Medical Assistant Program Student Handbook 2012-2013 Pine Technical College 900 Fourth St. SE Pine City MN 55063 Tel: 800.521.7463 Fax: 320.629.5101 E-mail: Medical Assistant@pinetech.edu Web: www.pinetech.edu This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call 800.521.7463 or (TTY) 320.629.1030. Pine Technical College is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator.
Table of Contents Introduction... 6 Pine Technical College Vision and Mission... 8 Pine Technical College Medical Assistant Mission and Philosophy... 9 Mission of the Medical Assistant Program... 9 Philosophy of Medical Assistant Education... 9 Pine Technical College Student Learner Outcomes... 10 Medical Assistant Program Outcomes... 11 Medical Assistant Program Plan... 12 Clinical Sites... 14 Data Practices and Informed Consent... 14 Clinical Requirements... 14 Criminal Background Studies... 15 Immunization Records/Student Health Records... 16 Recommendation for Hepatitis B vaccinations... 16 Tuberculin Test... 17 Name and Date of Birth... 18 Liability Insurance... 18 Medical Authorization (Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Requirements)... 18 Authorization for the Release of Student Information... 19 CPR Certification... 19 Health Insurance... 19 Drug and Alcohol Policy... 19 Email and Technology... 19 Name Tags... 20 Personal Health Risks... 20 Program Advising and Planning... 20 Reasonable Accommodations... 21 Responsibility for Health Care Costs... 21 Additional Costs... 21 Food and Beverages... 21
Workers Compensation... 22 Transfer of Credits Policy... 22 Academic Progression/Graduation Requirements... 22 Statement of Integrity... 22 Progression in the Program... 23 Clinical/Classroom Probation... 23 Graduation Requirement... 24 Procedures for Repeating (Unsuccessful Grade), Failed or Withdrawn Courses... 24 MEDA courses:... 25 Evaluation Criteria... 26 Course Evaluation Criteria... 26 Simulation in Health Care Education... 27 Moral and Ethical Responsibilities... 27 AAMA Medical Assistant Code of Ethics... 27 Written Evaluation (Exams, Tests or Quizzes) Criteria... 28 Project and Assignments Evaluation Criteria... 28 Competency Laboratory Evaluation Criteria... 29 Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Criteria... 29 Documentation of Clinical and Classroom Performance... 29 Attendance Policy... 30 Clinical Experience, Responsibilities and Uniform... 33 Clinical Laboratory Performance... 34 Utilization of Medical Assistant Skill and Simulation Labs in Healthcare Education... 36 Purpose of Medical Assistant Labs... 36 Mission of Medical Assistant Skill Labs... 36 Goals of Medical Assistant Lab... 36 General Policies of the Medical Assistant Skill Labs... 37 Access to Lab... 38 Attire... 38 Conduct and Behavior... 38 Laboratory Hours... 38 Inventory and Supplies... 38
Lab and Clinical Requirement Policy... 39 Lab Equipment and Computers... 39 Lab Preparedness... 39 Medical Assistant Clinic and Lab Absences/Tardiness... 39 Medical Assistant Lab Scenarios... 39 Personal Belongings... 40 Scent Free... 40 Safety in Laboratory Settings... 40 Physical Safety... 40 Hazardous Waste Disposal... 40 Infection Control... 41 Latex Warning... 41 Authorization for the Release of... 43 Student Background Study Information... 43 Confidentiality Agreement... 44 CONSENT FOR VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDING... 45 CONSENT FOR USE OF PHOTO... Error! Bookmark not defined. MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM... 46 COMPETENCY GRADING POLICY... 46 HAZARDOUS BODY FLUID EXPOSURE... 47 MEDICAL ASSISTANT ATTENDANCE POLICY... 48 Use of Supplies... 49 Immunization Information... 51 Measles (Red Measles, Rubeola)... 51 Mumps... 51 Rubella (German Measles)... 51 Tetanus/Diphtheria... 51 Hepatitis B... 51 Tuberculin Test... 52 Chicken Pox (Varicella)... 52 Medical Assistant Code of Ethics... 53 AAMA Medical Assistant Creed... 53
Glossary of Terms... 54
Introduction Welcome to the Pine Technical College (PTC) Medical Assistant Program! We are excited that you have chosen to pursue your health career with us. I want to introduce you to our program and its history. This program was created through funding Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College & Career Training Grants (TAACCCT) Health Professions Pathways (H2P) Consortium. This grant was awarded in October of 2011 with the Program being approved through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system in Spring of 2012. The first class began Fall of 2012. The Pine Technical College Medical Assistant Student Handbook has been prepared to help you learn about the structure and expectations of the program. It also provides the framework for the academic and clinical laboratory policies and requirements in order to maintain an effective and efficient medical