Course Description
This course is structured to provide students with a clinical environment where they can develop both clinical skills and administrative office competencies under the supervision of an experienced Medical Assistant. Each student is required to complete a minimum of 160 hours of externship in an ambulatory or clinical health care setting. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in both administrative and clinical competencies. Administrative competencies include performing clerical functions, scheduling, coordinating, and monitoring appointments, understanding and applying third-party guidelines, and adhering to managed care policies and procedures. Clinical competencies encompass fundamental principles, specimen collection, diagnostic testing, and patient care. Transdisciplinary competencies are integrated throughout both clinical and administrative activities, including professionalism, effective communication with patients and teams, legal concepts, patient education, and operational functions. Students must provide documentation of a current tuberculosis skin test, a clear chest X-ray, or a statement from a healthcare provider confirming the absence of pulmonary tuberculosis symptoms. They must also provide proof of Hepatitis B, MMR, and current influenza vaccinations, as well as a valid CPR certification.
Prerequisites
HCE 160 with a grade of “C” or higher
1. Perform fundamental administrative procedures.
2. Apply foundational principles, including infection control and quality assurance measures.
3. Perform essential patient care.
4. Maintain professionalism in every interaction.
5. Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare team members.
6. Incorporate applicable legal concepts into daily practice.
7. Use effective techniques to educate patients.
8. Recognize and adhere to office policies and procedures.
9. Comprehend and implement key operational functions.