Introduction to Medical Assisting

Catalog description

MA110 introduces learners to the healthcare industry and the role of the medical assistant, including scope of practice, professional organizations, and the history of medicine. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic communication, medical law, HIPAA, licensing, malpractice prevention, and professional development. Learners also study surface anatomy, body planes and cavities, blood pressure physiology and essential hypertension, acid-base balance, medical terminology, and accurate documentation using electronic health records (EHR). The course includes hands-on laboratory instruction focused on safety and core clinical skills. Learners practice vital sign assessment, Korotkoff phases, pulse oximetry, height and weight measurement with unit conversions, phlebotomy, capillary punctures, EKG procedures, and administration of intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections. Emphasis is placed on safe handling of blood and body fluids, effective communication, and use of computer systems in the medical environment.