PROGRAM HANDBOOK MEDICAL ASSISTING. A Multi-skilled Healthcare Profession QUINEBAUG VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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1 MEDICAL ASSISTING A Multi-skilled Healthcare Profession PROGRAM HANDBOOK QUINEBAUG VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

2 Dear Medical Assisting Student: It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this unique and challenging program. You are about to embark upon a career which has many rewards and challenges. This handbook has been developed to act as a guide while you are enrolled in the Medical Assisting Program. Please take a few moments to become familiar with its contents. If you have further questions, don t hesitate to call on me. I am looking forward to working with you as you begin your medical assisting career. Sincerely, Cheri Goretti, MA, MT (ASCP), CMA (AAMA) Program Coordinator Cheri Goretti Medical Assisting Program Coordinator QVCC QUINEBAUG VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 742 Upper Maple Street Danielson, CT (860) Fax (860) cgoretti@qvcc.commnet.edu TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission...1 Program Goals...1 Program Outcomes Program/Graduation Requirements...2 Accreditation...2 Additional Requirements...2 Catalog Description...3 Practicum Readmission Policy...5 Academic Advising...5 AAMA Certification Examination...5 Professional Organization Membership...5 Entry-Level Competencies Course Worksheet...8 Core Curriculum Revised 5/14

3 MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM MISSION The Medical Assisting program endeavors to carry out the Quinebaug Valley Community College philosophy of education, which is to provide high quality, lifelong learning opportunities to the residents of its service area. The College goals of striving to balance career education and the liberal arts and sciences and the right of each person to realize his or her fullest potential are ably met in the medical assisting curriculum. The purpose of the Medical Assisting Program is to provide students with a general education core complemented by focused medical assisting career courses. The curriculum will prepare the student for immediate employment in a variety of health care settings. Medical assisting is the second fastest growing career in the country. PROGRAM GOALS u To prepare entry-level competent medical assistants in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. u Earn certification as a Certified Medical Assistant by successfully passing the examination given by the American Association of Medical Assistants. u Respect the rights of patients, colleagues, and other health professionals and safeguard confidences within the constraints of legal, ethical and moral conduct. u Practice within the profession s ethical and legal framework. u Maintain professional competence and utilize opportunities for continuing education and career advancement. PROGRAM OUTCOMES In addition to General Education Outcomes, learners who complete the Medical Assisting degree will: Understand, demonstrate, and continuously utilize the principles of medical asepsis and standard precautions, as well as other safety precautions Recognize emergency situations and respond appropriately to emergency care techniques in various life-threatening situations Utilize knowledge of various medical office procedures, practices, and technologies to complete simulated tasks Obtain and effectively chart all pertinent patient data Apply knowledge and skills of various clinical procedures such as vitals, laboratory testing, and other diagnostic and medical procedures Understand and interpret usage of medical terminology Comprehend basic pharmacology including dosage calculations, drug interactions, and administration of medications Provide education to patients, families, and other care givers on various healthcare including preventative and treatment regimes Integrate knowledge and skills acquired to function as a competent entry-level medical assistant Demonstrate a working knowledge of the human body including structure, function and basic pathologies Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate and effective application of legal and ethical standards of practice PROGRAM HANDBOOK 1

4 ADDITIONAL PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES Medical Assistants graduating from programs accredited by CAAHEP will demonstrate critical thinking based on knowledge of academic subject matter required for competence in the profession. They will incorporate the cognitive knowledge in performance of the psychomotor and affective domains in their Practice as medical assistants: 1. In providing patient care. 2. In communicating effectively, both orally and in writing. 3. In their performance of medical business practices. 4. In providing patient care in accordance with regulations, policies, laws, and patient rights. 5. Applying quality control measures in following health and safety policies and procedures to prevent illness and injury. PROGRAM & GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS A minimum of 63 credits and a grade point average of 2.0 are required for the associate in science degree in medical assisting. ACCREDITATION The Associate degree medical assisting program at Quinebaug Valley Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www. caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS In addition to tuition, fees and books the following is a list of expenses and requirements you may expect as a medical assisting student. 1. Complete Medical Examination including blood studies, TB test, MMR, tetanus, varicella titer, flu shot, and Hepatitis B vaccine if no proof of immunity. This is to be completed and returned to the program coordinator prior to beginning Clinical Laboratory Procedures MED* 245. Confidentiality of the health records will be maintained by the program coordinator. Release of health records will only be permitted if a Release of Record form is signed by the student. Health records may be required by some practicum sites. 2. Professional Accessories: These expenses include a stethoscope and a watch with a second hand. A lab coat is required and must be worn to all MED* 245 classes. The student is responsible for laundering the lab coat. Other items not required but recommended are a sphygmomanometer ($30-$60) and a pocket calculator. Uniforms and white shoes maybe required by some practicum sites but they are not mandatory for the College classes. 3. Medical Insurance: While completing a practicum at a hospital or other health care facility, the student may use the on site emergency services if necessary. The student will be solely responsible for reimbursement for these services. 4. Students are not allowed to take any clinical or phlebotomy supplies out of the classroom, and if found to do so, will be automatically terminated from the medical assisting program and may not be allowed to enroll in any other health program at the college. 2

