Designed to provide students a clinical setting environment in which they build on their clinical skills and front office competencies by being precepted by an experienced Medical Assistant. Each Medical Assistant student must complete an externship of a minimum of 160 hours in an ambulatory/clinical health care setting. In the actual working environment, students will perform both administrative and clinical competencies. Administrative competencies include performing clerical functions, bookkeeping procedures, and special accounting entries. Clinical competencies include fundamental principles, specimen collection, diagnostic testing, and patient care. Transdisciplinary competencies are integrated in both clinical and administrative areas. These include communication, legal concepts, patient instruction, and operational functions. Students must provide proof of a current TB skin test, or a clear chest X-ray, or a statement from a healthcare provider indicating the student is free from symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis, and a current CPR card.
Prerequisites
HCE 160 with a grade of “C” or higher
Student Learning Outcomes
- Perform clerical functions.
- Perform bookkeeping procedures.
- Prepare special accounting entries.
- Process insurance claims.
- Acquire knowledge in fundamental principles of clinical procedures.
- Acquaint yourself with diagnostic procedures.
- Demonstrate proficiency in patient care.
- Communicate effectively with patients and staff.
- Acquire knowledge in legal concepts.
- Associate with patient instruction.
- Accept responsibility of operational functions.