assistant program. The Pine Technical College Student Handbook addresses the policies for all students enrolled in the College, including medical assistant students. Medical Assistant students are to refer to the Pine Technical College Student Handbook for all information that is not specific to the medical assistant program. This handbook can be found on our website at www.pinetech.edu. Please take the time to read and familiarize yourself with the Medical Assistant Program Student Handbook. It is your responsibility to know the content of the Pine Technical College Medical Assistant Program Student Handbook and Pine Technical College Student Handbook PLEASE BE SURE TO SAVE BOTH HANDBOOKS so that you may refer to them in the future. Again, I want to say welcome to Pine Technical College Medical Assistant Program. We look forward to the coming year in partnership with you. Sincerely, Krista Hoekstra, MA, RN Director of Nursing and Health Sciences and Health Sciences Nanci Milbrath, CMA(AMAA) Program Director, Medical Assistant Faculty
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the material in this handbook. All policies, procedures, clinical information, documentation, program information are formulated on the most recent regulations, laws, information and dates available. All handbook and documents are subject to revision by state and federal agencies, which are beyond the control of Pine Technical College, such alterations may supersede the information in this handbook. Any additions or changes to this handbook will be provided to the students in writing.
Pine Technical College Vision and Mission Vision Pine Technical College will be a vibrant, comprehensive college and community resource for quality education and services that improve lives and empower learners. Mission Our mission is to provide superior education and support services that enhance the communities we serve. Customer Groups Our customers are learners, employers and partners in education. Services/Products Pine Technical College provides opportunities and resources for learning and offers services that enhance individual s abilities. Values Pine Technical College firmly believes that knowledge improves lives; thus, we are committed to the following values: Respect the dignity and worth of each individual Honor the needs of those we serve Maintain integrity in all endeavors Provide quality education and services Respond to change Share our passion for learning and service
Pine Technical College Medical Assistant Mission and Philosophy Mission of the Medical Assistant Program Pine Technical College Medical Assistant Program is committed to providing an opportunity for higher education in an affordable student-focused environment. The Medical Assistant Program offers comprehensive educational opportunities, including general and transfer education, technical program education and lifelong learning. The Medical Assistant Program is committed to the advancement of teaching methodologies and technology, student development, and community service. The Medical Assistant Department believes in the practical value of higher education as a means of economic and personal advancement in society. The Medical Assistant Program respects and cares for students as individuals and as members of diverse groups, supporting their aspirations for a better life. Philosophy of Medical Assistant Education The PTC Medical Assistant faculty supports the mission and vision statements of the college as well as a commitment to life-long learning and a belief in educational mobility and accessibility. Pine Technical College Medical Assistant Program believes in establishing a collaborative and supportive learning environment through developing student-faculty relationships which are based on trust and mutual respect. Medical Assistant faculty believes that learning is an active process that is facilitated by rolemodeling and encompassing the students in a variety of clinical, classroom and simulated settings. Learning is further enhanced by the use of a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and actively engage the student in the teaching/learning process. Medical Assistant Program believes that students and faculty are responsible for the outcomes of learning. Medical Assistant education and the practice of medical assisting are based upon an understanding of the human person which is learned in general education courses. The student medical assistant builds upon this knowledge in medical assisting theory and utilizes problem solving to apply concepts and facts to medical assistant practice in varied clinical and laboratory settings. PTC Medical Assistant Program believes in providing planned medical assistant experiences to enable the students to achieve learning outcomes and develop clinical competence.