5 5. A site has the right to terminate a student s practicum without warning. Students terminated from a site will not be placed at another site and will receive a grade of F for the course. CATALOG DESCRIPTION The purpose of the Medical Assisting Program is to provide students with a general education core complemented by focused medical assisting career courses in preparation for employment in the health care field in a variety of medical settings. As multi-skilled practitioners, graduates will be eligible for employment in a variety of medical settings. Medical assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in the country. The QVCC Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) on recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). MEDICAL ASSISTING PRACTICUM GUIDELINES 1. After receiving a written request to enroll in MED* 280 Practicum course from the student, the program coordinator will grant permission, providing the following criteria are met. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average A grade of B or better in MED* concentration courses. Completion of 48 credits including the following: MED* 111, 112, 125, 131, 216, 245 CSA* 105, BIO* 121, and BIO* 211, 212. MED* 131 and MED* 245 must have been taken within three years of applying for practicum. 2. If the program coordinator questions the clinical skills of any student re-entering the Medical Assisting Program, the student may be required to demonstrate proficiency in certain skills and/or be required to attend a skills workshop to ensure the student s skills. PROGRAM HANDBOOK 3. The student will submit in writing three selections of possible practicum sites. The program coordinator will notify the student of site placement, but placement may not always consist of the student s three choices. If the program coordinator feels the student has not demonstrated proper ethical and/or professional behavior while a student in the MA Program, she has the right to deny a student s practicum application. After discussion with the program coordinator, the student will set up an appointment with the site supervisor to discuss possible placement at the site. 4. Prior to the appointment the student will be provided with appropriate information to be presented to the site supervisor. This information will describe student and site requirements and responsibilities. 5. After the site has been approved by all parties (site supervisor, student, program coordinator) the student will draft learning objectives to be achieved during the practicum experience. This document and the Practicum Agreement will be signed by the previously mentioned individuals and the academic dean. A copy of these documents will be retained by each individual. 3

6 6. A minimum of 160 hours of practicum experience and weekly participation in the online course seminar are required to earn 4 credits. Lunch hour is not to be included in the total number of hours. An effort should be made to schedule a minimum of 16 hours per week and not less than 4 hours per day. The practicum must be completed within the semester enrolled. 7. The student will not be compensated for the practicum hours. 8. The students are to be provided with hands-on opportunities equally divided between the administrative and clinical area whenever possible. In order to provide a positive learning experience the students must be supervised while on site. During the practicum experience, the student is not permitted to give medications of any kind or take x-rays. 9. The site will be contacted by phone or after the completion of 80 hours and 160 hours. A minimum of one on-site visit will be made to the site by the program coordinator. The program coordinator will be available to the site during her regularly scheduled office hours. 10. A written log of practicum hours is to be kept by the student, signed by the site supervisor, and submitted to the program coordinator weekly. 11. Excessive absences and tardiness are not acceptable. In the event of illness, the student must notify the site supervisor and program coordinator. 12. After completion of 160 hours, the site supervisor will complete a written student performance evaluation to be signed by the student and submitted within one week to program coordinator. 13. A journal must be kept by the student. This must be submitted to the program coordinator on the first day of final exam week. A 2-3 page typed summary describing the practicum experience and accomplishment of the stated learning objectives must be submitted on the first day of final exam week. 14. The student will abide by the policies of the practicum site with regard to orientation procedures, dress code, scheduling, and ethical standards, especially in matters of patient confidentiality. 15. A site has the right to terminate a student s practicum without warning. Students terminated from a site will not be placed at another site and will receive a grade of F for the course. 16. Liability coverage is provided for the students under General Statutes of Connecticut, Section Grading: Site supervisor evaluation...50% Journal...25% Seminar participation, attendance & summary...25% A grade of B- or better must be attained in order to pass MED*

