MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Medical Assistant
Program / Hours: CIP 51.0801 – 2 Year Half Day Program
Course Description: A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical office administrative services and perform clinical duties including patient intake and care, routine diagnostic and recording procedures, pre-examination and examination assistance, and the administration of medications and first aid. Includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology; medical terminology; medical law and ethics; patient psychology and communications; medical office procedures; and clinical diagnostic, examination, testing, and treatment procedures. Clinical education is an integral part of the program.
Learning Activities / Modes of Assessment:
- Small Group
- Large Group
- Independent Work
- One-on-One
- Classwork Activities
- Peer Review
- Presentations
- Research Projects
- Research Papers
- Role Play
- Task based Skills practice
- Technology Use
- Tests and Quizzes
Individual Resources:
- Textbooks
- Workbooks
- Online Resources
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Computer Applications
- Proprietary Evolve Resources with Teach IRM Software
- Equipment and Tools
- Lab Simulations
Year 1
Marking Period 1 – Healthcare Foundations, Infection Control & Law
Task # | Know (Task Description) | Understand (Knowledge Component) | Do (Hands-On / Performance Component) |
101, 102 | Investigate healthcare roles, complementary health care, and credentialing requirements. | Recognize how healthcare teams collaborate to deliver patient care. | Research and present healthcare career pathways. And alternative/ complementary health care |
701 | Identify how the ADA applies to the medical assisting profession. | Understand accessibility in healthcare settings. | Explain workplace ADA compliance examples. |
105, 704 | Discuss HIPAA and client confidentiality. | Understand the significance of confidentiality in patient care. | Identify and correct potential HIPAA violations in sample scenarios. |
705 | Identify where and how to report illegal and unsafe activities and behaviors that affect health, safety, and welfare of others | The ethical responsibilities of medical assistants in patient care The consequences of violating healthcare laws and regulations | Identify where to report illegal or unsafe activities appropriately Recognize situations requiring legal or ethical consultation |
708, 712 | Discuss major legal principles and practices that apply to health care situations Discuss the appropriate scope of practice for a medical assistant | The ethical responsibilities of medical assistants in patient care The consequences of violating healthcare laws and regulations The importance of staying within professional scope of practice | Recognize situations requiring legal or ethical consultation Respect client rights and support advance directive processes Practice within the appropriate scope of medical assisting duties |
710 | Discuss client rights and advance directives. | Understand ethical decision-making and patient rights in healthcare. | Discuss patient rights and advance directives. |
404 | Perform medical asepsis and hand hygiene techniques | How infection spreads and can be prevented in healthcare settings | Execute proper hand hygiene and medical asepsis techniques |
Marking Period 2 – Communication, Professionalism, & Infection Control
Task # | Know (Task Description) | Understand (Knowledge Component) | Do (Hands-On / Performance Component) |
116 | Discuss how psychosocial and socioeconomic factors can impact a client's health | Understand cultural and economic factors influence healthcare factors affecting client health | Assess how patient backgrounds may affect their healthcare needs. Demonstrate professional behavior and communication in healthcare settings |
903 | Use therapeutic communication techniques. | Recognize and identify various therapeutic communication techniques. | Conduct mock patient interviews using role play demonstrating therapeutic communication. |
909 | Demonstrate communication alternatives for patients with various communication barriers | How language barriers and cultural differences affect healthcare delivery The role of patient education in promoting health and compliance | Adapt communication methods for patients with various barriers |
910 | Demonstrate cultural diversity when communicating with clients and families. | Understand cultural diversity in healthcare. | Discuss cultural diversity with patient teaching. |
203 | Compose and format all forms of written correspondence, e.g., emails, letters, memos | How proper documentation supports patient care and legal compliance | Create and format professional healthcare correspondence |
210 | Demonstrate telephone techniques used in a healthcare facility | The relationship between administrative efficiency and patient satisfaction | Handle telephone communications professionally and efficiently |
211 | Perform computer applications, including spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and publishing | How technology enhances healthcare administration | Utilize computer software to support administrative tasks |
401, 402, 1314 | Complete OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training and list standard precautions. Identify the chain of infection. Identify safety signs, symbols and labels used in a health care facilities | Understand how infection control prevents disease transmission. Chain of infection components and transmission methods The importance of recognizing and responding to safety hazards proactively | Complete OSHA-10 Healthcare training. Recognize and interpret safety signage, symbols, and labels throughout facilities |
409 | Demonstrate sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing procedures. | Explain how sterilization ensures patient and staff safety. | Operate autoclave and prepare instruments for sterilization. |
410 | Prepare instruments for autoclave | Understand steps to prepare an instrument for sterilization in the autoclave. | Prepare an instrument for autoclave |