Pine Technical College Student Learner Outcomes Each student that graduates from Pine Technical College must meet each of the student learner outcomes through pre-requisite and program course work. The following are Pine Technical College s (PTC) Student Learner outcomes: 1. Computer, Informational and Technical Literacy a. Use of program specific technical or computer knowledge to accomplish practical and job related tasks b. Determine when there is a need for information, and identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use that information for the issue or problem at hand c. Develop adequate library and information skills to assist in realizing the other student learner outcomes and in achieving a foundation for life-long learning 2. Communication a. Demonstrate appropriate ability to interact collaboratively to complete technical or job tasks b. Describe how human diversity affects communication c. Deliver a clear, well-organized verbal presentation d. Compose a clear, well-organized document that is professional in appearance and content 3. Critical Thinking a. Explore possible assumptions, interpretations or perspectives related to solving problem or technical challenge b. Gather pertinent factual information and apply it to a given problem c. Analyze the logical connections among the facts, goals, and implicit assumptions relevant to the situation d. Articulate the values affecting decisions, interpretations, and analysis made by ourselves and others 4. Self-development a. Set professional goals and develop strategies to reach them b. Set goals for personal well-being (physical, emotional, and intellectual) and develop strategies to reach them c. Identify the role of lifelong learning in sub-outcomes a and b 5. Global Issues a. Demonstrate an understanding of global issues and an ability to develop an informed opinion and response to these issues b. Demonstrate an understanding of our local and regional communities, and the way they both affect and are affected by global issues
Medical Assistant Program Outcomes The Medical Assisting Program has set outcomes in which objective data is collected from students after completion of the Medical Assistant Program. Competently perform as entry level medical assistants in the cognitive (learning), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains Demonstrate professional behaviors and attitudes consistent with the delivery of safe, ethical, legal and compassionate care. Integrate strong oral, verbal and interpersonal communication skills in the health care environment Utilize technology literacy skills required to perform medical assistant duties Perform entry level medical assisting skills within a medical assistant scope of practice 1. Performance on CMA(AAMA) Certification Exam a. Pine Technical College Medical Assistant graduates will achieve pass rate for the CMA(AAMA) exam which will be equal to or greater than the national average for first time takers. 2. Job Placement Rate: a. Graduates who successfully pass the CMA(AAMA) exam and seek employment in medical assisting as an CMA will obtain positions within one year of graduation. 3. Program Satisfaction: a. Graduates who respond to a Graduate Follow-up survey will state that the PTC Medical Assisting Program prepared them adequately for an entry level position as a CMA. b. Clinical hosting sites who respond to a Clinical Host Survey will state satisfaction in hosting clinical faculty and students. c. Employers who respond to an Employer Survey will state satisfaction with over-all performance of graduates of the PTC Medical Assisting Program. 4. Graduation Rate: a. Students admitted to the Practical Medical Assistant program will complete the program within four (4) consecutive semesters of admission if part-time student or within two (2) semesters as a full-time student.
Medical Assistant Program Plan The Pine Technical College Medical Assisting Program prepares students to take the CMA(AAMA) certification exam upon successful completion of classroom and clinical coursework. Curriculum is based on a two-year planner (four semesters) for full-time students. Part time students have up to three years to successfully complete all required program coursework. Clinical experiences are offered in a variety of health care and community settings which offer students experiences with patients across the life-span. Copies of the Program Plans and Course Descriptions are available on the PTC website (www.pinetech.edu).