7 READMISSION POLICY FOR MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM Readmission would include students who left their program, due to either withdrawal or academic failure. A. Upon withdrawing or failing from the Medical Assisting Program, a student meets with the program coordinator to establish what steps must be taken to remedy the deficiency. The steps to be followed must be documented and made part of the student s permanent file. B. Students will be considered for readmission only once. Only under extenuating circumstances will readmission be considered a second time. The dean of learning and student development must agree to approval for a second readmission upon a recommendation from the program coordinator. In order to be readmitted, said student has to remain away from the program for at least one year. C. The recommendation for readmission to second, third or fourth semester courses will be based on space availability. ACADEMIC ADVISING Academic advising will be accomplished under the guidance of Advising Services in conjunction with the program coordinator and full time allied health faculty. Individual and/ or small group advisement sessions will be held each semester. Watch for the announcement of these sessions. AAMA CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION Upon successful completion of the QVCC Medical Assisting Program, you will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination given by the American Association of Medical Assistants. An application form must be obtained from the medical assisting program coordinator well in advance of the exam you wish to take. PROGRAM HANDBOOK PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP The College initiated the formation of the Windham County Chapter of the AAMA. Most of the members are former and current students of the Medical Assisting Program. Many CEU lectures and meetings take place on campus throughout the year so that students may attend and network with medical assistants who are working in the field. There are various fundraisers, community service activities, and workshops that allow the students to enhance their professional development. It is strongly recommended that you take advantage of the student membership offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The annual dues for students are $ This entitles you to membership in the AAMA and you will receive the official publication, CMA Today. Your membership anniversary date is established with the first payment of dues. A change of membership from student to active member may be made after the associate in science degree has been granted by the College. A membership form may be obtained from the program coordinator. Your membership in the AAMA as a student is an important first step in your professional career. After certification as a CMA, you are required to earn 60 continuing education units (CEUs) in five years in order to maintain your CMA standing. Joining the AAMA will make it easier for you to accomplish this goal. AAMA represents you, the medical assistant. Support your organization. 5

8 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANTS ENDOWMENT Entry-Level Competencies for the Medical Assistant Display Professionalism Project a positive attitude Perform within ethical boundaries Practice within the scope of education, training, and personal capabilities Maintain confidentiality Work as a team member Conduct oneself in a courteous and diplomatic manner Adapt to change Show initiative and responsibility Promote the profession Communicate Listen and observe Treat all patients with empathy and impartiality Adapt communication to individuals abilities to understand Recognize and respond to verbal and non-verbal communication Serve as liaison between physician and others Evaluate understanding of communication Receive, organize, prioritize and transmit information Use proper telephone technique Interview effectively Use medical terminology appropriately Compose written communication using correct grammar, spelling and format Perform Administrative Duties Perform basic secretarial skills Schedule and monitor appointments Prepare and maintain medical records Apply computer concepts for office procedures Locate resources and information for patients and employers Manage physician s professional schedule and travel Perform coding and billing procedures Perform Clinical Duties Apply principles of aseptic technique and infection control Take vital signs Recognize emergencies Perform first aid and CPR Prepare and maintain examination and treatment area Interview and take patient history Prepare patients for procedures Assist physician with examinations and treatments Use quality control Collect and process specimens Perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment Screen and follow up patient test results Prepare and administer medications as directed by physician Maintain medication records 6

9 Apply Legal Concepts to Practice Document accurately Determine needs for documentation and reporting Use appropriate guidelines when releasing records or information Follow established policy in initiating or terminating medical treatment Dispose of controlled substances in compliance with government regulations Maintain licenses and accreditation Monitor legislation related to current health care issues and practice Manage the Office Maintain the physical plant Operate and maintain facilities and equipment safely Inventory equipment and supplies Evaluate and recommend equipment and supplies for a practice Maintain liability coverage Exercise efficient time management Provide Instruction Orient patients to office policies and procedures Instruct patients with special needs Teach patients methods of health promotion and disease prevention Orient and train personnel Manage Practice Finances Use manual bookkeeping systems Implement current procedural terminology and ICD-9 coding Analyze and use current third party guidelines for reimbursement Manage accounts receivable Manage accounts payable Maintain records for accounting and banking purposes Process employee payroll PROGRAM HANDBOOK 7

10 COURSE WORKSHEET Dept. & No. Course Title Credits Completed COMMUNICATION SKILLS ENG* 101 COM* 171 or COM* 173 or COM* 176 MATH/SCIENCE MAT* 137 or MAT* 186 BIO* 121 Composition Fundamentals of Human Communication or Public Communication or Business & Professional Communication Intermediate Algebra or Precalculus General Biology BIO* 211 Anatomy and Physiology I 1 BIO* 212 Anatomy and Physiology II 1 LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES PHL* 112 SOCIAL SCIENCES PROGRAM CORE HLT* 111 CSA* 105 MED* 111 MED* 112 MED* 125 MED* 131 MED* 216 MED* 245 MED* 250 MED* 280 Medical Ethics Liberal Arts & Sciences Elective Anthropology, Psychology or Sociology elective Basic Life Support Intro to Software Applications Administrative Medical Assisting Medical Insurance & Billing Medical Terminology Clinical Medical Assisting Electronic Medical Records Management Clinical Laboratory Procedures Principles of Pharmacology Medical Assisting Practicum General Elective 1 For students who do not intend to transfer to nursing school, there is an option of substituting BIO* 115 Human Biology and an approved elective. Students must ask the program coordinator for this option. 8

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