1401, 1404 | Discuss developmental stages of the lifespan including the dying process and the stages of grief. Discuss the dying process and stages of grief. | Understand how growth impacts physical and emotional health. How grief and loss affect patients, families, and healthcare providers How grief and loss affect patients, families, and healthcare providers | Identify lifespan development milestones and identify the dying process and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's stages of grief Support patients and families through the dying process and various stages of grief |
1405 | Use defense mechanisms and conflict resolution methods. | Recognize strategies for managing conflict. | Role-play handling difficult patient interactions. |
Marking Period 3 – Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Safety, Emergency Practices
Task # | Know (Task Description) | Understand (Knowledge Component) | Do (Hands-On / Performance Component) |
1001 | Identify body planes, cavities, and directional terms of the human body. | Understand anatomical orientation and directions. | Label diagrams and use directional terminology in class demonstrations. |
1003 | Describe the structural parts and the basic chemistry of the cell. | Cell structures and functions | Explain cellular structure and basic biochemical processes influence patient health |
1004 | Describe how heredity and genetics influence a client's medical condition. | How genetic factors contribute to health and illness The impact of aging on body system function | Assess how genetic factors may influence patient health |
1005, 1006 | List the basic structure and functions of the body systems. Explain anatomy and physiology of common disorders of the body. | Understand how diseases affect body systems. | Identify structures and function of each of the body systems Discuss common disorders of the body systems. |
312 | Identify the major drug classifications. | Understand drug classifications and uses. | Categorize drug classifications and uses. |
302 | Explain the process to administer medications using prescribed client e.g., vaginal, rectal, transdermal, inhalation | How different administration routes affect medication absorption and effectiveness | Explain the process to administer medications |
304 | Utilize online or electronic drug reference resources | The importance of accurate medication information and patient education | Use drug reference resources to obtain medication information |
313 | Utilize dosage forms, doses, and dosing calculations | The importance of and how to calculate proper dosages using mathematical formulas | Calculate proper dosages using mathematical formulas |
1009 | Identify nutritional needs of patients with various diseases and conditions | How nutrition affects health outcomes in different conditions | Recommend appropriate nutritional considerations for various health conditions |
1230, 1231, 1232 | Perform and record measurements on an infant for weight. Perform and record measurements on an infant for length. Perform and record measurements on an infant for head circumference. | How age-appropriate techniques vary for different patient populations The relationship between vital signs and patient health status The significance of baseline measurements for ongoing care How accurate measurements and documentation support patient care | Accurately measure and record all vital signs for adults, children, and infants Measure infant weight, length, and head circumference accurately |
1306, 1327 | Obtain principles of basic first aid. Recognize allergic reactions and signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis | Understand emergency response fundamentals. | Discuss first aid scenarios. Recognize early signs of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis |
1321 | Obtain and maintain CPR/AED certification. | Understand how to apply CPR in life-threatening events. | Complete CPR/AED certification practice and assessment. |
Marking Period 4 – Safety, Emergency Practices, and Psychology
Task # | Know (Task Description) | Understand (Knowledge Component) | Do (Hands-On / Performance Component) |
904, 905 | Combine prefixes, suffixes, and word roots to form and define complex medical terms. Identify global standard medical, diagnostic, and laboratory abbreviations. | Understand medical terminology prefixes, root words, and suffixes Acceptable medical abbreviations used in the medical field | Form and define medical terms using proper word construction Recognize and use standard medical abbreviations correctly |
1208, 1223, 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227, 1228, 1229 | Perform pulse oximeter readings on a client. Perform and record measurements on a client for blood pressure. Perform and record measurements on a client for pulse using radial pulse. Perform and record measurements on a client for pulse using apical pulse. Perform and record measurements on a client for respirations. Perform and record measurements on a client for temperature using an oral thermometer. Perform and record measurements on a client for temperature using a tympanic thermometer. Perform and record measurements on a client for temperature using a temporal thermometer. | How age-appropriate techniques vary for different patient populations The relationship between vital signs and patient health status The significance of baseline measurements for ongoing care How accurate measurements and documentation support patient care | Measure pulse oximetry and interpret readings Perform peak flow measurements and document results Take blood pressure readings using proper cuff size and technique Locate and measure radial and apical pulses accurately Count and assess respirations without patient awareness Take temperature using oral, tympanic, and temporal methods Accurately measure and record all vital signs for adults, children, and infants |
