Medical Assistant Technical Diploma

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

• Medical Assistant: prepares a patient for examination or treatment, takes vital signs, performs simple lab tests, performs electrocardiograms, performs administrative functions, and assists the physician as needed within clinical procedures. Upon successful completion of the AAMA certification exam, Certified Medical Assistant status is obtained.
• Medical Insurance Clerk: processes insurance claims on a computer.
• EKG Technician: operates and maintains electrocardiographic machines, records the heart’s electrical activity, and provides data for diagnosis and treatment of heart ailments by physicians.
• Medical Laboratory Assistant: performs simple laboratory procedures and venipunctures to collect blood specimens.
• Medical Records Clerk: handles all patient medical records in areas such as progress notes and pulls records of patients on a daily basis.
• Medical Office Assistant: performs a variety of duties related to bookkeeping, typing, filing, record keeping, customer relations, telephoning, general correspondence, appointments, and patient accounts.
• Phlebotomist: obtains blood specimens by venipuncture and capillary puncture.
• Receptionist: greets patients, schedules appointments, and answers telephone.

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find other opportunities for employment.

• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Medical Office Manager
• Medical Transcriptionist
• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Registered Nurse

Requirements for Program Entry

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION
• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent. For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.
• Admission Assessment or equivalent or ACT assessment taken within the last five years. For a list of equivalents, please contact an advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
• Attend mandatory online program orientation.
• CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS
• The below requirements must be met prior to any clinical placement or experience in order to comply with affiliating agency policies. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
• Submit required immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service.
• Students will be required to show proof of an annual flu vaccine.
• Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service.
• Students are required to complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider course prior to clinical experiences. Students are required to maintain certification to comply with affiliating agency requirements.
• Complete an American Heart Association Heart Saver First Aid course.

Program Availability

A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more by contacting one of our Admissions Advisors.

Application Checklist

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Medical Assistant technical diploma in the number of semesters shown. For alternate study plans, refer to the information in the Related Links area at the right of this page.

First Semester

10-501-101

Medical Terminology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-501-101 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ...focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-501-104

Culture of Healthcare

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-501-104 CULTURE OF HEALTHCARE...prepares learners to work in the healthcare environment as part of a healthcare team. Learners will investigate the healthcare community, patient privacy standards, and the professional behavior that is expected in today's medical community. Learner will examine various aspects of verbal and written communication skills, customer service principles, and problem solving techniques necessary to be a vital member of the healthcare workforce.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-501-107

Digital Literacy Healthcare

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-501-107 DIGITAL LITERACY FOR HEALTHCARE...the course will explore the use of the electronic health record, the role of social media in health care communication, the uses of wearable technologies that monitor activity and heart rate, the use of data to manage population health and the impact of new developments on the healthcare workforce.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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31-509-301

Medical Asst Admin Procedures

2

31-509-301 MEDICAL ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES...introduces medical assistant students to office management, business administration and the electronic medical record (EMR) in the medical office. Students learn to schedule appointments, perform filing, record keeping, telephone and reception duties and communicate effectively with patients and other medical office staff, and keep an inventory of supplies. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Medical Assistant program; Corequisites: 10-501-107, Digital Literacy for Healthcare)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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31-509-302

Human Body in Health & Disease

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

31-509-302 HUMAN BODY IN HEALTH & DISEASE ...students learn to recognize human body structure and function in health and disease states. Students explore the causes, signs, and symptoms of diseases of the major body systems as well as the diagnostic procedures, usual treatment, prognosis, and prevention of diseases commonly diagnosed and treated in the medical office setting.(Prerequisite/Corequisite: 10-501-101, Medical Terminology).

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

13

Second Semester

31-509-303

Medical Asst Lab Procedures 1

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

31-509-303 MEDICAL ASSISTANT LABORATORY PROCEDURES 1...introduces medical assistant students to laboratory procedures commonly performed by medical assistants in a medical office setting. Students perform Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) waived routine laboratory procedures commonly performed in the ambulatory care setting. Students follow laboratory safety requirements and federal regulations while performing specimen collection and processing, microbiology and urinalysis testing. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Medical Assistant Program; Pre/Corequisites: 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-501-107, Digital Literacy for Healthcare; 31-509-302, Human Body in Health/Disease; 31-509-301, MA Administrative Procedures; 31-509-304 Medical Assist Clin Procedures 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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31-509-304

Medical Asst Clin Procedures 1

4

31-509-304 MEDICAL ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROCEDURES 1...introduces medical assistant students to the clinical procedures performed in the medical office setting. Students perform basic examining room skills including screening, vital signs, patient history, minor surgery and patient preparation for routine and specialty exams in the ambulatory care setting. Learner explores communication principles and psychology theories related to patient care. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Medical Assistant Program; Pre/Corequisites: 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-501-107, Digital Literacy for Healthcare; 31-509-301, MA Administrative Procedures; 31-509-302, Human Body in Health and Disease; 31-509-303, Medical Asst Lab Procedures 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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31-509-309

Medical Law, Ethics & Profess

2

31-509-309 MEDICAL LAW ETHICS & PROFESSIONALISM...prepares students to display professionalism and perform within ethical and legal boundaries in the health care setting. Students maintain confidentiality, examine legal aspects of ambulatory healthcare, perform quality improvement procedures, examine legal and bioethical issues, and demonstrate awareness of diversity.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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31-509-308

