General Information Administrative Medical Assistant Technology is an associate degree program offering a balance of training in clinical and administrative skills needed in today s rapidly changing medical environment. On the clinical side, students learn about the human body as a whole, functioning unit; about providing the best in patient care; and about diagnostic techniques. On the administrative side, students gain an understanding of the changing health care system of the United States and its business aspects, such as the scheduling and tracking of patients; billing and charging; and the preparation of medical reports. Both clinical and administrative knowledge are deepened by extensive laboratory experiences with equipment found in industry and software used in computerized medical transcription, computerized billing and record-keeping. The program culminates in the student's being able to perform diagnostic testing commonly done in a physician's office, clinic or laboratory on each of the body systems and with the further ability to manage all administrative aspects of a modern medical environment. Graduates may work in an individual physician s office or in a larger organization such as a hospital or health maintenance organization.
Curriculum Quarter I BIO 100 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 0 4 AHS 100 Medical Terminology I 1 0 1 AHS 130 Professional Adjustment 3 0 3 MA 110 Introduction to College Math 4 0 4 EN 101 English I -or- EN 102 English II 4 0 4 TEC 101 First Quarter Professional Seminar 1 1 1 TEC 102 Developing Leadership Skills 0 1 1 17 2 18 Quarter II BIO 120 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 0 4 AHS 120 Medical Terminology II 1 0 1 AMA 128 Comprehensive WP I (1st 5 weeks) 1 2 2 AMA 129 Comprehensive WP II (2nd 5 weeks) 1 2 2 AMA 126 Medical Documents and Communication 0 2 1 EN 102 English II -or- Humanities or Social Science Elective 4 0 4 MA 121 Business Math 4 0 4 15 6 18 Quarter III AHS 131 Advanced Medical Language 2 0 2 AHS 132 Clinical Laboratory Tests 2 0 2 AHS 200 Ethics and Professionalism in Health 3 0 3 BIO 131 Pathophysiology 2 0 2 AMA 137 Patient Care Techniques I 1 6 4 BU 235 Business Law 4 0 4 14 6 17
Curriculum Quarter IV AMA 218 Comprehensive Medical Transcription I (1st 5 weeks) 1 4 3 AMA 219 Comprehensive Medical Transcription II (2nd 5 weeks) 1 4 3 AMA 217 Patient Care Techniques II 2 6 5 PS 201 Introduction to Psychology 4 0 4 8 14 15 Quarter V AMA 226 Medication Considerations & Applications 0 2 1 AMA 227 Laboratory Applications I 2 4 4 AMA 228 Comprehensive Medical Office Practice I (1st 5 weeks) 1 4 3 AMA 229 Comprehensive Office Practice II (2nd 5 weeks) 1 4 3 AMA 236 Externship I 1 9 4 5 23 15 Quarter VI AMA 237 Laboratory Applications II 2 6 5 AMA 238 Externship II 1 9 4 AMA 239 Clinical Project 0 2 1 AMA 234 Computerized Medical Office Procedures II 2 2 3 Humanities or Social Science Elective 4 0 4 Humanities or Social Science Elective 4 0 4 Total Credits 101 QH 11 17 18 Legend C = Number of lecture hours per week L = Number of laboratory hours per week T = Total Quarter Hours where each lecture hour per week is one credit and each pair of laboratory hours per week is one credit
Course Descriptions AHS 100 Medical Terminology I 1 Class Hour 1 Quarter Credit Hour An introduction to basic and advanced medical terms used in health care regarding the following systems of the human body: Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine. AHS 120 Medical Terminology II 1 Class Hour 1 Quarter Credit Hour An introduction to basic and advanced medical terms used in health care regarding the following systems of the human body: Digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, urinary and reproductive systems. AHS 130 Professional Adjustment 3 Class Hours 3 Quarter Credit Hours Topics covered include appropriate methods of verbal and nonverbal communication for the student health professional. State-of-the-art issues and practice concerns emerging into the work world, assuring quality and competency, and professional leadership are some topics discussed. Developing understanding of the response to psycho-social stress in the patient and within the medical team is explored. Effective listening in the health care setting is also covered. Students will prepare a clinical paper and presentation as well as a resume. AHS 131 Advanced Medical Language 2 Class Hours 2 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AHS 100 & AHS 120 This course builds on the medical language learned in Medical Terminology I and II but also includes symbols and charting abbreviations, chemical