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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Simi Institute for Careers & Education | Evaluated Learning Experience

Medical Assistant Front and Back Office AH 205

Length: 

270 hours (20 weeks).

Location: 
Simi Institute for Careers and Education Main Campus, Simi Valley, California
Dates: 

September 1972 - Present.

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Online/distance learning
Hybrid course/exam
Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to greet, receive, and direct patients and visitors; prepare and manage patient medical records, including obtaining and recording patient's demographic data and insurance information; schedule and maintain patient appointment logs, including no-shows, call-backs, reschedules, and cancellations; identify different types of insurance (e.g., PPOs, HMOs, managed care and referrals including prescriptions); explain and use billing practices, including insurance forms, terminology, procedure, and diagnosis coding; demonstrate job-related computer skills (including word processing, terminology, and presentation software); identify and use medical terminology, approved abbreviations, and symbols; explain the relationship between anatomy, physiology, and pathology; demonstrate proficiency in basic medical math (conversions); demonstrate proper ECG procedures and other cardiovascular testing; demonstrate proficiency with laboratory procedures, collecting and preparing specimens, and point of care testing such as urinalysis, blood tests, and cultures; perform and properly document some vision and hearing tests; explain biomedical equipment usage and maintenance; complete ancillary medical services requisitions and logs; 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 (e.g., sterilization, sanitation, disinfection), and set up and maintain a sterile field; tray set up; take vital signs, patient's height and weight, record data and report abnormalities to physicians only (not patients); 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); basic pharmacology; 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; outline nebulizer treatments/procedures; perform basic first aid and identify CPR/AED basic principles; discuss nutrition principles, therapeutic diets, and health and wellness practices; discuss cultural diversity awareness and holistic modalities; identify the stages of growth and development; define urinary procedures; define assistive devices; outline standard precaution practices and Safety Data Sheets (SDS); outline steps to handling and disposal of contaminated materials or spills; use 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; identify and adhere to legal documents, standards, statutes, and regulations (advanced directives, DNR, healthcare proxy), work ethics and professional standards; apply principles related to patient rights, 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.

Instruction: 

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 reparation for job applications and resumes in the medical environment. Prerequisite: High School diploma or equivalent recommended. 

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, up to 15 semester hours in Allied Health (4/22).

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