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

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

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

MA201 (60 hours)

During this course, Hunter Business School students are introduced to safety in the laboratory, called standard precautions, where emphasis is placed on the general rules for safety by following OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards and guidelines.

Students discuss the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system and male and female reproductive systems (including obstetrics) 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 the microbiology department. This Medical Assistant course continues with lessons in how to assist a physician with rehabilitation, diagnostic tests, and emergency medical procedures. Prerequisite: None

MA202 (30 hours)

During this course, students are introduced to the various parts of a computer and its operation. Included are 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 skills to the basics of Microsoft Word and the fundamentals of word processing. Creating professional memos and business letters are explored. Students learn mail processing and telecommunications, as well. The Hunter Business School Career Services department assists in the preparation of résumés. Prerequisite: None

MA602A (30 hours)

Computerized Billing and EMR prepares students to utilize a computerized billing and medical software program. Students learn to accurately input patient demographics, procedures, and diagnoses in order to generate claims and post payments.

The various forms of a typical medical office are used to compile standard insurance claim forms to bill insurance companies. Maintaining patient accounts and managing practice finances using the billing program are included.

Students are introduced to the use of electronic records in a medical practice. Topics covered are creating patient records, maintaining health history records, and reading and interpreting patient files. Prerequisite: MA502

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. This Medical Assistant course includes training in capillary puncture and phlebotomy (venipuncture) procedures for acquisition of diagnostic blood specimens. Prerequisite: None

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.

This 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

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 Assistant program students learn the specifics of blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and cholesterol. Assisting patients with special needs and patient education are included.

Students are trained in first aid procedures, wound care, and Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association, the industry standard. They become certified in CPR, a requirement of the course. Prerequisite: MA301

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, and endocrine (the glands).

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

MA501 (60 hours)

This course instructs the student on how to prepare a new patient’s medical record. Students learn to take and document vital signs, assist physicians with a physical examination, as well as with specialty exams in obstetrics, pediatrics, GI, gynecology, urology, and geriatrics. Prerequisite: None

MA502 (60 hours)

This course gives students an introduction to the history of the health care system and the duties of the medical assistant as an administrator. Patient interaction, management of medical records, and an introduction to physician-based billing and coding are also covered. Students learn how to manage patient accounts. Practice finances are discussed. Prerequisite: None

MA601 (60 hours)

This 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, pulse pressure, and blood pressure.

Also included is a discussion of various cardiac testing procedures, such as Holter monitoring and stress testing. Students also learn to properly and successfully complete an electrocardiogram, and how to observe for abnormal EKGs. This course also trains in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of an automated external defibrillator (CPR/AED) according to American Heart Association standards. Prerequisite: MA302

MA602B (30 hours)

Computerized Billing and EMR II continues where course MA602A left off. It covers computerized medical billing and patient recordkeeping, insurance claim forms, maintaining patient accounts, and managing finances. Prerequisites: MA502, MA602A

MA701 (30 hours)

Certification Review provides Hunter Business School students with an in-depth review 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.

Assessments given help identify and focus on continuing to improve problem areas leading to a successful medical assistant certification examination. Prerequisites: MA101 through MA602

MA801 (190 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