1237 | Discuss usage of assistive devices such as canes, crutches, and walkers. | How assistive devices improve patient mobility and independence | Educate patients on assistive device usage |
1312 | Identify emergency preparedness plans in your community and research available resources | The importance of having the knowledge of the resources available in our county such as HazMat, EMS etc... | Identify the organizations and businesses in our county to assist with emergencies and/or needs and document the information |
1307, 1316, 1319 | Simulate evacuation of a health care center. Develop a personal safety plan to follow in case of various emergencies. Develop an evacuation plan for a physician's office. | How emergency preparedness protects patients, staff, and facilities The importance of recognizing and responding to safety hazards proactively How proper training and certification ensure effective emergency response The critical nature of immediate response in life-threatening situations The importance of regular safety training and emergency drills | Access and coordinate with community emergency resources when needed Develop and implement comprehensive personal safety plans Create detailed evacuation plans for physician offices and medical facilities |
1308, 1315, 1328 | Discuss fire safety issues and prevention methods in a health care facility. Evaluate the work environment and distinguish between safe versus unsafe working conditions. Discuss the proper response to a fire, including the use of a fire extinguisher. | How workplace safety assessments prevent injuries and accidents The critical nature of immediate response in life-threatening situations The relationship between prevention strategies and emergency management How proper training ensure effective emergency response | Execute proper fire response procedures including fire extinguisher operation Implement fire safety and prevention measures in healthcare settings Evaluate work environments systematically for safety hazards |
1402 | Discuss effective strategies for dealing with stress in the workplace and emergency situations | Understand the importance of keeping composure during emergencies and stressful situations | Conduct role play in a group with scenarios of stress and emergencies |
Year 2
Marking Period 1 – Administrative & Clinical Skills
Task # | Know (Task Description) | Understand (Knowledge Component) | Do (Hands-On / Performance Component) |
206 | Perform basic office accounting procedures | Basic office accounting procedures and medical billing concepts | Process medical office forms and ensure proper completion |
804 | Identify state and federal insurance mandates. | Understand how insurance regulations affect billing practices. | Compare state and federal mandates. |
805, 807 | Define basic and specific terminologies common to all insurance programs Identify various types of insurance plans | Understand correct insurance terminology Different insurance types available for patients | Identify appropriate insurance programs used by patients Use correct insurance terminology in professional communications |
812, 813, 816 | Discuss referral process for clients Discuss an insurance claim Discuss medical codes in the ICD and PCT | The relationship between proper documentation and successful claims processing Referral process required for insurance reimbursement The importance of accurate coding for reimbursement | Navigate referral processes for patients Complete an insurance claim form for a mock patient Apply basic medical coding principles using ICD and CPT systems |
1201, 1235, 1236 | Prepare clients for examinations and treatments. Perform draping for medical examinations Perform wheelchair transfer using proper body mechanics | Understand professional and procedural preparation importance. The importance of patient comfort and dignity during procedures | Simulate prepping a patient for a physical exam. Execute proper draping techniques for medical examinations Assist with wheelchair transfers using proper body mechanics |
1221, 1222 | Perform and record measurements on a client for height. Perform and record measurements on a client for weight. | The significance of baseline measurements for ongoing care How proper technique ensures accurate and reliable results The relationship between vital signs and patient health status How accurate measurements and documentation support patient care | Perform height and weight measurements using appropriate equipment |
Marking Period 2 – Clinical Procedures & Laboratory Testing
Task # | Know (Task Description) | Understand (Knowledge Component) | Do (Hands-On / Performance Component) |
205 | Complete a registration process form for a client | The flow of administrative processes in medical offices | Complete patient registration forms accurately |
307, 309 | Educate clients on prescribed medications and document. | Understand patient teaching and documentation best practices. | Demonstrate patient education for a prescribed drug. Interpret medication orders and recognize common abbreviations |
315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320 | Simulate the administration of oral, eye, ear, intradermal, subcutaneous, and Intramuscular injections | Safety protocols for medication administration | Simulate administration of oral, eye, and ear medications. Perform intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injection simulations |
1233, 1234 | Discuss eye irrigation. Discuss ear irrigation. | The importance of use and technique for eye and ear irrigation | Understand proper technique for both eye and ear irrigation |
321 | Discuss the usage of an aerosol treatment | Safety protocols for medication administration | Understand proper techniques for aerosol treatments |
504, 505 | Obtain urine specimen and perform urinalysis using a reagent strip. Perform education to a client on a clean catch urine | Understand testing procedures and result accuracy importance. How patient education improves specimen collection success | Collect and test a urine specimen using reagent strips. Educate a patient on proper collection. |