SECTION II GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Clinical Sites An integral part of a medical assistant program is student participation in a practicum experience. In these experiences, students care for patients at a variety of health care facilities within an approximately 100 mile radius from the campus site. Pine Technical College contracts with local and regional health care facilities to provide these experiences. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the clinical site. Clinical seats are limited and there is no guarantee that a student may change to an alternative clinical site. In order to revise a clinical site, the student must submit a written request to the Program Director outlining the specific reasons for the revision. Written requests must be reviewed at least two weeks prior to the start of the clinical course. Data Practices and Informed Consent Health information collected is private data. Facilities may impose additional requirements regarding the health of persons working in their facilities and may require that health information about students in clinical courses be made available to them. PTC may ask students to provide this health information to determine whether the student meets a clinical site s health requirements for care providers. Students are not legally required to provide this information to the college. However, refusal to provide the information requested could mean that a clinical site may refuse to accept the student at its facility. The Medical Assistant Program does not guarantee an alternative facility placement. If no alternative clinical placement is available, the student cannot fulfill the clinical requirements of the program and, therefore, is unable to progress in the PTC Medical Assistant Program. Clinical Requirements In order to participate in practicum experiences, students are required to submit the following items: 1. Background Study (MN, Federal and for certain groups WI) 2. Immunization Records 3. Tuberculin testing 4. Medical Authorization form 5. Name and Date of Birth 6. Liability Insurance (provided by the college) 7. Authorization of Release of Information 8. CPR for the Health Care Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer 9. Health Insurance (strongly recommended) **Health care facilities regulations require the above information. Individual clinical sites may require additional information.
Medical assistant students are required to have their Medical Exam Form and Immunization Verification forms completed and signed by a licensed health care provider. In addition, a copy of the student s current CPR for Healthcare Providers or Professional Rescuer card must also be on file. These documents must be submitted to the Practicum Coordinator prior to the start of the second semester. Students who fail to provide the required documentation are not eligible to participate in the practicum experience. The Mantoux will be completed within 30 days prior to the start of the practicum. Criminal Background Studies Minnesota and Wisconsin State laws require that any person who has direct contact with patients and residents at health care facilities licensed by the State Department of Health must have a state criminal background check completed. Results of the study are to be on file in the Medical Assistant department before students begin their clinical experiences. Any student who does not pass (cleared with no disqualifications set aside) the criminal background check will not be permitted to participate in clinical experiences, thereby rendering the individual ineligible to progress in the Medical Assistant program. Criminal background studies are completed yearly. Federal Background studies are completed on all students. This background study pulls information from the following databases: County search (any county the student has lived in) FACIS Level I individual ID Trace Pro Transunion (no credit check only verifies identity) National Criminal Database National Sex Offender Public Registry If the student refuses to cooperate with the either of the criminal background checks, the clinical facility will refuse to allow clinical experience participation. The Medical Assistant Program does not guarantee an alternative facility placement. If no alternative clinical placement is available, the student cannot fulfill the clinical requirements of the program and, therefore, is unable to progress in either PTC Medical Assistant Programs. Students having questions about the process or results should direct questions and appeals to the following state agencies. Minnesota Department of Human Services Wisconsin Department of Health services Licensing Division Office of Legal Council 444 Lafayette Boulevard One West Wilson Street, Rm 651 St. Paul, MN 55155-3842. PO BOX 7850 Phone (651)296-3971. Madison, WI, 53707-7850. Web address: www.dhs.state.mn.us Web address: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver/bkgdformsindex.htm
Please direct all federal questions to the Director of Nursing and Health Science. PTC reserves the right to run criminal background checks at any time during the course of the Medical Assistant program should information be brought forward indicating that the student s background study would no longer be cleared. The Director of Nursing and Health Sciences or the clinical instructor will contact the student to complete another background study. Students must remain in good legal standing before, during, and after completing the clinical portions of the Medical Assistant program. If there is an incident that could potentially deem any student inappropriate for clinical practicum, it is the legal and ethical responsibility of the student to report potential issues to the clinical instructor or Director of Nursing and Health Sciences immediately. If, at any time during the Medical Assistant program, a student is determined to be in violation of the law, and a recheck of the criminal background study finds the student to be ineligible to provide direct patient contact, the student will be exited from the program. In addition, administration reserves the right to evaluate any current charges and/or convictions. If administration deems that further action is necessary, it will be handled on an individual basis. Immunization Records/Student Health Records A completed immunization form must be on file prior to beginning any clinical experience. These forms will be provided to students accepted into the programs. The immunizations required are standards set by the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are detailed in the Appendix. If a student fails to provide the required immunization data, the practicum site will refuse to accept the student at its facility. This includes students who are conscientious objectors to immunizations. Pine Technical Medical Assistant Programs do not guarantee an alternative facility placement. If no alternative practicum site is available, the student cannot fulfill the practicum requirements of the program and, therefore is unable to graduate. Students are responsible for keeping a copy of the immunizations for their personal records. Recommendation for Hepatitis B vaccinations In December of 1991, the Federal Rule on OSHA for blood borne pathogens passed. This put into law employer and employee responsibilities for the education and management of all potential individuals who may have occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. Although your role as a student in medical assisting does not fall under this legislation, PTC feels it is in the best interest of our students to complete the Hepatitis B vaccine series. Students may be exposed to the blood or body fluids of persons with acute or chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection while performing your clinical assignment. The primary vaccination series consists of three doses of vaccine, with the second and third doses given one and five months after the initial dose. Hepatitis B vaccination does not replace the need for following Standard Precautions.