symbols, laboratory test abbreviations and medical terminology of specialty areas of medicine. The student will learn to communicate both verbally and through the written word medical information common to the workplace. AHS 132 Clinical Laboratory Tests 2 Class Hours 2 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: Must be taken concurrently with BIO 131 Diagnostic laboratory tests common to outpatients are studied in a system-by-system approach with implications for health care workers discussed. AHS 200 Ethics and Professionalism in Health 3 Class Hours 3 Quarter Credit Hours An introduction to the development and use of communication skills and their relationship to health professionals. Course content will include stress management, medical moral decision making processes in health, assertiveness skills and employer-employee relationships. Emphasis will be on interactions with physicians. AMA 126 Medical Documents & Communication 0 Class Hours 2 Lab Hours 1 Quarter Credit Hour This course will introduce the student to the patient record and records management. Topics will include the importance of the patient record, initiating and maintaining the medical record, charting formats and accuracy, common medical abbreviations as well as filing equipment and systems. Telephone technology and techniques will also be discussed and applied. This course is geared to actual practice of topics introduced.
Course Descriptions AMA 128 Comprehensive Word Processing I 1 Class Hour 2 Lab Hours 2 Quarter Credit Hours Dedicated to the introduction to keyboarding and developing of proper touch techniques using the personal computer. Basic keyboarding, speed building, accuracy, and number and symbol proficiency is stressed. Efficient work habits are mastered. AMA 129 Comprehensive Word Processing II 1 Class Hour 2 Lab Hours 2 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 128 Dedicated to the introduction to word processing and those commands necessary to format and produce business correspondence, reports, and memos using Microsoft Word. AMA 137 Patient Care Techniques I 1 Class Hour 6 Lab Hours 4 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: BIO 100 & BIO 120 A competency-based introduction to patient centered procedures routinely performed in the medical office. Topics include infection control, patient exams, vital signs, assistive devices, hot & cold application, wound management, and principles of nutrition. AMA 217 Patient Care Techniques II 2 Class Hours 6 Lab Hours 5 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 137 As a competency-based introduction to exam room procedures the student will master the basic techniques of eye and ear testing, x-ray preparation, sterile technique, minor surgery preparation and assistance, managing medical emergencies, computerized multichannel diagnostic EKG's and patient education. AMA 218 Comprehensive Medical Transcription I 1 Class Hour 4 Lab Hours 3 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 128 & AMA 129 The student exercises acquired skills in keyboarding in the use of dictating equipment and a PC to transcribe various parts of the medical record including memos, letters, and medical documents. Word processing is continued and basic commands are mastered to save, retrieve, edit, and print these medically oriented documents. AMA 219 Comprehensive Medical Transcription II 1 Class Hour 4 Lab Hours 3 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 218 In-depth operations of word processing will be utilized to produce complete medical transcripts. Proofreading skills are emphasized. Changing default settings and the use of the thesaurus are among the commands that will be employed to construct precise medical histories, x-ray, operative and consultation reports, as well as discharge summaries. Mail-able transcripts are the expected outcome. AMA 226 Medication Considerations & Applications 0 Class Hours 2 Lab Hours 1 Quarter Credit Hour Prerequisite: AMA 137 & AMA 217 This course will apply the basic principles of medication preparation and administration, focusing on the knowledge and skills required for safe and effective administration. Emphasis will be placed on legal and ethical implications, source of drugs, drug relations, drug references, drug actions, forms of drugs, labeling, storage, and handling, systems of measurement and dosage calculations. Guidelines for the preparation and administration of medication will also be applied. Upon completion the student should be able to prepare and administer oral, intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medication using proper techniques.