501 | Apply principles of quality assurance and laboratory safety in all aspects of laboratory testing | Quality assurance principles and laboratory safety protocols | Apply quality assurance and safety principles in all laboratory testing |
508 | Utilize and describe the standard blood collection tube order of draw and additives | How proper specimen tubes and order affects test accuracy | Identify tube order and additives |
509 | Perform venipuncture using a straight needle | Explain proper phlebotomy technique and patient safety. | Demonstrate safe and accurate venipuncture on training models. |
510 | Perform venipuncture using a butterfly needle | Explain proper phlebotomy technique and patient safety. | Demonstrate safe and accurate venipuncture on training models. |
1203, 1205 | Document a client's condition, including the chief complaint. Obtain a client's medical history. | How accurate measurements and documentation support patient care. | Document patient conditions and chief complaints accurately and thoroughly Obtain medical histories from patients using interview techniques |
1204, 1218, 1219 | Perform a vision screening test using a Snellen chart. Discuss a vision screening test using Ishihara test. Discuss a vision screening test using a near vision screening | How to perform vision screening tests The connection between screening tests and early detection | Conduct vision screenings using multiple testing methods |
1220 | Perform an auditory screening test | How to perform hearing screening tests The connection between screening tests and early detection | Execute auditory screening tests using proper protocols |
Marking Period 3 – Anatomy, Physiology,, Advanced Clinical, Externship & Integration
Task # | Know (Task Description) | Understand (Knowledge Component) | Do (Hands-On / Performance Component) |
201, 208 | Complete administrative responsibilities including scheduling, appropriate medical office forms, including Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP), medical release, and others | Explain the different MA administrative responsibilities for a medical. | Simulate creating a medical office appointment schedule; Process medical office forms and ensure proper completion |
204 | Maintain an electronic medical record (EMR). | Understand how EMRs are used in the medical office. | Simulate input and updating mock patient records. |
405, 407 | Perform universal precautions | The relationship between proper technique and infection prevention | Demonstrate standard precautions and use appropriate PPE for all patients, including those in isolation. |
1210 | Perform a peak flow measurement of a client. | The significance of baseline measurements for ongoing care How proper technique ensures accurate and reliable results | Perform peak flow measurements and document results |
907, 908 | Demonstrate education to a patient and their family for a specific condition or health concern. Produce a patient education tool. | The role of patient education in promoting health and compliance | Provide patient education for specific conditions or health concerns Create patient education tools and materials |
1500 | Complete a medical assistant externship. | Understand real-world application of classroom skills. | Participate in externship, log clinical hours, and reflect on experience. |
Marking Period 4 – Externship & Integration
Task # | Know (Task Description) | Understand (Knowledge Component) | Do (Hands-On / Performance Component) |
403, 406, 411 | Perform a sterile dressing change on a wound | The relationship between proper technique and infection prevention | Perform sterile dressing changes on wounds. Apply and remove sterile gloves correctly |
412 | Describe the inflammation process and signs and symptoms of infection | Explain inflammation process and signs and symptoms of infection | Identify the inflammation process and signs and symptoms of infection |
506 | Perform capillary puncture for testing. | Explain proper capillary puncture technique and testing. | Demonstrate safe and accurate capillary punctures on training models. |
511 | Throat culture collection using sterile supplies | How proper specimen collection affects test accuracy How patient education improves specimen collection success | Collect throat cultures using sterile technique Process specimens according to established protocols Collect laboratory requisition forms |
513 | Complete a laboratory requisition form | Understand the information needed to complete the requisition form | Complete laboratory requisition forms accurately |
512 | Discuss a fecal occult blood specimen, educate the client, and process | How proper specimen collection affects test accuracy The relationship between specimen quality and diagnostic results How patient education improves specimen collection success | Apply quality assurance and safety principles in all laboratory testing Complete laboratory requisition forms accurately |
1008 | Describe how the aging process physically effects the client over their lifespan. | The impact of aging on body system function | Identify age-related changes in body systems |
1202 | Perform an electrocardiogram (EKG). | Explain proper placement of electrodes and procedure. | Conduct an EKG on a patient. |
1238 | Perform suture and staple removal. | Understand proper procedure for removing sutures and staples. | Practice suture/staple removal using synthetic skin models. |
Medical Assistant
Program Description:
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical office administrative services and perform clinical duties including patient intake and care, routine diagnostic and recording procedures, pre-examination and examination assistance, and the administration of medications and first aid. Includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology; medical terminology; medical law and ethics; patient psychology and communications; medical office procedures; and clinical diagnostic, examination, testing, and treatment procedures. Clinical education is an integral part of the program.
