Medical Assisting

DATE	RETENTION	JOB PLACEMENT	EXAM PASSAGE
2024	100%	100%	100%
2023	100%	100%	100%
2022	100%	100%	67%
2021	100%	100%	100%
2020	100%	100%	100%
Five Year Average	100%	100%	93%

 

Adams Internists CHP	Dalton Medical Associates
Advanced EyeCare	Dermatology of the Berkshires
Andrea Bodine, M.D., PC	Family Practice Associates
Berkshire Cosmetics and Reconstructive Surgery Center	Giulio Cavalli, M.D.
Berkshire Eye Center	Michael Fabrizio, M.D.
Berkshire Faculty Services PulMonary Medicine	Northern Berkshire Pediatrics
Berkshire Health Systems	Northern Berkshire Specialty Practices of BMC
Berkshire Health Systems Urgent Care	Orthopedic Associates of Northern Berkshire
Berkshire Medical Group	SaVida Health
Brian Dempsey, M.D.	Scribe America
Cardiology Services of BMC	Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
CHP Berkshire Pediatrics Associates	Williamstown Medical Associates
CHP Health Center

Medical Assisting Course Descriptions

MA 101 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY / 3 CREDITS

This course is designed to provide the foundational study of the body’s systems and structures, focusing on how they interact as well as the fundamentals of microbiology in healthcare.  It is planned for students who are pursuing a career in the allied health field with a minimal background in the physical and biological sciences.

MA 102 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY / 3 CREDITS

This course introduces the student to the language used to describe anatomical structures, procedures, conditions, processes, pathology, etiology, and treatments in the medical field.  Building on the foundation of prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms, the student will be immersed in terminology to help them in their career.

MA 103 MEDICAL ASSISTING I / 4 CREDITS

This course consists of theory and clinical skills necessary to assisting clinicians with medical office procedures.  Skills attained include but are not limited to, measurement of vital signs, assisting with exams, documentation of medical procedures, ear and eye irrigation, patient positioning, electronic health record navigation, and much more.  Universal and standard precautions are emphasized and related preventative health measures and patient instruction are provided.

MA 104 MEDICAL SOCIAL SCIENCE / 2 CREDITS

In this course interpersonal relationships are explored while helping the student navigate patient and peer interaction as well as providing the fundamentals in pharmacology including commonly prescribed drugs, laws regulating drug use, calculation of drug dosage, and a brief history on pharmaceuticals.  Responses to medical emergencies are practices with students becoming certified in CPR.

MA 105 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS / 3 CREDITS

This course is designed to develop medical office computer skills, review basic keyboarding and word processing skills, speed building for accuracy and technique, and introducing the student to the electronic medical record.  Business applications will include formatting letters, tables, reports, business forms, and memorandums.

MA 106 MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION / 4 CREDITS

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the basic medical office administration tasks required.  Skills include but are not limited to; appointment templating and scheduling, alpha and numeric filing, oral communications, office inventories, equipment maintenance, emergency planning, and more.

MA 203 MEDICAL ASSISTING II / 4 CREDITS

This course consists of theory and clinical skills necessary to assist clinicians with medical office procedures including but not limited to; injection technique, electrocardiography, spirometry, urinalysis, point of care CLIA waived testing, venipuncture, finger stick, collection and handling of specimens, and much more.  Patient education and instruction as well as concepts of nutrition are emphasized.

MA 206 MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION II / 4 CREDITS

In this course the student continues to develop the medical office administrations skills necessary for their role in a clinical setting.  Focus on insurance authorization, referrals, appeals and denials, ICD/CPT/HCPCS coding and billing, collection practices, record management, and banking procedures are included.

MA 208 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES / 2 CREDITS

This course assists the students in developing the knowledge of the law, medical ethics, and bioethics, to enable the medical assistant to treat patients with sensitivity and understanding.  The student is also introduced to various medical codes of ethics and how these codes impact patient care.

MA 209 PRACTICUM / 8 CREDITS

Students must complete a 240-hour unpaid practicum.  The student is assigned to selected physicians’ offices and healthcare facilities to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom.  The administrative and clinical experience may include rotation between different office environments in a variety of medical areas.  Practicums are under direct supervision of an on-site preceptor.  Students are identifiable as students and not used as substitutes for staff.  Students are evaluated and graded on their performance.  The course concludes with job search techniques including resume preparation and cover letters.

