities; identify various documentation formats including paperless charting; position and drape patient for examination and/or treatment; identify basic medical instruments and equipment; calculate medication dosages and administration routes; explain intradermal testing (e.g., Mantoux, allergy); identify various drugs, drug classifications, and clinical indications; perform irrigation and/or lavage (ear and eye), suture or staple removal, dressing changes and related first aid; proper handwashing techniques; instruct patients in techniques for collection of specimens and preparations for diagnostic tests; communicate discharge plan instructions; identify subjective/objective assessment and plan for each patient; identify special considerations for pediatric, disability, disease progression, geriatric patients; HIPAA (including confidentiality, privacy, and security), and protected health information regulations (electronic and written); demonstrate understanding of OSHA protocols; demonstrate basic knowledge of electronic health records; and identify members of an interdisciplinary healthcare team and know the scope of practice for each.
This course covers complete patient care including vital signs, patient interview and history, and patient preparation; medical terminology; instrument and field sterilization; sterile procedure and surgical asepsis; minor surgery technique and instrumentation; wound care/durable medical equipment placement, and fitting; pulmonary function testing, including spirometry, peak flow, nebulizer administration and oximetry; ear lavage; basic pharmacology; injections and immunizations; specimen collection, preparation, and handling; urinalysis; venipuncture procedure, and blood handling; electrocardiography (EKG); specialty practice requirements (OB/GYN, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, etc.); vast medical terminology knowledge including word roots, prefixes, and suffixes; front office administration knowledge such as appointment scheduling, accounts payable, ledgers, and balances, medical procedure prior authorization, and utilization management; CPT, ICD-9 and ICD.10 Coding; medical insurance billing (including HCFA form completion); and preparation for job applications and resumes in the medical environment.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Allied Health (4/22).