Medical Assisting

Class of 2019
Job Placement	100%
Exam Passage	100%
Graduate Satisfaction	100%
Employer Satisfaction	100%

 

 

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 & PHYSIOLOGY / 3 CREDITS

This course is designed to provide accurate information about the structure and function of the human body. It is planned for students who are pursuing careers 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 of the medical field. It utilizes a workbook format and a body systems approach to the learning of medical terminology. It stresses knowledge of prefixes, suffixes and combining forms in building medical terms. Correct spelling habits, use of medical abbreviations, and proper pronunciation are also emphasized. Common disease conditions that affect each system are described. Body systems are correlated with Anatomy and Physiology.

MA 103 MEDICAL ASSISTING I / 3 CREDITS

This course consists of the theory and clinical skills necessary to assist the physician with medical office procedures. Skills attained include, but are not limited to, methods of observation, measurement of vital signs, assisting with the physical examination, collection of specimens and documentation of procedures. Related preventative health measures and patient teaching are presented. Universal and Standard Precautions are emphasized.

MA 104 MEDICAL SOCIAL SCIENCE / 4 CREDITS

This course provides the student with the fundamentals of microbiology in health and disease and pharmacology including commonly prescribed drugs, laws regulating drug use, and calculation of drug dosage. Responses to medical emergencies are practiced with students becoming certified in CPR and First Responders. Interpersonal relationships within the health care field are explored.

MA 105 DOCUMENT PROCESSING FOR MICROCOMPUTERS / 3 CREDITS

This course enables the student to review basic keyboarding and word processing skills. Speed building, accuracy, and technique are stressed. Business applications include formatting letters, tables, reports, business forms and memos.

MA 106 MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION I / 4 CREDITS

This course is designed to familiarize the student with basic medical office administration tasks. Skills include appointment scheduling, patient education, oral communication including telephone technique and written communication.

MA 107 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I / 3 CREDITS

This course is designed to develop medical office computer skills. Using transcription machines and word processing software, the student will prepare medical reports and correspondence.

MA 203 MEDICAL ASSISTING II / 3 CREDITS

This course consists of the theory and clinical skills necessary to assist the physician with medical office procedures including laboratory techniques. Skills include, but are not limited to, assisting with minor surgical and radiological procedures, electrocardiography, administration of medications, venipuncture and finger stick techniques, blood glucose monitoring, and blood and urine testing. Patient teaching including concepts of nutrition continues to be emphasized.

MA 206 MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION II / 2 CREDITS

In this course the student continues to develop medical office administration skills. Emphasis is on ICD/CPT insurance coding, insurance forms preparation, and billing and collection practices. Record management, inventory, banking and payroll procedures are included. The course concludes with job search techniques including resume preparation and cover letters.

MA 207 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II / 2 CREDITS

In this course the student continues to develop medical office computer skills. Using database software, the student does appointment scheduling, insurance form preparation and billing.

MA 208 LEGAL/ETHICAL ISSUES / 1 CREDIT

This course assists the student in developing 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 health care facilities to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom. The administrative and clinical experience includes multiple rotations in a variety of medical areas. Practicums are under direct supervision of an on-site preceptor. The student is evaluated and graded on his/her performance.

Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) 2015 Core Curriculum Plan 

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

The Mass Society of Medical Assistants (MSMA)

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To provide a curriculum in medical assisting based on the Standards and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Medical Assistant. 
   • The student will demonstrate entry-level competency in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behaviors) learning domains. 
   • The student will demonstrate proficiency in the administrative skills of an entry level medical assistant. 
   • The student will demonstrate proficiency in the clinical skills of an entry level medical assistant. 
   • The student will demonstrate knowledge of the didactic learning of the medical assistant program. 
   • The graduate will obtain a job as an entry level medical assistant. 
   • The graduate will demonstrate personal behaviors consistent with the expectations of the profession and employer. 
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.

Medical Assisting Student Handbook