McCann Technical School Postsecondary Programs Continuity of Operations
(Emergency Preparedness) Plan

In the event of an unanticipated impact to instruction, the administration will support each program in developing an appropriate plan for all impacted areas of study. These plans will consider all modalities of instruction, including but not limited to, converting lecture-based content to an online format, following all state and federal health/safety regulations to continue offering in-person skill instruction and assessment, and teaching in-person instruction in a comparable space. Final plans will require approval by the Superintendent. Students will be made aware of these changes to classroom formatting verbally and in writing, with frequent updates provided. In the event of requiring change to a course modality, faculty and staff will reach out to all students impacted to assure continuity of educational services and meet each individual need.

McCann Technical School
Medical Assisting Program
Emergency Preparedness Plan

McCann Medical Assisting Program recognizes the need to prepare for unexpected situations that may require delays or closures of the school.

In the event of any unanticipated delays or closing of the school it will be announced by the all-call system.  Delays and closures will also be posted on the school website (www.mccanntech.org)

When the school closes for inclement weather or other emergency conditions students will be notified by instructor via email or text regarding assignments.  Google Classroom will be used for online assignments.  Any lecture will be done via Zoom.  All students have access to a Chromebook or lap top.  Jet packs are available if needed.

If clinical lab is unavailable for an extended period of time students will be instructed to an offsite clinical lab.

In the event of an unexpected departure of key personnel that cannot be immediately replaced may warrant a schedule change of students and current faculty. As necessary, with instructor departures, the Program/Practicum Coordinator and or other Medical Assisting instructors will substitute until a qualified replacement is onboard and properly trained. Advisory Committee members will also be used if needed.

In the event of an unexpected departure of the Program Coordinator/Practicum Coordinator:

• The full time instructor will have access to all curriculum content and resources.
• Instructors and Administrative Assistant will have access to all schedules and contracts.

Program Emergency Preparedness Plan

In the event of unanticipated interruptions which may include, but are not limited to, unexpected departure of key personnel, natural disaster, public health crisis, fire, flood, power failure, failure of information technology services, or other events that may lead to inaccessibility of educational services, the Medical Assisting program will utilize the following preparedness plan to assure continuity of education services. Continuity of education is the main focus for each adaptation to the plan. 

• Unexpected departures of key personnel that cannot be immediately replaced will warrant schedule changes of students and current faculty. As necessary, with instructor departures, the administration will ensure substitute coverage until a qualified replacement is onboarded and appropriately trained. 
• In the event of an unexpected departure of the Program Director/Practicum Coordinator:
  • Administration and adjunct program instructors have continuous access to all curriculum content and resources available via the college LMS to ensure continued curriculum delivery.
  • If access to the LMS is unavailable, Instructors have alternate electronic access via their personal accounts to the curricular material.
  • In the event of extended internet outage, course content will be downloaded and distributed to the students by program instructors and/or administration.
  • School administration and all program Instructors will be provided with the most recent electronic and hard copies of the program Handbook, schedule, and Course Syllabus and Curriculum Guide at the start of every cohort.
  • All instructors and school administrators will receive copies of clinical schedules and contacts prior to students starting their practicum to ensure awareness and continuity of schedules.
  • Upon completion and submission of each Annual Report Form, an electronic copy will be shared with school administration to assure programmatic continuity, along with all the raw data. 

For any event that leads to the inability to access educational services on campus, the following guidelines are to be utilized. 

