Fundamentals of Medical Assisting, TCC (FF61) (FF61) Technical Certificate of Credit

Campus Locations: Moultrie (Veterans Parkway)

The Fundamental of Medical Assisting TCC program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in entry-level positions within the Medical Assisting profession as a Medical Administrative Assistant. This program focuses on the administrative duties that medical assistants perform, providing a comprehensive foundation in patient care, medical office procedures, and healthcare regulations. With a strong emphasis on practical learning, graduates of the program will be well-prepared to apply their skills in various healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices.

Length of Program: One (1) semester of occupational courses

Minimum Expectations: MAST Minimum Expectations

Entrance Requirements: Refer to Admissions criteria. Contact Advisor or Admissions for details. Click for Entrance Score Requirements.

Age: Applicant must be 18 years of age or older, prior to first clinical course.

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

Program Credit Hours: 18 Credit Hours

Occupational Trends: The demand for medical administrative assistants is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to an aging population and an increasing emphasis on preventive care. According to EMSI data, national employment of medical administrative assistants is projected to grow by 41.5% from 2020 to 2030. This growth presents numerous opportunities for those entering into the Medical Assisting profession, making the Medical Assisting profession not just a stable but also a highly rewarding career choice, inspiring and motivating individuals to pursue this path.

Education Programs: Generally, the front-office personnel of medical offices need a high school diploma or equivalent as most of their training is received on the job. However, employers often look for applicants who already possess certain skills, certifications and prefer formal education from an entry-level medical assisting program.

Job/Career Description: The administrative duties within the Medical Assisting profession allows individuals to work in the front office of a physician's offices, clinics, other out-patient facilities, scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports and correspondence. In addition, these individuals should possess good interpersonal and customer service skills - being courteous, professional, and helpful - are critical for this job. Being an active listener often is a key quality needed that requires the ability to listen patiently to the points being made, to wait to speak until others have finished, and to ask appropriate questions when necessary. In addition, the ability to relay information accurately to others is important.

Cost

Tuition: $1,926.00
Total: $1,926.00

Curriculum Outline (18 hours)

Occupational Courses	18
MAST 1061Front Office and Legal Implications 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 1080Medical Assisting Skills I 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 1112Insurance and Claims Management 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 1120Human Diseases 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