Chabot College
MA 70A, Page 2
Fall 2001
Chabot College Fall 2001
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for Medical Assisting 70A
CLINICAL SKILLS FOR THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT I
Catalog Description:
70A - Clinical Skills For The Medical Assistant I 3 units
Introduction to the clinical role of the Medical Assistant. Includes basic and advanced skills which are utilized when assisting the physician and performing direct patient care. Prerequisite: Health 51A (may be taken concurrently). 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 35, laboratory 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course, the student should be able to:
1. describe the components of medical terms;
2. build medical terms using word parts;
3. define a medical term, by dividing it into its elements;
4. spell and pronounce medical terms;
5. apply medical terms and abbreviations appropriately;
6. identify word roots, suffixes, prefixes, anatomical, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and additional terms as they relate to each body system;
7. describe elements of selected disease processes, such as HIV/AIDS.
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. explain the role and scope of practice of the professional clinical Medical Assistant;
2. explain the need for patient confidentiality;
3. identify the fundamental concepts of infection control;
4. demonstrate the proper procedure for handwashing;
5. demonstrate the proper methods for obtaining and recording vital signs;
6. recognize the importance of reporting significant changes in patient's health status;
7. demonstrate how to assist the physician with a complete patient examination;
8. explain the psychology and sociology of patient care;
9. conduct a comprehensive patient interview;
10. describe the specific evaluation and treatment of the eye and the ear;
11. demonstrate safety measures for clients and other members of the health care team;
12. communicate effectively with clients and other members of the health care team;
13. demonstrate the promotion of tissue healing through the use of physical therapy;
14. demonstrate the proper procedures for sterilization and disinfection;
15. demonstrate the proper procedures involved in assisting the physician with all
aspects of minor office surgery;
16. describe the role of laboratory tests in patient assessment; to include specific
forms, collection of specimens, careful handling of specimens, and the interpretation
of data;
17. demonstrate the proper procedure for performing a urinalysis;
18. describe the process of oxygen administration using various delivery systems.
Course Content:
1. Scope of practice of the Professional Clinical Medical Assistant
2. Patient confidentiality
a. Verbal
b. Written
c. Computer
d. Fax machine
e. Release of information
3. Medical asepsis and infection control
4. Vital Signs
5. Patient examination
6. Psychology and sociology of patient care
a. Patient’s needs
b. Patient behaviors
c. Effects of needs on behaviors
7. Interview techniques
8. Documentation
a. In medical record
b. Correction of medical records
9. Patient safety
10. Care of the eye
11. Care of the ear
12. Communication techniques
a. Verbal
b. Nonverbal
c. Nonaggressive language
d. Active listening
e. Personal bias/prejudice
f. Cultural differences
g. Techniques to enhance communication
13. Physical therapy
14. Sterilization and disinfection
15. Minor Office surgery
16. Introduction to the Clinical Laboratory
17. Urinalysis
a. Types of specimens
b. Tests: Physical, Chemical and Microscopic
18. Oxygen administration
19. Medical emergencies and emergency equipment in the medical office
Method of Presentation:
1. Lecture/discussion
2. Skill demonstration
3. Audio-visual materials
4. Anatomical models and drawings
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
1. Typical assignments
a. Homework – worksheets on vital signs
b. Conversions
c. Medication calculations
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a. Satisfactory completion of clinical competencies
b. Quizzes
c. Midterm and final examination
Textbook(s) (typical):
Clinical Skills for the Medical Assistant, Lindh, Pooler, Tamparo, Cerrato, Delmar , 1998
Special Student Materials:
1. Laboratory coat
2. Watch with sweep second hand
3. Student name badge
Revised 12-1-00