Students are required to acknowledge and document that they have been advised of the recommendation for Hepatitis B vaccination. Please complete EITHER the Hepatitis B Vaccination Verification form OR the Hepatitis B Immunization Waiver form, which can be obtained from the Medical Assistant Faculty. Completed forms are to be returned to the Faculty.. Tuberculin Test Tuberculin testing is completed through three different types of approved tests; Mantoux, blood test or chest x-ray. Mantoux tuberculin skin (PPD) test The TB skin test (Mantoux tuberculin skin test) is performed by injecting a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the skin in the lower part of the arm. A person given the tuberculin skin test must return within 48 to 72 hours to have a trained health care worker look for a reaction on the arm. TB blood tests TB blood tests (also called interferon-gamma release assays or IGRAs) measure how the immune system reacts to the bacteria that cause TB. If your health care provider or local health department offers TB blood tests, only one visit is required to draw blood for the test. The QuantiFERON -TB Gold test (QFT- G), QuantiFERON -TB Gold In-Tube test (GFT-GIT) and T-SPOT.TB test are three Food and Drug Administration approved TB blood tests. Test results are generally available in 24-48 hours. Chest X-Ray If the test is positive, the individual must have one of the following: a negative chest x-ray within six months prior to beginning clinical experience. This test may be required more frequently by clinical site requirements. or a negative blood test as is listed above Documentation Requirements Date and result of two step test, (2 nd Mantoux must be given 2 weeks apart from the first) if it is the student s first Mantoux screening. For students that have had at least 1 tuberculin PPD (skin) test in the past, this must be updated with a single Mantoux between July 1st and the beginning of the first clinical experience and every 12 months while enrolled PTC Medical Assistant Programs. This information may change depending on current practices and requirements of the healthcare clinical sites in which a student is completing clinical rotations.
Information taken from Center for Disease Control (retrieved 8/18/2012) from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/bloodtest.htm Name and Date of Birth Clinical facilities may request the name and date of birth of students who have been admitted into the medical assistant program. Clinical agencies may review this information to assign identification for computer access at their facilities. Liability Insurance Medical Assistant liability insurance is required. The cost of this insurance is covered by course tuition. Liability insurance does not cover in the case of personal injury or illness. Medical Authorization (Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Requirements) In order to provide safe and competent care for ill and vulnerable patients and meet the psychomotor and cognitive objectives of a clinical course, students participating in clinical experiences must meet the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial requirements as guided by the MnSCU Performance Standards for pre-medical Assistant students and of individual clinical facilities. (See Appendix) All students are required to have a medical form completed by a licensed medical provider. A completed physical exam form must be on file prior to beginning of any clinical experience. This form will be provided to students during the mandatory orientation session for practical Medical Assistant students. The information contained in student health records is considered confidential. A written release of information to Pine Technical College is included as a part of the health form, which is included in the acceptance letter. Some facilities may impose certain requirements regarding the health of persons working in their facilities and may require that health information about students in clinical site programs be made available to them. The college may ask students to provide health information which will be used to determine whether a student meets a clinical site s health requirements for care providers. Failure to have the required physical exam completed, a clinical site may refuse to accept the student at its facility. Pine Technical College Medical Assistant Programs do not guarantee an alternative facility placement. If no alternative clinical placement is available, the student cannot fulfill the clinical requirements of the program and therefore is unable to progress in the designated PTC Medical Assistant Program. Physical Health status documentation is submitted yearly. Upon graduation from one of the programs all immunization and other medical information on the student is destroyed. Students are responsible for keeping a copy for their personal records. Students with psychomotor and/or cognitive limitations that prevent them from independently performing the psychomotor and/or cognitive skills required should contact the college disability counselor prior to the start of the academic school year to explore services available to them. Please see