• Communication of all program status changes will be through Handbook updates, email notifications, and course room announcements. All efforts will be made to execute communication of program status changes within 48 hours of the event. All communication and correspondence should be maintained in a file. Communication should be with the institution, faculty, students, and clinical affiliates when necessary or when changes occur.
• Provide updated information to students on how to access appropriate resources within the school community.
• Virtual instruction methods will take the place synchronously to deliver the theory portion of the core curriculum. Clinical skill work will be scheduled when in-person instruction can resume. If other options are available such as using another facility with sufficient resources to demonstrate and evaluate skills this method will be utilized to provide continuity of the educational experience. Skills will continue to be documented on paper with signatures.
• Virtual instruction methods will be monitored for effectiveness by evaluating student progress and providing additional e-learning resources to assist students with adapting to this modality.
• Classroom and labs are equipped to hold virtual instruction via Zoom. The school utilizes a Moodle Server that will be employed for tests, quizzes, etc. in concert with Google Classroom in the event that online learning is the modality. McCann Tech will support the technology required. (Including but not limited to wi-fi hotspots and laptop loaner programs.) IT requests will be monitored.
• Program enrollment interviews and information sessions will be conducted virtually utilizing the same documentation until the program faculty can return to on ground interviews.
• Clinical assignments affected may delay graduation time due to the clinical hour requirements. In the event clinical is delayed, the Program Coordinator will work with each individual clinical site to determine current availability and/or changes to schedules that may be necessary. If a site is no longer able to accommodate a student, all efforts will be made to find an alternative site in a timely manner. There will be no change in clinical assessments or meeting clinical graduation requirements.
• In the event graduation will be delayed, the Program Director will provide each student with an action plan to complete their education. All documents will be maintained.
• The school will provide any information that may help document how outcomes were affected by the interruption.
• The Program Director will document any overlap of clinical slots due to the circumstances.
• The Program Director will notify the Program Advisory Committee of the change. If necessary, emergency meeting(s) may be held to assist with emergency plans. (For long term interruptions). 
• The Program Director will notify MAERB as appropriate. The Program Director will also maintain all records of action plans and courses of strategy for the emergency duration. 

McCann Medical Assisting Program recognizes the need to prepare for unexpected situations that may require delays or closures of the school.

In the event of any unanticipated delays or closing of the school it will be announced by the all-call system. Delays and closures will also be posted on the school website (www.mccanntech.org)

When the school closes for inclement weather or other emergency conditions students will be notified by instructor via email or text regarding assignments. Google Classroom will be used for online assignments. Any lecture will be done via Zoom. All students have access to a Chromebook or lap top. Jet packs are available if needed.

If clinical lab is unavailable for an extended period of time students will be instructed to an offsite clinical lab.

In the event of an unexpected departure of key personnel that cannot be immediately replaced may warrant a schedule change of students and current faculty. As necessary, with instructor departures, the Program/Practicum Coordinator and or other Medical Assisting instructors will substitute until a qualified replacement is onboard and properly trained. Advisory Committee members will also be used if needed.

In the event of an unexpected departure of the Program Coordinator/Practicum Coordinator:

• The full time instructor will have access to all curriculum content and resources.
• Instructors and Administrative Assistant will have access to all schedules and contracts.

(Rev. 6/2024)

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In School Safety Plan

FIRE EMERGENCY DRILL

If the fire alarm is activated the students will proceed to the predetermined area in a quick, quiet, and orderly manner, where the instructor will then take attendance. The last student to exit the room is to shut off the lights and shut the door. The emergency exit directions are posted on the closet door in the classroom. Routine emergency drills will help us prepare for an actual emergency.

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SHELTER IN PLACE PLAN

If a Shelter in Place plan is announced over the intercom:

• Close the door and shut the blinds
• No students will leave the room, students out can return freely
• Instructor will check faculty email for further information
• Passing times cancelled until Shelter in Place is over
• Resume regular teaching activities

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EVACUTION OF THE BUILDING PLAN

 If Evacuation of the building plan is announced over the intercom:

• Instructor will secure emergency folder & check surroundings for people who need a group to shelter with
• Instructor will escort the class to the exit designated on the classroom’s fire exit schematic
• Class will remain in group and proceed to designated parking lot where instructor will take attendance
• Instructor will report missing or extra students to the member of administration located in designated parking lot
• Instructor will supervise and monitor class and wait further instruction

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EVACUATION OF CAMPUS PLAN

• Instructor will secure emergency folder & check surroundings for people who need a group to shelter with
• Instructor will lead class out of the building and proceed to the front of the building where a crisis team member will direct the class to the designated evacuation area
• Any student on the emergency transport list will be dropped off with the crisis team member
• Instructor will escort the class and supervise them to the designated area
• After reaching the designated area, class will stay together, attendance will be taken and await further instructions

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GATHER IN THE GYMNASIUM PLAN

