Allied Health Professions (Medical Assisting Track), AAS (AFA3) (AFA3)  Degree


Campus Locations: Moultrie (Veterans Parkway)

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Allied Health Professions (AHP) offers flexibility in tailoring the curriculum to suit the individual academic and career objectives of each student. This program entails the completion of a range between 61-64 semester credit hours, comprising 15 hours of general education requirements and 49 hours allocated to healthcare-related occupation courses. These areas of concentration encompass comprehensive healthcare programs that underscore both the theoretical foundations and practical applications crucial for successful entry into the healthcare workforce. Upon graduation, students will possess a solid foundation and relevant skills to excel in various healthcare roles. By working closely with a faculty advisor, students can strategically select courses from specific areas of concentration that align with their desired career trajectory in the healthcare field.

Length of Program: 4 semesters

Entrance Date: Beginning of each semester.

Entrance Requirements: Refer to Admissions criteria. Click for Entrance Score Requirements.

Age: Applicant must be 16 years of age or older.

Education: An applicant must be a high school graduate or the equivalent (GED). College transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Program Final Exit Point: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Allied Health Professions, Associate of Applied Science.

Credits Required for Graduation: 64 Minimum semester hour credits required for graduation.

Curriculum Outline (65 hours)
General Education Courses 15
Area I - Language Arts/Communciation (3hrs) 3
ENGL 1101

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences (3hrs) 3
PSYC 1101

Pre-requisite(s): Entrance exam reading and writing scores in accordance with approved TCSG admission score levels Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
PSYC 2103

Pre-requisite(s): PSYC 1101 Emphasizes changes that occur during the human life cycle beginning with conception and continuing through late adulthood and death and emphasizes the scientific basis of our knowledge of human growth and development and the interactive forces of nature and nurture. Topics include but are not limited to theoretical perspectives and research methods, prenatal development and child birth, stages of development from infancy through late adulthood, and death and dying.

3
SOCI 1101

Pre-requisite(s): Entrance exam reading and writing scores in accordance with approved TCSG admission score levels Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family.

3
Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics (3hrs) 3
MATH 1101

Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.

3
MATH 1103

This course focuses on quantitive skills and reasoning in the context of experiences that students will be likely to encounter. The course emphasizes processing information in context from a variety of representations, understanding of both the information and the processing, and understanding which conclusions can be reasonably determined. Students will use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding. Topics covered in this course include: sets and set operations, logic, basic probability, data analysis, linear models, quadratic models, exponential and logarithmic models, geometry, and financial management.

3
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Area IV: Humanities/Fine Arts (3 hrs) 3
ARTS 1101

Pre-requisite(s): Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores Explores the visual arts and the relationship to human needs and aspirations. Students investigate the value of art, themes in art, the elements and principles of composition, and the materials and processes used for artistic expression. Well-known works of visual art are explored. The course encourages student interest in the visual arts beyond the classroom.

3
ENGL 2130

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101 with a “C” or better. Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills.

3
HUMN 1101

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101 Explores the philosophic and artistic heritage of humanity expressed through a historical perspective on visual arts, music, and literature. The humanities provide insight into people and society. Topics include historical and cultural developments, contributions of the humanities, and research.

3
MUSC 1101

Pre-requisite(s): Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores Explores the analysis of well-known works of music, their compositions, and the relationship to their periods. An introduction to locating, acquiring, and documenting information resources lays the foundation for research to include the creative and critical process, the themes of music, the formal elements of composition, and the placing of music in the historical context. Topics include historical and cultural development represented in musical arts.

3
General Education Core Electives (3hrs) 3
ELEC-CORE 0001Core Elective 3
Institutional Credit (3hrs) 3
COLL 1500

This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/ technical program of study. Topics include: Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communications Skills, Career Exploration, Research Skills, College Campus Knowledge, Memory & Reading Skills, Presentation & Interview Skills, and Group Skills. Effective Fall 2016, students who already have an Associate Degree or higher will be given exemption credit for the COLL 1500 course.

3
Occupational Core Courses (47hrs) 47
ALHS 1090

Pre-requisite(s): Provisional Admission Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

2
BIOL 2113

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L

Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113: ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L

Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
COMP 1000

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer and digital terminology, and usage, operating systems, Internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications.

3
MAST 1120

Pre/Co-requisite(s): ALHS 1090 Pre-Requisite: ALHS 1011 Provides fundamental information concerning common diseases and disorders of each body system. For each system, the disease or disorder is highlighted inlcuding: description, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment, management, prognosis, and prevention. Topics include: introduction to disease and diseases of body systems.

3
MAST 1061

Pre-requisites: Program Admission This course introduces the fundamental concepts of medical assisting and its role within the broader healthcare field, emphasizing the importance of medical ethics, legal aspects of medicine, and the medical assistant's function as an agent of the physician. Students will gain knowledge of medical jurisprudence, professional behavior, and essential skills required for medical practice. Topics include an introduction to medical assisting, medical law, the physician/patient/assistant relationship, medical office litigation, ethics, bioethical issues, HIPAA, office protocol, time management, appointment scheduling, medical records, electronic records, medical office equipment, medical references, mail services, and professional communication.

6
MAST 1112

This course emphasizes the essential skills required for managing insurance claims and adminsitrative tasks within a medical practice. It provides comprehensive information on filing insurance claims, understanding types of third-party plans, managed care policies and procedures, insurance coding conventions, and the application of computer skills in medical settings. Topics include managed care, reimbursement, coding, accounting procedures, electronic health records, and practice management software.

5
MAST 1030

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, (MATH 1012 or Degree Level Mathematics Course) Pre/Co-requisite: MAST 1120 Introduces medication therapy with emphasis on safety; classification of medications; their actions; side effects; medication and food interactions and adverse reactions. Also introduces basic methods of arithmetic used in the administration of medications. Topics include: introductory pharmacology; dosage calculation; sources and forms of medications; medication classification; and medication effects on the body systems.

4
MAST 1130

This course provides students with an in-depth clinical practicum experience in a medical office setting, allowing for hands-on application and reinforcement of professional skills. Students will engage in real-world tasks that require concentration, practice, and technical proficiency while integrating classroom knowledge into workplace functions. Additionally, the course includes a seminar component focused on job preparation, employment maintenance, and certification exam review. Topics covered include resume writing, job applications, interview techniques, professional correspondence, workplace expectations, and a comprehensive review of program competencies to support employment readiness and certification success.

8
MAST 1080

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, ALHS 1011 and ALHS 1090, MAST 1030 Co-requisite(s): MAST 1060, MAST 1100 Introduces the skills necessary for assisting the physician with a complete history and physical in all types of medical practices. The course includes skills necessary for sterilizing instruments and equipment and setting up sterile trays. The student also explores the theory and practice of electrocardiography. Topics include: infection control and related OSHA guidelines; prepare patients/assist physician with age and gender-specific examinations and diagnostic procedures; vital signs/ mensuration; medical office surgical procedures and electrocardiography.

4
MAST 1090

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, MAST 1080. Co-requisite: MAST 1010, MAST 1110 Pre/Co-requisite: PSYC 1010 or PSYC 1101 Furthers student knowledge of the more complex activities in a physician's office. Topics include: collection/examination of specimens and CLIA regulations/risk management; urinalysis; venipuncture; hematology and chemistry evaluations; advanced reagent testing (Strep Test, HcG etc); administration of medications; medical office emergency procedures and emergency preparedness; respiratory evaluations; rehabilitative therapy procedures; principles of radiology safety and maintenance of medication and immunization records.

4
Up one level
Programs of Study