Course Descriptions

MA-152 Medical Terminology
(3 units lecture) Grade Only This course covers the basic structure of medical words, including prefixes, suffixes, roots, and combining forms. It includes the study of pronunciation, spelling, and definitions of medical terms. Anatomical, pathological, and surgical terminology and related diagnostic tests are related to the body’s systems. Note: Course is open to non-majors.

MA-155 Medical Assisting I
(7.5 units lecture/lab) Grade Only Orients students to the role of the Medical Assistant. Students will study the history of medicine, law and ethics, medical asepsis and safety. Students will also study administrative medical assistant responsibilities such as appointment, registration, medical records and introduction to insurance billing. Students will be introduced to basic clinical skills in the skills laboratory: patient assessment, vital signs, patient positioning, and assisting with physical examinations. Prerequisite: MATH-375/376 and ENGL- 350 Corequisite: MA-152

MA-162 Medical Transcription
(0.5 units lecture/lab) Grade Only A course which applies stenographic skills to transcribing medical reports. Covers career opportunities, report formats, use of reference aids, ethics, and legal aspects. Prerequisite: MA-152 Note: Typing speed and accuracy assumed as is knowledge of punctuation.

MA-165 Medical Assisting II
(8.5 units lecture/lab) Grade Only An expansion upon the theory and skills acquired in MA-155. Students will study pharmacology and administration of drugs, certificate- of-waiver laboratory procedures, handling of medical emergencies. Assisting with minor office surgeries and specialty procedures and testing are covered. Students will also study and practice therapeutic diets and nutrition, patient education techniques, and handling of medical office emergencies. A significant portion of this course is spent in the campus skills laboratory and in local medical offices. Prerequisite: MA-152 and MA-155