Academic Programs
Overview
Medical assistants help physicians examine and treat patients, as well as perform routine tasks needed to keep an office running efficiently. In small practices, medical assistants handle both clerical and clinical duties and report directly to the office manager or physician. Those employed in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators. Clerical duties may include patient scheduling, receptionist duties, medical record management, office correspondence, medical insurance procedures, and management of office accounts, fees, and collections. Clinical duties may include interviewing patients, patient education, taking vital signs, preparing patients for examination and assisting the physician during exams, performing routine laboratory testing and electrocardiography, sterilizing instruments, and administering medications.
Locations
Luverne
Students enrolling in the medical assistant program must possess a high school diploma
or GED. Prior to participating in the clinical practicum, students must submit health
information and evidence of valid CPR/First Aid certification. Successful completion
of all required program courses and general education courses with a grade of C or
better is necessary to graduate.
Students in the medical assistant program will undergo a background study as required
by Minnesota law.
Graduates of the Minnesota West medical assistant program are eligible to earn certification
by taking the American Association of Medical Assistant's Certification Exam.
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ADSM 1120 | Medical Office Procedures | 4 |
BIOL 2245 | Medical Terminology OR | 2 |
HC 1180 | Medical Terminology in Healthcare | 2 |
ENGL 1101 | Composition I | 3 |
HC 1151 | Body Structure & Function | 3 |
HC 1290 | Healthcare & Society | 1 |
MDLT 1100 | Introduction to Laboratory Sciences | 3 |
MEDA 1105 | Clinical Procedures I | 3 |
STSK 0091 | Basic Math (if needed) | (1) |
Fall Credits | 19 | |
Spring | ||
HC1100 | Nutrition | 1 |
HC 2120 | Disease Conditions | 3 |
HIMC 1150 | Introduction to Medical Coding, Billing & Insurance | 3 |
MEDA 1135 | Laboratory Skills | 3 |
MEDA 2110 | Clinical Procedures II | 4 |
MEDA 2135 | Pharmacology | 3 |
EMS 1112 | AHA CPR Healthcare Provider, AED First Aid Certification |
1 |
Spring Credits | 18 | |
Summer | ||
MEDA 2139 | Professional Integration | 1 |
MEDA 2140 | Medical Assistant Practicum | 6 |
TOTAL CREDITS | 44 |