Course Descriptions AMA 227 Laboratory Applications I 2 Class Hours 4 Lab Hours 4 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 217 This course is designed to assist the student to develop the skills necessary to perform routine laboratory procedures in the medical office. Topics will include: Laboratory safety, microscope use, urine collection methods & testing, microbiological testing, pregnancy testing, Pap smears & PKU testing. Quality assurance methods will also be discussed. AMA 228 Comprehensive Medical Office Practice I 1 Class Hour 4 Lab Hours 3 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 218 & AMA 219 An overview of insurance coverage in the United States is presented. The proper, efficient, and accurate completion of the many types of insurance forms is taught on the personal computer using medical practice management software. Blue Shield, Medicare, Medicaid, Workers' Compensation and private insurance are taught and practiced. Correct procedure coding using CPT codes is researched. Diagnosis coding for maximal reimbursement utilizing ICD-9-CM codes is perfected. Multiple exercises are included to allow the student to exercise newly acquired skills. AMA 229 Comprehensive Medical Office Practice II 1 Class Hour 4 Lab Hours 3 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 228 This course is designed to familiarize the student with computerized managed care of a medical environment and to assist them in developing the confidence and skills necessary to become a successful user of managed care software. It includes an understanding of managed care and how it operates, managed care contracts, various types of referrals, and financial management reports. Practice exercises will be provided throughout the course in order to afford the student the opportunity to apply learned concepts. Upon completion, the student is able to perform computerized management duties as an entry-level practitioner. AMA 234 Computerized Medical Office Procedures II 2 Class Hours 2 Lab Hours 3 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 224 This advanced course offers the final preparation for the management of a medical environment. All administrative procedures are reviewed. Preparation for career-seeking is included. The emphasis is on professional managerial responsibility using the technique of the simulated office environment. An audio program is utilized for telephone techniques. Included are computerized preparation of agendas, travel itineraries, billing procedures and organizing complete patient records. Meeting deadlines is stressed. AMA 236 Externship I 9 Field Hours 1 Class Hour 4 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisites: AMA 137, AMA 217, AMA 218, AMA 219, AHS 131, AHS 132, AHS 200, BIO 131, PS 201 Preparation for the Externship experience begins with an in class overview of the entire experience. The student will be guided through the completion of job seeking documents to include the resume, reference list, cover letter, and thank you letter. Selection of site by the student according to personal interests is supported and completion of necessary documents and contracts is completed in conjunction with the chosen site and the department chair. The student will use the administrative and clinical skills acquired through the technology to work as an entry-level professional administrative medical assistant in a hospital, clinic, laboratory, or physician's office. The student will complete 90 hours at the site and be independently evaluated.
Course Descriptions AMA 237 Laboratory Applications II 2 Class Hours 6 Lab Hours 5 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 217 This course is designed to assist the student to develop the skills necessary to perform routine laboratory procedures in the medical office. Topics will include: Laboratory safety, microscope use, blood collection methods, pertinent immunology, hematology and blood chemistry tests. Included are correlated theory and supervised laboratory practice. Quality assurance methods will also be discussed. AMA 238 Externship II 9 Field Hours 1 Class Hour 4 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: AMA 236; must be taken concurrently with AMA 239 This course is a continuation of AMA 236, Externship I. The student completes an additional 90 hours of more complex experiences at the chosen site, completes a final evaluation of the Externship experience as well as a self evaluation. The student will communicate weekly experiences through various media, including both written and electronic methods. Candidates for this course will be expected to be at or near completion of the Associate Degree. AMA 239 Clinical Project 2 Lab Hours 1 Quarter Credit Hour Prerequisite: AMA 236; must be taken concurrently with AMA 238 Using data, documents and exhibits collected in the Externship setting, the student will construct a detailed report of the entire Externship experience with documentation. Emphasized will be the learning activities, patient care assignments, acquisition of work ethic and exercise of skills acquired while in the program and common to the student's unique experience in the field. During this faculty-mentored course, the student is guided through self-assessment and evaluation as well as research on the site and its personnel in order to integrate the theory of all completed AMA courses to the actual reality based experience of Externship. As an integration of learned administrative, laboratory, clinical and medical skills, this capstone project is a highlight of the AMA program of study. BIO 100 Anatomy & Physiology I 4 Class hours 4 Quarter Credit Hours A comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body as a whole, emphasizing the normal which will serve as a background for the application of scientific principles both in everyday life and in the work of various health disciplines. Systems covered include integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine with respect to both histological and gross anatomy. BIO 120 Anatomy & Physiology II 4 Class hours 4 Quarter Credit Hours A continuation of Anatomy & Physiology I concentrating on circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. BIO 131 Pathophysiology 2 Class Hours 2 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: BIO 100 & BIO 120 An introduction to the processes of disease and its effects on the body, and the basic responses of cells, tissues, and organ systems to these disorders. General phenomena such as inflammation, immune response, and carcinogenesis will be considered as well as a survey of disorders characteristic of the various organ systems using a system by system approach.