the section on reasonable accommodations. The student may not be able to progress in the program until the limitations have been resolved. Authorization for the Release of Student Information Students are required to sign an authorization for the release of information to clinical agencies. Copies of the above information is kept in the students medical assistant file and available for agencies to review, if requested. CPR Certification Students in the medical assistant program must successfully complete a CPR course prior to beginning the MEDA courses and must maintain certification while enrolled in the program. The student may choose to renew the CPR in either CPR for Healthcare Provider offered through the American Heart Association or CPR for the Professional Rescuer offered through the Red Cross. A copy of the student s current CPR card must be on file in the medical assistant office prior to beginning clinical courses. Health Insurance Though this is not a requirement for clinical or program participation, it is recommended that students have basic health insurance. College fees do not cover this fee or premium. Independent student health insurance is available. See Student Affairs for more information. Drug and Alcohol Policy The Pine Technical College Medical Assistant Program is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from the influence of alcohol, misuse of prescription medications, over the counter (OTC) medications and illegal drugs. In order to ensure student, employee, faculty, and patient safety in the classroom, lab, and clinical setting, PTC upholds the drug-free campus policy in the PTC Student Handbook and extends this policy to clinical sites off campus. Due to the nature of the medical assistant profession, should concerns arise in this area, faculty and/or administration reserve the right to address situations on an individual basis. Email and Technology In order to prevent viruses and other malicious software from attacking computers, Pine Technical College (PTC) email will be used as the form of official communication (@go.pinetech.edu). The medical assistant program faculty receives and read emails sent to their PTC accounts on a regular basis. Due to the potential for viruses and other malicious software, faculty will delete emails originating from other accounts without review. Student must check their email frequently for official communications, potential course updates, assignments, etc., from college staff and/or Medical Assistant faculty. Students are responsible for
information sent to them via their PTC email account. Please be reminded that email is considered to be part of professional and appropriate communication between faculty, administration and fellow peers. Unprofessional or inappropriate use of this is in violation of the Pine Technical College Student Handbook. Students will be required to use computer technology in the medical assistant program. Many medical assisting courses use some component of Desire 2 Learn (D2L), a web-based instruction management system. Medical assistant courses may be web-enhanced. It is the students responsibility to check the D2L site on a regular basis for course communication. It is strongly recommended that students have access to a computer, printer, and the internet in order to meet the academic demands of the medical assistant program. At a minimum, computers should be equipped with Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Microsoft Office. Computers and printers are available for student use at the Learning Resources and Technology Center (LRTC). Students requiring assistance with computer-related concerns should contact a staff member of the LRTC. Name Tags Pine Technical College ID tags are a required piece of uniform to be worn during all clinical experiences. Please see staff in the LRTC for name badge/id cards. Personal Health Risks Medical assistant students have learning experiences in health care facilities and provide Medical Assistant care for clients who are ill. It is likely that clinical experiences will include caring for clients with infectious diseases. It is the responsibility of the student medical assistant to meet the health requirements and to practice standard precautions to minimize the risks to one s personal health. By enrolling in the medical assistant program, the student acknowledges these risks. Program Advising and Planning Students are encouraged to attend group advising sessions offered throughout the year to review course schedules and obtain updated or necessary program information. If the student is not taking classes in the medical assistant department during a semester, it is the responsibility of the student to maintain contact with an advisor so as to receive critical information prior to the following semester. Students unable to meet during the group advising sessions may contact their advisor for a makeup session. If a student elects to complete the program on a part-time basis, it is important that each student meet with his/her advisor and review: 1. a schedule that meets the individual needs of the student; 2. a schedule which allows the student to complete the program courses of the Medical Assistant Program within 6 semesters;