Medical Assistant Program

Asepsis and Assisting with Minor Surgery

MA101A (27 hours)

MA101A introduces medical asepsis and techniques used to control and reduce the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. During this medical assistant course, Hunter Business School students learn how to assist a physician with minor surgery and are taught surgical asepsis (sterile techniques). Use of an autoclave, an apparatus that sterilizes instruments, is presented. Class discussion is on a variety of minor surgical procedures and the medical assistant’s role in assisting the physician with surgical preparation of the patient, instrument setup, and patient recovery. Prerequisite: None

Pharmacology

MA101B (33 hours)

This medical assistant course introduces the Hunter Business School student to pharmacology. It continues with methods of administration of medications. Mathematical computations of pharmaceutical measurements and calculations are also introduced. Students discuss a variety of medications and their common usage. Prerequisite: None

Communication and Human Relations

MA102 (60 hours)

This medical assistant course gives Hunter Business School students an introduction to patient relations in the medical office. Medical law and ethics are discussed. Communication skills are emphasized while students learn to interact with physicians, other allied health professionals, and patients. Students learn proper telephone techniques and how to schedule appointments. Prerequisite: None

Urinalysis and Microbiology

MA201 (60 hours)

Hunter Business School students are introduced to safety in the laboratory, called universal precautions, where emphasis is placed on the general rules of protection by following OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards and guidelines. Students discuss the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system and are introduced to that area of a laboratory used for urinalysis. They learn the techniques and procedures of collection, handling, and testing of urine specimens, including preparation for microscopic examination.

In addition, students study microorganisms and their relationship to illness and study the basic supplies and equipment used in microbiology. The medical assistant course continues with lessons in how to assist a physician with rehabilitation, diagnostic tests, and emergency medical procedures. Prerequisite: None

Keyboarding with Microsoft Word

MA202 (60 hours)

The various parts of a computer and its operation are introduced. The course includes the development of keyboarding skills through the touch method, mastery of the keyboard, and the establishment of typing speed. Hunter Business School students’ progress from basic keyboarding technique to the basics of Microsoft Word and the fundamentals of word processing. Creating professional memos and business correspondence are explored. Included are mail processing and telecommunications. The Hunter Business School Career Services department assists in the preparation of résumés. Prerequisite: None

Phlebotomy and Laboratory Procedures I

MA301 (60 hours)

This medical assisting training course introduces Hunter Business School students to blood collection techniques and the hematology department of a laboratory. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and guidelines in the collection of high quality blood specimens are presented. Students also discuss the laboratory environment with an introduction to the parts and use of a microscope. The medical assistant course includes training in capillary puncture and phlebotomy (venipuncture) procedures for acquisition of diagnostic blood specimens. Prerequisite: None

Anatomy and Physiology I with Medical Terminology

MA302 (60 hours)

Anatomy and Physiology I provides Hunter Business School students with a comprehensive study of the human body through an explanation of the structure and function of its parts. Starting with the basics of cellular composition, each body system is examined with emphasis on both normal and pathological processes. The systems covered in this class include skeletal, muscular, circulatory, and respiratory.

The medical assisting course also introduces Hunter Business School students to the language of medicine. Medical words are taught, along with their relationship to the human body. The class becomes familiar with the vocabulary and word parts that will help to comprehend anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic techniques, and medical treatments and procedures directly related to each body system. This new language will be used to facilitate communication with other health care professionals about their patients. In addition, abbreviations and medical specialties are presented. Prerequisite: None

Phlebotomy and Laboratory Procedures II and CPR

MA401 (60 hours)

During this medical assistant course, the practical application of venipuncture continues as Hunter Business School students study the clinical chemistry department of a laboratory, coagulation, serology, and blood typing. Medical assisting program students learn the specifics of blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and cholesterol. Assisting patients with special needs and patient education are included. The course also trains the class is cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of an automated external defibrillator pursuant to the standards of the American Heart Association. Prerequisite: MA301

Anatomy and Physiology II with Medical Terminology

MA402 (60 hours)

Anatomy and Physiology II continues the study begun in the first anatomy course. Body systems covered are sensory, nervous, integumentary (the skin), digestive, endocrine (the glands), and reproductive. Included is the branch of medicine and surgery concerned with childbirth and the care of women giving birth, obstetrics.

Like the first course, the language of medicine is integrated into the examination of each body system. Medical words are taught, along with their relationship to the human body. Hunter Business School students become familiar with vocabulary and word parts that help them comprehend anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic techniques, and medical treatments and procedures. This new language is used to facilitate communication with other health care professionals about their patients. Abbreviations and medical specialties are included. Prerequisite: MA302

Clinical Skills

MA501 (60 hours)

Hunter Business School students learn how to prepare a new patient’s medical record. They study and practice taking and documenting vital signs (body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate). The medical assisting class covers how to assist physicians with a physical examination, as well as with specialty exams involving obstetrics, pediatrics, the gastrointestinal system, gynecology, urology, and geriatrics. Prerequisite: None

Medical Administrative and Business Practices

MA502 (60 hours)

Hunter Business School students get an introduction to the history of the health care system and the duties of the medical assistant as administrator. Patient interaction, management of medical records, and the essentials of physician-based billing and coding are also covered. The class teaches students how to manage patient accounts and discusses practice finances. Prerequisite: None

Electrocardiography and Cardiac Testing

MA601 (60 hours)

The medical assistant course begins with a review of the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) and its relationship to electrocardiography (EKG). Hunter Business School students review how to take and record pulse rate and pulse and blood pressure. Various cardiac testing procedures are discussed, such as Holter monitoring and stress testing. A main focus of the course is the proper and successful completion of the performance of an EKG and how to discern whether or not a test is abnormal. Prerequisite: MA302

Computerized Billing and EMR

MA602 (60 hours)

Computerized Billing prepares Hunter Business School students to utilize a computerized billing and medical software program. Students learn to accurately input patient demographics, medical procedures, and diagnoses in order to generate insurance claims and post payments. Maintaining patient accounts and managing practice finances are key features of the course. Course topics covered include creating patient records, maintaining health histories, and reading and interpreting patient files. Prerequisite: MA502

Certification Review with Career Development

MA701 (30 hours)

Certification Review provides Hunter Business School students with an in-depth survey of the skills and knowledge learned during their time in the Medical Assistant program in preparation for the certification exam. They utilize study guides and pretests while reviewing medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, electrocardiography (EKG), laboratory procedures, human relations, urinalysis, microbiology, administrative procedures, and computer applications. Also included are instructions and training on how to complete an employment application and secure a job interview. Prerequisites: MA101 through MA602

Externship

MA801 (160 hours)

During the school externship phase of training, students of both Levittown and Medford campuses are placed in a medical facility for real-world experience. They observe experienced medical personnel and perform the duties of a medical assistant under the strict supervision of trained professionals. Hunter Business School students are evaluated by the site supervisor on the basis of performance. Prerequisites: MA101 through MA701