Medical Assistant

MA-80013
720 Clock Hours

Theory	520 Hours
Lab	80 Hours
Externship	120 Hours
Total	720 Hours

Program Objective

The Medical Assistant program prepares students to provide allied health services in ambulatory out-patient facilities, including medical offices, clinics and hospitals. Upon completion of this program student will be to execute Diagnostic functions include drawing blood, performing basic laboratory tests, and taking EKG's. Clinical functions include obtaining vital signs, preparing patients for and assisting with examinations and procedures, Administrative functions such as diagnostic procedures, managing records, completing insurance coding, and providing for billing and collecting as well as serving as receptionist, and scheduling appointments. Medical Assistants are taught computer applications to manage records, billing and other aspects of a medical office or clinic.

Upon completion of the Medical Assisting program, graduates are eligible to take the certification exam of the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to become Certified Medical Assistant.

Scope and Practice of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly.

Medical Assistants are important members of many health care teams. They typically perform both clinical and administrative tasks that keep the offices of physicians and other health care practitioners running smoothly. The exact duties of medical assistants will vary by employer, depending upon the specialty of the practitioner, and the location & size of the practice. Administrative office responsibilities may consist of handling insurance forms, billing and bookkeeping; updating and filing medical records; scheduling appointments and arranging for hospital admissions; and more. Medical Assistant may take medical histories and vital signs, collect laboratory specimens, provides basic patient instructions under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

Upon completion, the graduate will possess a working knowledge in medical terminology, anatomy, human diseases, pharmacology, basic medical office procedures and clinical Patient Care Technician skills. Students will learn front office procedures such as handling patient accounts and records, word processing, and scheduling of patients. The students will also learn back office procedures such as taking patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, and performing selected diagnostic tests as directed by the physician. The medical assistant technician will also learn basic medical laboratory and X-ray procedures

Work Environment

Medical assistants work in well-lighted, clean environments. They constantly interact with other people and may have to handle several responsibilities at once. Most full-time medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. However, many medical assistants work part time, evenings, or weekends.

Certification

Although not required, certification indicates that a medical assistant meets certain standards of competence. Graduate of Florida Educational Institute may become certified by National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) by taking and passing a certification exam.

Course Descriptions

Students learn theory, practice skills in a lab setting, and participate in a clinic experience. Students complete a separate course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - heart saver level in order to graduate.

Course Number	Program Breakdown By Course	Theory	Lab	Clock Hours
FEI 100	Introduction to today’s Health Care Environment	90	0	90
Occupational Completion point A				90
MA 100	Medical Office Administration	70	0	70
MA 110	Intro to Medical Assistant and Patient Communication	60	0	60
Occupational Completion point B				130
FEI 500	Phlebotomy Technician	55	20	75
Occupational Completion point C				75
FEI 600	EKG Aide	55	20	75
Occupational Completion point D				75
FEI 700	Medical Billing & Coding	40	20	60
MA 120	Clinical Procedures	30	20	50
MA 130	Human Anatomy & Disease Concepts	40	20	60
MA 140	Medical Terminology	30	0	30
MA 150	Medical Assistant and Employability skills	30	0	30
MA 200	Externship	0	0	120
Occupational Completion point E MEA0550				350
Total				720

Prerequisite
Introduction to Today's Health Care Environment; or prior completion of ninety (90) hours Health Science Core is required.

Award
Diploma