100 Cook Street Billerica, MA 01821 Contact: 978-667-2111, adult education Catalog Reviewed July 2014
Contents 1.0 Institutional Mission Statement:... 4 2.0 Program Mission... 4 3.0 History... 4 4.0 Accreditation... 5 5.0 Admissions... 5 6.0 Tuition and Fees:... 5 6.1 Other... 6 6.2 Transfer Credits... 6 7.0 Refund Policy/ Withdrawal... 6 8.0 Grievance Policy... 6 8.1 Step One:... 7 8.2 Step Two:... 7 9.0 Curriculum... 7 9.1 Course Description:... 7 9.2 Description of Unit Based Curriculum... 7 9.2.1 Unit One:... 7 9.2.2 Unit Two:... 8 9.2.3 Unit Three:... 8 9.2.4 Unit Four:... 8 9.2.5 Unit Five:... 8 9.2.6 Unit Six:... 8 10.0 Program Completion Requirements... 9 10.1 Rules and Regulations for Conduct:... 9 10.2 Placement Services/ Other services... 9 11.0 Faculty... 10 2
Notice The rules and regulations, policies, fees and other charges, courses of study, and academic requirements that appear in this catalog were in effect at the time of publication. This catalog is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between the school of nursing and any student, applicant for admission, or other person. The school reserves the right to introduce, change or eliminate rules, regulations, policies, fees, and other charges and academic requirements. It is the policy of the Shawsheen Valley not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or national origin in its admissions, employment and other activities. 3
1.0 Institutional Mission Statement: The Shawsheen Valley Regional Technical High School The Shawsheen Valley Regional Technical School District will offer a high school experience that optimizes student aptitude, achievement, and skills by integrating vocational-technical and academic curricula, in order to prepare students to begin adult life and careers immediately and independently. Vision: We envision that the Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District will: Expect students to reach high academic and technical achievement standards Promote decision-making based upon the analysis of data and related information Employ a faculty that is highly qualified and models adult careers Maintain a state-of-the-art facility that meets industry standards in every field Practice sound and responsible fiscal management to provide appropriate resources for instruction Foster community partnerships for the purpose of community service and integrating work experience with school programs 2.0 Program Mission The Shawsheen Technical offers apprenticeship, licensing and hobby-type courses. The goal is to optimize student aptitude, achievement, skills, and self-improvement. The adult education program strives to provide a service to the community by educating people for new and emerging occupations. Shawsheen Tech is devoted to offering skills for life beyond school. 3.0 History The Shawsheen Technical was developed in the 1980 s to offer course to adult learners during the evening hours. Over the years, courses have come- and- gone based on interest, licensing regulations and the emergence of new skills needed to power the workforce. 4
The addition of the Life Science Wing at Shawsheen in 2011 has greatly enhanced the environment. The state of the art seminar room, large working laboratory with Simulation and a media room are much needed improvements to our school. The Adult Education program is undergoing a transformation with the hope of increasing enrollment and programs. The Medical Assistant program is a candidate for accreditation with the Council on Occupational Education. The commitment to providing a quality and affordable program aligns with the mission of Shawsheen. 4.0 Accreditation The Medical Assistant program is approved by the Council on Occupational Education. Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Council on Occupational Education should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, Telephone: 770-396-3898, FAX: 770-396-3790, www.council.org 5.0 Admissions 1. The application for admission into the Medical Assistant program can be found on the website, www.shawsheentech.org 2. Applicants can enroll in one of the following ways: on-line registration, mail in registration and/or on-site registration 3. Applicants must be eighteen (18) years old to apply 4. Enrollment is limited to the first fifteen (15) students who apply 6.0 Tuition and Fees: Tuition is due prior to first day of class and must be included with the initial application 1. Tuition is $595 2. Fees: no fees 3. Expenses: student occur: Medical Assistant text book purchase, $85 4. We do not offer payment plans or Financial Aid. 5
6.1 Other 1. Students employed in the Health Care environment as Medical Assistants may be required by their employer to undergo drug testing and have a satisfactory CORI. 2. This course does not include a clinical component. It provides the student with the theoretical framework and work-based units to become an entry level medical assistant. 3. Students employed in the Health Care environment must show evidence of immunization or immunity to diseases as documented on the MA Department of Public Health website. 4. Medical Assistants may become certified by a National certifying agency following completion of clinical hours. Please refer to the individual certification agencies, American Medical Assistant Association or Nationalhealthcareers for more information. 6.2 Transfer Credits 1. Transfer of students from programs within the institution: We do not allow transfer from one program to another within this program. All courses must be completed in their entirety to gain credit for coursework completed. 2. Transfer of credit earned at another institution: We do not allow for transfer of credit from another institution as the students who complete earn a certificate and the course in sixty (60) hours. 7.0 Refund Policy/ Withdrawal Full refunds are given when a class is cancelled due to low enrollment or the class requested is full. If you withdraw prior to the first class you will receive a full refund. If you withdraw after the class has started but before the second class meeting, you will receive a refund for 50% of the course fee. There are no refunds after the second class for any reason. 8.0 Grievance Policy It is the belief of the Medical Assistant program that every effort should be made by the parties involved to settle any disputes among themselves. However if all efforts fail, please use the following procedure: 6