Pharm for Allied Health

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

31-509-308 PHARM FOR ALLIED HEALTH ...introduces students to medication classification, basic pharmacology principles, and supplements. Students apply basic pharmacodynamics to identify common medications and calculate dosages in preparation for medication administration. (Corequisites: 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 31-509-302, Human Body in Health/Disease)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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31-509-307

Med Office Insurance & Finance

2

31-509-307 MEDICAL OFFICE INSURANCE & FINANCE ...introduces medical assistant students to health insurance and finance in the medical office. Students perform bookkeeping procedures, apply managed care guidelines, and complete insurance claim forms. Students use medical coding and managed care terminology to perform insurance-related duties. (Prerequisites: 31-509-301, Medical Assistant Administrative Procedures; 31-509-302 Human Body in Health & Disease; 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-501-107 Intro to Healthcare Computing (or any other computer course); Corequisites: 31-509-305 Medical Assistant Lab Procedures 2; 31-509-306, Medical Assistant Clinical Procedures 2; 31-509-308 Pharm for Allied Health)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

12

Third Semester

31-509-305

Med Asst Lab Procedures 2

2

31-509-305 MEDICAL ASSISTANT LABORATORY PROCEDURES 2...prepares students to perform phlebotomy and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) waived hematology, chemistry, immunology and laboratory procedures commonly performed by medical assistants in the ambulatory care setting. (Prerequisites: 31-509-303 Medical Assistant Laboratory Procedures; 10-501-101 Medical Terminology; 10-501-107 Intro to Health Care Computing; 31-509-304 Medical Asst Clin Procedures 1; 31-509-301 Medical Asst Admin Procedures; 31-509-302 Human Body in Health & Disease; Pre/Corequisites: 31-509-306 Med Asst Clin Proced 2; 31-509-307 Med Office Insurance & Finance; 31-509-309 Medical Law, Ethics & Profess; 31-509-310 Medical Assistant Practicum)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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31-509-306

Med Asst Clin Procedures 2

3

31-509-306 MEDICAL ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROCEDURES 2 ...prepares medical assistant students to perform patient care skills in the medical office setting. Students perform clinical procedures including administering medications, performing an electrocardiogram, assisting with respiratory testing, coaching patients, and assisting with emergency situations in an ambulatory care setting. Students learn preventive care and principles of nutrition. (Prerequisites: 31-509-301 Medical Asst Admin Procedures; 31-509-304 Medical Asst Clin Procedures 1; 31-509-303 Medical Asst Lab Procedures 1; 31-509-302 Human Body in Health & Disease; 10-501-101 Medical Terminology; 10-501-107 Intro to Health Care Computing; Pre/Corequisites: 31-509-305 Med Asst Lab Procedures 2; 31-509-307 Med Office Insurance & Finance; 31-509-308 Pharm for Allied Health; 31-509-309 Medical Law, Ethics & Profess; 31-509-310 Medical Assistant Practicum)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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31-509-310

Medical Assistant Practicum

3

31-509-310 MEDICAL ASSISTANT PRACTICUM ...requires medical assistant students to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from all previous medical assistant courses in actual ambulatory health care settings. Learners perform medical assistant administrative, clinical, and laboratory duties under the supervision of trained mentors to effectively transition to the role of a medical assistant. This is a supervised, unpaid, clinical experience. CAAHEP required practicum. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Medical Assistant courses.)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

8

Total Credits

33

Curriculum Note: All 10-501-XXX and 31-509-XXX courses must be passed with a C or better.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101, is an Institutional Requirements for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C.

Flexible Learning Option

A part-time on-line and weekend track is available. This option is scheduled over a four-semester period, including one summer. For more information, contact an Academic Advisor at 920-498-5444 to schedule an appointment.

Program Outcomes

• Perform medical office administrative functions.
• Provide patient care in accordance with regulations, policies, laws, and patient rights.
• Perform medical laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrate professionalism in a health care setting.
• Demonstrate safety and emergency practices in a health care setting.

Accreditation

The Medical Assistant program at NWTC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org), upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763 727/210-2350 www.caahep.org

Industry Credentials

Graduates are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA) examination. See additional detail below.

Generally, individuals who 1) have been found guilty of a felony, or pleaded guilty to a felony, or 2) had a professional license, registration, or certification denied, revoked, suspended, or subjected to probationary conditions by a regulatory authority or certification board are not eligible for the CMA (AAMA) Exam. However, the Certifying Board may grant a waiver based upon mitigating circumstances. If you wish to request that the Certifying Board permit you to take the test, you must submit a Request for Waiver form and written evidence that demonstrates your felony conviction or plea or professional misconduct should not prevent you from taking the CMA (AAMA) Exam.

Clinical Experience

Students will have on-the-job experience in area clinics during a five-week (minimum of 184 hours), unpaid, full-time practicum during the final semester of the program. Students will be required to purchase a uniform, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances, and participate in p.m. clinicals. Students may be required to complete drug testing by clinical agencies.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

Note

• Graduates of the Medical Assistant Technical Diploma who achieve status of “Certified Medical Assistant” CMA (AAMA) or “Registered Medical Assistant” RMA and work at least 3,000 hours in a Medical Assistant role may apply for admission to the Medical Assistant to Practical Nursing bridge program. Refer to the information for the Practical Nursing program on this website for required General Studies courses.