AH 110 Medical Terminology - 4 Hrs.
Medical Terminology is a study of the basic structure of medical words, including prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, singulars and plurals.  The student will be able to recognize, spell, pronounce and define medical words by combining prefixes, suffixes, and roots.

AH 120 Human Anatomy and Disease - 4 Hrs.
This course is designed to introduce the student to basic human anatomy and the common diseases associated with each body system.  Included are an overview of the anatomy of each body system, common symptoms and signs of disease, routine diagnostic tests, and common therapies associated with the system.  The etiology of disease, common childhood diseases, genetic and developmental disorders, the effects of aging on the body, neoplasms, immune system diseases, and common mental health diseases and disorders are covered topics.

AH 121 Human Anatomy and Disease for Realtime Reporters - 4 Hrs.
This is a course designed to introduce the student to basic human anatomy and the common diseases associated with each body system.  Included are an overview of the anatomy of each body system and its functions, common symptoms and signs of psychological and physical diseases, routine diagnostic tests, and common therapies associated with the body system including drugs. The etiology of disease, common childhood diseases, genetic and developmental disorders, the effects of aging on the body, neoplasms, and immune system diseases are covered topics. Methods of researching medical information, including the PDR, will also be covered.

AH 140 Medical Office Procedures I - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite:  MAT 101 Fundamentals of Mathematics or Entrance Examination placement at MAT 110 Business Mathematics level.
The student studies the administrative and clerical aspects of a medical office.  The course includes the principles and applications of medical and financial records management, lawful practice, avoidance of negligence suits, ethical issues, and the role of the allied health professional in the front office. The student will develop skills and meet competencies in reception techniques, appointment scheduling, clerical duties, filing procedures, preparation of a medical record, and operation of a pegboard financial system for both accounts receivable and payable.

AH 145 Clinical Procedures I - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite:  AH 110 Medical Terminology and AH 120 Human Anatomy and Disease, or permission of the Department Director
The student will learn the theory and basic techniques utilized in a physician’s office and other health care facilities. Emphasis is placed on the theory, applicable legal and ethical issues, cultural diversity and techniques employed in assisting with general patient examinations including medical asepsis, vital signs and statistics, positioning and draping, obtaining symptoms, completing the health history, preparing the patient for the physical examination and other specialty procedures. 

AH 155 Mathematics for Medications - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite: MAT 101 Fundamentals of Mathematics or placement at MAT 110 Business Mathematics level
This course contains only a brief review of basic math skills.  The focus of this course is on metric, apothecary and household measurements and using dimensional analysis to convert between systems.  Calculation of oral and parenteral medication for adults, children, and special populations are covered.  Reading labels and medication orders, creating solutions, and IV therapy, infusion rates and infusion times are covered topics.

AH 160 Medical Office Procedures II - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisites:  CIS 114 Computer Usage and Software Applications
The student will practice writing letters for the medical office including responding to patient initiated concerns and another in collecting an overdue account.  Students will also use a computer-based billing, appointment scheduling, insurance processing, and income analysis program necessary in the management of a computerized medical office.

AH 165 Clinical Procedures II - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite:  AH 110 Medical Terminology and AH 120 Human Anatomy and Disease, or permission of the Department Director
The student will learn the theory, techniques, legal and safe practices for first aid, CPR, electrocardiography, special x-ray procedures, and procedures applicable to medical specialties such as pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and radiology. Skills acquired include emergency management techniques, first aid, correct bandaging, application of heat and cold therapies, and CPR. 

AH 185 Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite: ENG 116 Composition
This course is designed to provide general legal and ethical information for the employment in and delivery of health care in medical and dental offices, clinics, and emergency care facilities.  Legal topics include health care business structures and workplace regulations; HIPAA regulations,  privacy, security & confidentiality guidelines,  retention of medical records,  obtaining consent and release of information, advanced directives and public health reports. The ethical implications of assisted conception, human experimentation, institutional review boards, abortion, gene therapy and genetic engineering, organ transplantation, euthanasia and assisted suicide, living wills and advanced directives. Competency in release of information, understanding of professionalism, and recognition of the differences between law and ethics is required.   A Bioethical research paper is required.

AH 200 Medical Office Procedures III - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite: AH 110 Medical Terminology and AH 120 Human Anatomy and Disease
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of assigning International   Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM) codes, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, and Health Care Financing Administration Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II codes.  The history of coding, coding conventions, pertinent legal and ethical issues in coding, Medicaid and Medicare fraud, hospital billing and DRGs, and coding and billing issues will be covered.

AH 205 Clinical Procedures III - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite:  AH 145 Clinical Procedures I and AH 165 Clinical Procedures II, all health requirements completed, or permission of the Department Director
The student will develop skills for infection control, gloving and assisting with minor surgery, assisting with application of artificial supports, dressing change, administration of medications. Emphasis is placed upon theory of disease transmission, AIDS, applicable legal and ethical issues, the processes and techniques of safe practice in the medical office. 

AH 210 Pharmacology - 4 Hrs.
Pharmacology studies medicines.  Types and classes of drugs, their effects, usages, dosages, contraindications, and side effects are discussed.  Drug standards, use of drug guides, legislation and enforcement of drug laws, and common medical abbreviations are examined.  Special emphasis will be placed on becoming familiar with the most commonly prescribed medications.

AH 220 Medical Office Procedures IV - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite:  AH 200 Medical Office Procedures III or Department Director Approval
This course exposes the student to government regulations and procedures for claims filed with Medicare, Medicaid, commercial and private health insurance, managed care systems, Worker’s Compensation, and disability benefit programs.  The student also learns fee schedule usage, claim-filing processes, tracing delinquent claims, computer/electronic filing, and completion of paper claims.

AH 225 Clinical Procedures IV - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite:  AH 145 Clinical Procedures I and AH 165 Clinical Procedures II or permission of the Department Director
The student will perform laboratory procedures and meet predetermined competencies in collection, transport, handling, and disposal of specimens, hematology, and urinalysis testing. Special time and consideration is allotted for presentation of the theory, and legal and safe practice in this area of the medical office.

AH 248 Clinical Skills Review - 4 Hrs
Prerequisites: AH145, AH165, AH205, AH225 or permission of Director of Allied Health Department
This is a review of the theory and skills taught in clinical procedures classes to prepare the student to practice safely in the outpatient office and successfully pass the medical assisting certification exam.  The student will perform clinical procedures and meet predetermined competencies in any of the clinical areas.

AH 249 Administrative Skills Review - 4 Hrs
Prerequisites: AH140, AH160, AH200, AH220, or permission of Director of Allied Health Department
This is a review of the administrative skills and competencies that prepare the student to practice legally and ethically in the outpatient office and successfully pass the medical assistant certification exam. The student will perform administrative procedures and meet predetermined competencies in any of the administrative areas.

AH 250 Medical Assistant Externship - 4 Hrs.
Prerequisite:  Satisfactory completion of classroom course requirements, current CPR certification, and up-to-date health data.
The Medical Assistant student will perform administrative and clinical procedures, without payment, under the direction of a licensed health care worker in an ambulatory medical facility.  This 160-hour experience will provide the student with direct patient contact, the opportunity to gain insight into the role of the MA in a health care team, and the opportunity to become competent and confident in the performance of tasks for which they have been trained.  Specific arrangements must be made with the department director and/or program coordinator during the quarter preceding the planned externship experience. At the conclusion of this course, the student will take a comprehensive final assessment exam which will constitute part of the externship grade. The student will not replace an employee and should not expect to be offered employment after the externship.