8.1 Step One: Whenever a participant or a group of participants has a complaint or any controversy, misunderstanding, or dispute arising as to the interpretation, application, or observation of any procedures or policies, they shall present said grievance in writing to the instructor within five (5) calendar days of the alleged incident. The instructor will arrange an informal meeting of all parties concerned and will endeavor to settle the grievance in this session within five (5) working days of when it was reported. 8.2 Step Two: If the grievance is not settled at Step One, the aggrieved participants may request in writing within five (5) calendar days of the Step One Informal Meeting, a Step Two Formal Hearing to be held within five (5) working days after the receipt of the written request from the aggrieved. This Step Two Formal Hearing is to be attended by the aggrieved, the instructor and the Adult Education Director who will submit a copy of his or her written decision on the grievance to the aggrieved and all parties concerned within five (5) working days of the Step Two Formal Hearing. Additional concerns regarding a grievance can be addressed to : Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, Telephone: 770-396-3898, FAX: 770-396-3790, www.council.org 9.0 Curriculum This course is completed over a ten (10) week calendar from 6-9 PM on Monday and Thursday. 9.1 Course Description: This course covers the theory/lab skills necessary to become a Medical Assistant including vital signs, special examinations, sterile techniques, patient interviews/history taking, electrocardiography, and basic medical terminology. Medical/legal considerations are applied throughout the course. 9.2 Description of Unit Based Curriculum 9.2.1 Unit One: The students are introduced to the course. An orientation program on the Health and Safety plan, Media plan, and safety features located in the building are addressed. This unit introduces the student to the role of the Medical Assistant. 7
Legal and ethical considerations including confidentiality are discussed. The student learns the importance of infection control and hand washing. The student learns the theoretical and clinical components to obtaining vital signs, interviewing patients, and positioning patients. The Medical Assistant learns how to assist with the physical examination. 9.2.2 Unit Two: The student is introduced to the role of the Medical Assistant in dispensing medications. Medication classifications are discussed and the correlation between safe practice and medication administration is discussed. Legal considerations and the Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act and delegation are discussed. This information is included in the written final examination. 9.2.3 Unit Three: This unit is designed to give the student the basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, most importantly the heart. The student learns how to complete an electrocardiogram, the correct settings for an electrocardiogram and correct lead placement. 9.2.4 Unit Four: This unit prepares the student to assist a health care provider with a gynecological examination. Basic anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system is covered. The student is taught how to position a patient during the examination and how to assist with specimen collection. 9.2.5 Unit Five: The student is introduced to sterile technique. The student learns to assist the health care provider in basic sterile office procedures. The student learns to put on sterile gloves and to set-up a sterile field. Basic microbiology is discussed as it pertains to disease pathology. 9.2.6 Unit Six: This unit introduces the student to the basic mechanics of phlebotomy. Students learn the proper technique and order of draw. The student practices on manikin arms. They are not allowed to actually complete a venipuncture in this lab. Students are aware of certification requirements including the need to complete a specified number of venipuncture under direct supervision. 8
10.0 Program Completion Requirements 1. Students are expected to be current in their reading and be prepared for class. 2. Students must pass each unit examination and the final examination with a grade of a 60% to earn a certificate. 3. Students must have demonstrated competencies in each unit by demonstrating skills to instructors. 4. Students must have adequate attendance to meet competencies. 10.1 Rules and Regulations for Conduct: 1. Students are expected to exhibit professionalism as expected in the role of the medical assistant in their interactions with each other and the instructors. 2. Students are expected to attend class 3. Students are discouraged from using cell phones, including texting when in the classroom/ laboratory setting. Students may leave the classroom/ laboratory to make or receive an emergency call. 4. All drinks must be covered and there is no eating during class. 10.2 Placement Services/ Other services 1. The has a placement plan to offer assistance with job placement. We do not guarantee employment following completion of this program but we do give you the tools needed to be successful. 2. The Medical Assistant program completes post-graduation surveys. We will be contacting you to ask about employment or further educational paths that you have pursued. We value your commitment to evaluate our curriculum based on your endeavors. Please feel free to email Patricia Noonan, pnoonan@shawsheen.tec.ma.us at any point and let us know what you doing and where you are working. 3. The Medical Assistant program has a health and safety plan available to you. You will receive a copy of it on the first class night. 4. The Medical Assistant program has a Media plan available to you. You will receive a copy of it on the first class night. 9
11.0 Faculty JoAnn Uglietta, MSN, RN BSN: Salem State College MSN: Walden University Patricia Noonan. RN, MSN Catholic University of America: Washington, DC Salem State College, Salem, MA Council on Occupational Education, accreditation coordinator 978-671-3646/ pnoonan@shawsheen.tec.ma.us 10