Two Year Half-Day Program
Year One: 8:00am – 10:25am (36 weeks – 3 credits)
Year Two: 11:25am – 2:00pm (36 weeks – 3 credits)
Program Costs:
Students are required to purchase the following at an estimated cost of $500.
- TB Test
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Flu Vaccine
- Clearances
- Uniforms
- Watch with a Second Hand
- All white leather shoes
- Stethoscope
- CCMA Certification Exam (Senior Year)
- HOSA: Future Health Professionals Dues
Job Titles – Career Pathways
- 31-9092.00 Medical Assistants
- 43-6013.00 Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- 29-2031.00 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- 29-2012.00 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- 31-9097.00 Phlebotomist
CTC Knowledge Transfers to College Credits at:
- Luzerne County Community College
- Delaware County Community College
- Harrisburg Area Community College (after passing CCMA)
Certifications Available
NOCTI
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) provides industry-based credentials and partner industry certifications for students enrolled in career and technical education programs.
PDE and Local Credentials and Certifications
BLS Healthcare Provider
Stop the Bleed
First Aid
OSHA
Career Safe Employability Skills
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Medical Assisting Behavior and Safety Procedures
- Student will follow all safety rules associated with the program.
- Student will not use any equipment without first having proper instruction on the use and permission from the instructor
- Student will report any damaged equipment, accident, or injury to the instructor immediately.
- All equipment used for skill practice will be signed out for use on the sign out sheet
- No outside electronic devices will be allowed.
- Students must wear their uniforms daily and act as healthcare professionals.
- Students will adhere to professional standards and show respect as cooperative team members.
Medical Assisting Tools & Equipment (major focus tools/equipment)
The following is a list of tools and equipment that students will receive instruction on:
- Autoclave
- Needles and syringes – medication delivery
- Mannequins and models – ECGs, injections, throat swabs, etc.
- Visual acuity
- Wheelchairs
- Ambulation assistive devices
- ECG machine
- Automatic/manual blood pressure machine
- Blood glucose meter
- Stethoscope and sphygmomanometer
- Thermometers
- Height and weight standing scale and infant scale
- Personal protective equipment
Grading Scale
The LCCTC grading system incorporates three components: competencies (skill— 33.3%), career skills (work ethic— 33.3%), and theory (knowledge—33.3%). Each academic class implements a performance evaluation/student grading system that incorporates career skills (work ethic), and theory (knowledge). Each component is weighted equally.
Please refer to the Student Handbook, available on the school website at http://www.lcctc.edu for a complete list of grading components.
Progress Reports
Students will receive a “Progress Report” each mid-quarter through the mail for any student with a 70% or less, and a “Report Card” will be given to each student at the end of each quarter. It is the student's responsibility to share this information with their parents/guardians. Both reports will utilize student performance data obtained from competencies, career skills, and theory grades.
Please Note: 40% is the minimum grade for the first 3 marking periods. However, students with excessive absences may be assigned an earned grade with administrative approval. There is no minimum grade for the 4th marking period.