Questions and Answers 1. When do my classes meet? Day Classes: technical classes normally meet for three hours a day five days a week. Classes normally begin in the early morning (7:45), late morning (usually 11:25), or mid afternoon. A technical time slot may vary from quarter to quarter. Evening Classes: technical classes meet on the average of three nights a week, although there may be times when they will meet four nights a week. Classes normally begin at 5:45. IN ADDITION, to achieve your associate degree, you will take a total of approximately eight liberal arts courses, which will be scheduled around your technical schedule over the course of your entire program. Each liberal arts course meets approximately four hours per week. Liberal arts courses are offered days, evenings, and Saturdays. At the beginning of each quarter you will receive a detailed schedule giving the exact time of all your classes. 2. How large will my classes be? The average size for a class is about 20 to 25 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time. 3. How much time will I spend in lab? Almost half of the time in your technical courses consists of laboratory work. In order for you to get the most out of your laboratory experiences, you will first receive a thorough explanation of the theory behind your lab work. 4. Where do my classes meet? You should be prepared to attend classes at any of NEIT s classroom facilities: either on Access Road or at the Post Road campus. 5. I have not earned my high school diploma or GED: can I enroll in an associate degree program? If you are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance, your admissions officer will set up an appointment for you at the New England Tech Academic Skills Center (ASC). ASC staff will administer a standardized test approved by the federal government for determining a student s ability to benefit from a program. If you pass the test, you may enroll in an associate degree program. To enter a bachelor degree program, you need to have completed an associate degree or the equivalent. 6. How long should it take me to complete my program? To complete your degree requirements in the shortest possible time, you should take the courses outlined in the prescribed curriculum. For a typical six-quarter curriculum, a student may complete the requirements in as little as 18 months. To complete all your degree requirements in the shortest time, you should take at least one liberal arts course each quarter. Students who need more time to complete their curriculum may postpone some of the liberal arts courses until after the completion of the technical requirements. Students are provided up to two additional quarters of study to complete the liberal arts requirements without any additional tuition assessment. During these additional quarters of study, students are required to pay all applicable fees. Students may also elect to complete some of their liberal arts requirements during Intersession, a special five-week term scheduled between the Spring and Summer Quarters. Students will not be assessed any additional tuition for liberal arts courses taken during the Intersession.
