MA Course Descriptions

Note: Numbers in parentheses denote credits assigned for theory (1st) and lab/clinical components (2nd). Contact hours for lab/clinical are calculated on a 3-hour per credit ratio.

 HSC118 Medical Terminology for Health Care (3-0)

Focuses on the component parts of medical terms:  prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, and root words.  Students will learn, through a step-by-step word-building process, to understand and to be understood in the use of the language of medicine.  Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms.  Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition and pronunciation.  This course provides an introduction to body systems, their operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.  Students study the application of these terms to medical documentation, physical examinations, and medical diagnostic procedures.  Mastery of medical terminology is essential for successful administrative, clinical and laboratory interaction in the complex health care environment. Spring semesters.

 HSC240 Pharmacology for Allied Health (2.0)

Introduces students to the classification of medications and basic pharmacological principles.  Students apply these basic principles to the identification of common medications, medication preparation, and administration of medications and effects of medications on major body systems. Summer semesters. Prerequisites: BIO172 and MAT140

 HSC246 Law and Ethics for the Health Professions (2-0)

Engages the student in legal and ethical issues within the health care environment.  The focuses on identifying complex legal and ethical issues, tort and criminal laws, and rules governing medical and health care practices. Specific issues of professional legal and ethical conduct, laws governing confidentiality, bioethics, medical records, reporting, end-of-life and beginning-of-life issues, and the effects of managed care, and risk management procedures will be examined. Summer semesters. Prerequisite PHL 212

 HSC 260 Pathological Conditions

The study of major pathophysiologic concepts, from the cellular level to the resultant abnormal functioning of the organ systems. Topics include inflammation, immunity, neoplasia and allergy, and the most commonly acquired and hereditary diseases. In particular, disorders commonly encountered by practicing physical therapist assistants are emphasized. Concepts from anatomy and physiology provide the foundation for exploring human dysfunction. Fall semesters. Prerequisite: BIO172

 

 Medical Assistant

Note: Medical Assistant credits are differentiated by theory and clinical components. For example, (4-2) indicates four theory credit hours and two clinical hours. Each clinical credit hour is equivalent to three clock hours.

 MAS 205 Medical Assistant Administrative Procedures (3-1)

Introduces office management and business administration. Students will learn to schedule appointments, file, manage records, perform telephone and reception duties, and communicate effectively with patients, community members, and other health care and medical office staff. Summer Semesters. Prerequisites: CIS 102 or higher, ENG 104, HSC 118, acceptance into the Medical Assisting program. Co-requisites: HSC 240, HSC 246,

 MAS 210 Medical Insurance Billing and Coding (2-1)

Introduces medical coding used to translate diagnoses and procedures into numbers for statistical and billing purposes. Students will learn the basic guidelines for diagnostic and procedural coding. The student uses coding methodology, managed care guidelines and terminology to generate complete medical health insurance billing and claim forms. Fall Semesters. Prerequisites: CIS 102 or higher, BIO 172, HSC 118, HSC 240, HSC 246, acceptance into the Medical Assisting program. Co-requisite: BUS 201.

 MAS 212 Medical Transcription (1-1)

Focuses on developing self-discipline, strong language skills, typing accuracy and speed, and computer literacy. Students use medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical law and ethics in the interpretation for transcription of provider dictation in order to document patient care and facilitate delivery of health care services. Students will demonstrate proficiency in communication skills in writing, editing, proofreading, and office correspondence. Fall Semesters. Prerequisites: CIS 102 or higher, BIO 172, ENG 104, HSC 118, HSC 240, HSC 246, acceptance to the Medical Assisting program.

 MAS 221Medical Assistant Laboratory Procedures I (1-1)

Provides the student with an introduction to routine laboratory procedures while following laboratory safety requirements and federal regulations on testing. Fall Semesters. Prerequisites: BIO 172, HSC 118, HSC 240, HSC 246, acceptance to the Medical Assisting program.

 MAS 222 Medical Assistant Clinical Procedures I (3-1)

Introduces medical assisting students to clinical procedures performed in the health care clinic setting. Students perform basic examination room skills, including basic assessment screening, vital signs, patient history, and preparation of patients for routine and specialty exams and procedures. Fall Semesters.  Prerequisites: BIO 172, HSC 118, HSC 240, HSC 246, acceptance into the Medical Assisting program.

 MAS 231Medical Assistant Laboratory Procedures II (2-1)

Prepares students to perform laboratory procedures commonly performed in the ambulatory care setting under the supervision of a physician. Skills learned will include phlebotomy, immunology, hematology, and chemistry laboratory procedures. Spring semesters. Prerequisites: MAS 221, MAS 222.

 MAS 232 Medical Assistant Clinical Procedures II (2-1)

Prepares students to perform patient care skills and basic clinical procedures, including administering medications, assisting the health care provider with patient examinations and minor surgery, performing an electrocardiogram, assisting with respiratory testing, and maintaining clinical equipment and the clinical environment. Spring semesters. Prerequisites: MAS 221, MAS 222.

 MAS 241 Medical Assistant Administrative Externship (1-3)

Integration and application of administrative knowledge and skills in the health care setting.  Students will engage in administrative duties performed at the clinical site in order to gain entry-level mastery of skill and knowledge competencies for the medical assistant. Students will perform administrative duties under the supervision of trained mentors. Spring semesters. Prerequisites: MAS 231, MAS 232

 MAS 242 Medical Assistant Clinical Externship (1-3)

Integration and application of clinical and laboratory knowledge and skills in the health care setting. Students will perform medical assistant clinical and laboratory duties in order to gain entry-level mastery of skill and knowledge competencies for the medical assistant. Students will perform clinical and laboratory duties under the supervision of trained mentors. Spring semesters. Prerequisites: MAS 231, MAS 232.