Medical Assistant

Covers pharmacology and the different methods of administering medications, including injection techniques and when each is used. Students study the anatomy and physiology of cells, tissues, and skin, and the broad concepts of medical law and ethics. Classroom instruction is applied in hands-on supervised practice.

Covers medical asepsis and the procedures used to reduce risk. Students learn to select instruments for a variety of surgical trays and practice draping and positioning procedures. Includes the anatomy and physiology of the eye and ear as part of ongoing body-systems training, applied in hands-on supervised practice.

Covers medical-office tasks including appointment setting, scheduling, and proper telephone techniques, plus basic bookkeeping and payroll accounting. Students continue anatomy and physiology instruction with special attention to the digestive system, nutrition, and the endocrine system, applied in hands-on supervised practice.

Covers the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Students learn the importance of and how to take vital signs, perform a basic electrocardiogram (EKG), and use spirometry techniques, applied in hands-on supervised practice.

Covers the insurance-claim payment process and common insurance policies and procedures, plus basic CPT and ICD coding and how to apply them to various conditions. Includes the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system and related bone, muscle, and joint injuries and disorders, applied in hands-on supervised practice.

Covers laboratory safety and basic phlebotomy procedures, plus laboratory-testing procedures, an introduction to microbiology, and radiation protection. Students learn the system of color-coded vacutainers and the "order of draw," applied in hands-on supervised practice.

Students learn to perform physical and chemical analysis of urine as part of the study of the urinary and reproductive systems, and to use the microscope. Includes interpersonal communication and human behavior — including Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs — applied in hands-on supervised practice.

After completing the required classroom coursework, students proceed to a 160-hour externship at an approved San Antonio-area medical facility. Externs work under the supervision of assigned site personnel, applying the skills learned in the classroom with real patients. Time sheets signed by the supervisor are submitted weekly. Successful completion of the externship is required for graduation.