Questions and Answers Students wishing to extend the number of quarters needed to complete the required technical courses in their curriculum will be assessed additional tuition and fees. 7. How many credits do I need to acquire my financial aid? In order to be eligible for the maximum financial aid award, you need to maintain at least 12 credits per academic quarter. 8. What does my program cost? The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials. Students who decide to take more quarters than the enrollment agreement describes to complete the technical courses in their curriculum will be subject to additional fees and possible additional tuition costs. Students who require prerequisite courses will incur additional tuition and fees above those outlined in their enrollment agreement. If a student elects to take a course(s) outside of the prescribed curriculum, additional tuition and fees will be assessed. Remember, students who withdraw and re-enter, one time only, pay the tuition rate that was in effect for them at the time of their last day of attendance for up to one year from their last day of attendance. Second re-entrees and beyond pay the tuition rate in effect at the time they re-enter. The most economical way for you to complete your college degree is to begin your program now and continue your studies straight through for the six quarters necessary to complete your degree requirements. 9. Is NEIT accredited? NEIT is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC s) Commission on Technical and Career Institutions. Accreditation by NEASC is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditation in addition to accreditation by NEASC. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT s catalog. 10. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at NEIT to another college? The transferability of a course is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information. 11. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to NEIT? Transfer credit for appropriate courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered for courses in which the student has earned "C" or above. An official transcript from the other institution must be received before the end of the first week of the quarter for transfer credit to be granted for courses to be taken during that quarter. Students will receive a tuition reduction for the approved technical courses based on the program rate and will be applied against the final technical quarter's tuition amount. No tuition credit is provided for courses which are not a part of the technical curriculum. 12. What kind of employment assistance does NEIT offer? The Office of Career Services assists NEIT students and graduates in all aspects of the job search, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and the development of a job search strategy. Upon completion of their program, students may submit a resume to be circulated to employers for technical employment opportunities. Employers regularly contact us about our graduates. In addition, our Office of Career Services contacts employers to develop job leads. A strong relationship with employers exists as a result of our training students to meet the needs of industry for over fifty years. No school can, and NEIT does not, guarantee to its graduates employment or a specific starting salary.
Questions and Answers 13. Where will job opportunities exist? Graduates have obtained employment in the local area. However, one of the most exciting aspects of this technology is the ability to look nationally for employment opportunities. 14. What is an Administrative Medical Assistant? A medical assistant is an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in a variety of medical environments. The medical assistant is a vital liaison between the doctor and the patient and plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment. 15. Who employs Administrative Medical Assistants? Clinics Health Care Agencies Hospitals Insurance Companies Doctors' Offices Health Equipment Suppliers Emergency Rooms Group Health Organizations Laboratories Home Health Agencies Health Departments Hospice Care Long Term Care Facilities 16. What types of tasks are done by medical assistants in these areas? You may be involved in many of the following tasks: Patient Care Record medical histories Take vital signs Chart patient information Administer medications and injections Prepare patient and room for examination Patient instruction and education Laboratory Perform EKG's Collect and prepare specimens Sterilize instruments Assist with x-ray procedures Perform basic laboratory tests Draw blood Administrative Schedule and receive patients Telephone and written communications Arrange hospital admissions and testing Clerical Medical records management Third party billing Maintain medical inventory Keep office financial records
Questions and Answers 17. Will I actually have the opportunity to practice these skills on real patients? A 6-credit 180-hour Externship experience in your final quarter is a highlight of the curriculum. You will function as a beginning medical professional in a specialty area in the medical community that you have selected. This course (Externship) contains all of the necessary components to assist you with a successful job hunt, such as resume writing, constructing reference lists, and workshops on proper interviewing techniques. 18. Will I learn how to give injections and take blood? You will not only learn phlebotomy (how to take blood) and injection administration, you will learn how to deliver medication by all routes, perform venipuncture, ultrasound administration, automated blood chemistries and other highly technical skills. 19. I have not earned my high school diploma or GED, can I enroll in the program? If you are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance, your admissions officer will set up an appointment for you at the New England Tech Academic Skills Center (ASC). ASC staff will administer a standardized test which has been approved by the federal government for determining a student s ability to benefit from a program. If you pass the test, you may enroll in the program. 20. Will this program prepare me for national certification exams? Though certification in this field is voluntary, you will learn the appropriate material to prepare you for the American Association of Medical Assistants certification exam. 21. How much class time is devoted to clinical medical assisting and how much to the administrative aspects? The curriculum is approximately 1/3 administrative and 2/3 clinical laboratory and theory. 22. Does this technology have a dress code? Yes. Uniforms must be worn at every technical session. Information about uniforms and patches will be supplied to you on the first day of classes. You do not need a uniform the first week of classes. A college representative has reviewed all of the above material with me and I have received a copy. Signature: Date: (Rev. 8/30/01 SC)