Medical Assistants work in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities under the supervision of a physician.

Administrative duties may include: answering the phone, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, completing insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and bookkeeping.

Clinical duties may include: collecting and preparing laboratory specimens and performing basic laboratory tests on the premises, disposing of contaminated supplies, sterilizing medical instruments, instructing patients about medication and special diets, preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician, authorizing drug refills as directed, telephoning prescriptions to a pharmacy, drawing blood, preparing patients for x-rays, taking electrocardiograms, removing sutures, changing dressings, arranging examining room instruments and equipment, purchasing and maintaining supplies and equipment, taking medical histories, recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination.


                                                             CURRICULUM
 

First Semester
MA 101 Professional Issues
This course focuses on the basic concept of professional practice of medicine and the role and function of the medical assistant. Students discuss the personal and professional characteristics and legal and ethical standards for medical assistants, explore professional and personal therapeutic communication, and address time management and goal setting.

MA 102 Introduction to Computers
The course is a brief introduction to computers to include: computer hardware, software, Microsoft Office application skills, keyboarding skills, the Internet and Internet searching, careers and computer ethics.

MA 103 Medical Terminology
The content of this course focuses on the introduction to medical terminology. Vocabulary is explored to structure of word, prefixes, suffixes and root words. Emphasis is on proper usage, pronunciation, spelling and definition of each of the structures commonly used in the medical field.

MA 110 Human Body
This course focuses on the basic structure and function of the human body, from cells through systems to the human organism, with emphasis on the interaction of systems and physiological functions.

MA 111 Patient Care I
This course introduces basic clinical skills necessary for medical assistants. Presents aseptic practices for the medical office and studies patient interaction such an interviewing, obtaining, evaluating and documenting vital signs and assisting with basic physical exams and testing.

MA 113 Administrative Aspects I
This course contains the administrative skills of the health care team member. These skills include effective telephone techniques, scheduling patients for appointments, management of facilities, records management, and use of office equipment.

MA 115 Insurance Billing and Coding
This course is designed to educate the health care team member with the mechanics of submission of electronic/paper insurance claim forms and current industry coding for medical office treatments and procedures.

MA 117 Pharmacology
Focuses on the medical assistant’s role in the calculation, preparation and administration of various medications. Studies include administration of injectable, topical, oral and buccal medications. Return demonstrations are also required.

Second Semester
MA 120 Diagnostic Procedures
Course content focuses on the specialized procedures associated with the human body systems covered in MA 110 Human Body.

MA 121 Patient Care II
This course focuses on expanding the knowledge gained in MA 111 Patient Care I and MA 117 Pharmacology. It presents more complex and independent procedures performed by the medical assistant. Minor surgical procedures, physical therapy, sterile procedures, emergency procedures and medication administration by injection and intravenous are addressed.

MA 123 Administrative Aspects II
This course combines previous coursework as an introduction to the expanded role of the medical assistant as the medical office manager. Students produce and edit medical transcriptions from a series of taped reports and prepare a variety of medical documents. Professional communications, job-seeking and interviewing skills, expanded practice in topics covered in Administrative Aspects I and other skills include effective telephone techniques, scheduling patients for appointments, management of facilities, records management, and use of office equipment.

MA 125 Clinical Laboratory Procedures
This course addresses the role and function of the professional in the clinical laboratory setting. Topics include safety, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 (CLIA) government regulations, and quality assurance in the laboratory. Students learn concepts and perform procedures in the different departments of the laboratory, including specimen collection, and performance of CLIA 88 low –and/or moderate-complexity testing. Students demonstrate competency in a wide variety of techniques used to collect, process and test specimens.

MA 131 Clinicals for the Medical Assistant
This is the application phase of the Medical Assistant program which is designed to give students an opportunity to apply and practice the principles and procedures learned while participating in supervised, non-remunerative clinical experiences in physicians’ offices and clinics. Students are expected to adapt to individual medical office’s rules and routines. Evaluation is based on the student’s preparation for duties, active participation, attendance and professionalism.

Admission Requirements
• Be 17 years of age or older and 18 years of age at program completion
• Successfully complete preadmission testing (Testing available at SATS)
• Score 60 or higher on the ACT Compass for reading and score 45 or higher on the ACT  Compass for math
• Upon acceptance, complete necessary health examinations and immunizations prior to the first day of class.
• Have a high school diploma, a GED, or earn a GED before program completion
• Submit a high school transcript or GED certificate
• Complete the application and pay the Campus Fee

Program Requirements
Clinical Participation
• Students must earn a minimum of 80% in the following first semester courses: Patient Care I, Pharmacology, Human Body, and Professional Issues

• Students must maintain a minimum of 80% in the following second semester courses:
   Patient Care II, Diagnostic Procedures, Medical Office Lab

• Students must have a minimum of 90% attendance in the program.

• Students must pass background and drug testing

Note: It is strongly recommended that students work a limited number of hours due to the heavy curriculum load that is required by this program.

Graduation
To be eligible to graduate and receive a certificate, a student must be enrolled for the total program and complete all required units of instruction within the program. A student must also have a 2.0 overall GPA.

Career Placement
Each student who completes a program will be assisted by the department instructors in securing desirable employment. While Salina Tech graduates have historically enjoyed a high rate of placement, the school does not guarantee job placement.

For more information please contact:
Student Services at 785-309-3100

Salina Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, handicap, or veteran status on admission, educational programs, or activities as required by Title IX1972. Educational Amendments