•  Instructor will secure emergency folder & check surroundings for people who need a group to shelter with
• Proceed to gym, making our way in as far as possible and sit in group as class
• Instructor will take and report attendance to circulating crisis team member
• Instructor will continue to supervise and monitor class, awaiting further instructions

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CODE 1000

• Quickly assess the situation and determine whether it is safe to approach
• Notify the school office at extension 107, 106, 105, or 104 and report the following information: Code 1000, room number, what is happening, who it is happening to, number of persons involved
• Provide first aid within scope of training and capabilities. Do not move injured person unless the scene is safe
• Remove students/spectators to another area once Responders arrive
• Keep students in their classroom until “Code 1000 All Clear” is announced or other instructions are given
• After the incident, refer distraught students or staff to Student and Staff Liaison

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Examples of medical emergencies include:

More than one victim seriously injured
Large amount of blood loss
Impaled object
Major burns
Amputation
Airway obstruction/Not breathing
Loss of consciousness without breathing and/or pulse, or due to trauma
Electrocution

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GENERAL SAFETY

A registered nurse is available to any student in case of sudden illness or accident during the school day from 7:50 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

If an emergency arises before or after school hours, dial 911.

There is an eyewash station located in the laboratory sink.

Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) 2022 Core Curriculum Plan

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

The Mass Society of Medical Assistants (MSMA)

OCCUPATIONAL RISKS

Medical Assisting is a rewarding profession, as practitioners we can perform both administrative and clinical skills in a variety of healthcare facilities.  Medical Assisting is a fast-growing profession. The Bureau of Labor Statics anticipates an 8% growth from 2020 to 2030.

Medical Assistants working directly with providers and patients have a great deal of responsibility.  We must provide healthcare while ensuring patient safety.

Working in healthcare there are occupational risks that may come into play.

The following are possible hazards:

• Exposure to infectious diseases
• Sharps injuries
• Bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards
• Chemical exposure
• Risks from lifting, sitting, and repetitive tasks
• Latex allergies
• Stress

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) has a series of standards that protect the safety of healthcare workers and patients. McCann medical assisting program teaches students about the hazards and protocols that can be put in place to ensure a safe workplace.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
2. To provide an academic program leading to certification as a medical assistant. 
   • The graduate will apply to write and successfully complete a credentialing exam. 
3. To provide a program that encourages personal and professional growth. 
   • The graduate will pursue continuing education and/or membership in a medical assistant organization. 

Student Grievance Policy

The student grievance policy provides a system to manage student issues against faculty, staff, or fellow students. Students desiring to discuss or file a grievance should use the following protocols:

1. The student shall make an appointment, within three (3) days, with the instructor to discuss the issue with the objective of resolving the issue informally.
2. If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the student may submit the grievance in writing to the program coordinator within three days of the informal discussion.
3. The program coordinator shall investigate the grievance and report to the student both verbally and in writing within 7 days of receipt of the formal grievance filing.
4. Should the grievance not be resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may appeal the decision to the principal. This appeal should be made in writing within 7 days of the program coordinator’s report. The principal shall investigate the issue and report to the student both verbally and in writing within 7 days of his/her receipt of the appeal letter.
5. Should the grievance not be resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may appeal the decision to the superintendent. This appeal should be made in writing within 7 days of the principal’s report. The superintendent shall investigate the issue and report to the student both verbally and in writing within 7 days of his/her receipt of the appeal letter.
6. Should the grievance not be resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may contact the Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Bldg. 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAM

As a medical assistant student and practitioner, you will be required to be able to perform or demonstrate the following physical and psychosocial skills:

1. read a typewritten page
2. hear and understand verbal messages on the phone
3. hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips
4. ability to assist patients in various positions and on or off the table or other equipment
5. manipulate instruments and supplies with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination
6. communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing
7. to be free of communicable diseases and chemical abuse
8. follow through with immunization regulations as required by the program.
9. able to make appropriate judgment decisions
10. demonstrate emotional stability
11. demonstrate calm and effective responses in emergency situations
12. exhibit positive interpersonal skills in patient, staff, and faculty interactions

The school will make every reasonable effort to accommodate a student with a disability that otherwise would be qualified to meet the Essentials of the program.