Medical Administrative Assistant (AAS) Curriculum

This course provides an overview of commonly available software tools used in healthcare, including an introduction to encoding tools and computer-assisted coding software used in healthcare data processing. Focus is placed specifically on healthcare software and its many uses, functions and applications in the medical office. Other processes such as medical office billing and information technology are also discussed.

This course introduces students to different types of healthcare delivery systems as well as how to analyze the organization, financing, regulatory issues and delivery of a variety of healthcare services. Topics include the continuum of care; methods and theories in healthcare delivery systems; and computer applications in healthcare. Focus is placed on evolution and trends in managed healthcare, including research, statistics, quality management and integrating information technologies into medical office practices. Other processes such as staffing, productivity and improving quality are also explored. This course provides students with access to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) portal used to practice, prepare and sit for the Medical Administrative Assistant Certification Exam.

Students are introduced to health information management in healthcare delivery settings in the U.S., including filing systems, storage, circulation and documentation issues. Topics also explored are the electronic health record (EHR), patient confidentiality, the impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) on medical practices and various career opportunities for health information management professionals. Students apply health information management concepts and skills to course exercises to demonstrate functional knowledge.

This course teaches the foundation of the language of healthcare. Students will learn how to pronounce medical terms and communicate medical information to both health professionals and patients. Students will also learn the principles of word-building needed for the extensive medical vocabulary used in healthcare. Students will utilize interactive technology to assist with learning, pronunciation and application in Anatomy and Physiology.

This course offers an introduction to medical coding and billing in the medical practice. This course covers the basis of coding and billing issues including diagnosis, ICD-10-CM, current procedure coding, and coding compliance. This course introduces students to ethics, legal aspects, and anatomy and physiology. This course also explains the ICD-10 Procedure Coding Systems (PCS). Basic Diagnostic Coding Systems will be using an interactive learning platform throughout the course. This course provides students with access to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) portal used to practice, prepare, and sit for the Medical Administrative Certification Exam.

This course is designed for those considering a career in healthcare leadership. The challenging healthcare environment requires effective leadership based on a shared vision of positive outcomes for the healthcare consumer. Through learning the principles of healthcare leadership, leaders should understand their own personal leadership style, be conversant with theories of effective leadership, recognize the influence of power and politics, and be able to model servant leadership. Student will apply sound leadership practices to case studies, evaluate their own leadership style, and understand the impact of negative leadership. The ability to positively influence others and manage conflict are included as traits of effective leaders.

This course introduces concepts of healthcare management for a wide variety of entry-level positions. Emphasis is on office practices including decisions on managerial style, staffing, job descriptions, mission statements, and policies. Procedures such as staff hiring, employee development and retention, as well as the establishment of professional relationships with patients and staff are explored. Additional concepts of office culture, quality and risk, non-discriminatory strategies, compliance, patient experience, and other appropriate topics will provide a well-rounded view of effective medical office functions. Student will expand their understanding of the responsibilities required for a safe and effective patient support system and will apply their knowledge by developing sample documents needed in the practice setting.

This course introduces students to the overall role of medical administrative assisting as a career. Students analyze job responsibilities of a medical administrative assistant including patient interaction and communication, scheduling, and maintaining accurate patient records. Students learn how to process insurance claims and examine various bookkeeping systems. This course focuses on the importance of inventory management as well as the process of purchasing decision making. Students also explore specialized options for an administrative medical assistant. Medical Assisting will be using an interactive learning platform throughout the course. This course provides students with access to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) portal used to practice, prepare, and sit for the Medical Administrative Assistant Certification Exam.

In this Capstone course students will continue to prepare for the role of medical administrative assistant. By completing this course, you will validate your ability to perform routine administrative tasks in a physician's office or clinic and complete the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) national certification exam offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA). MindTap and the NHA Portal utilize simulated activities, including three preparatory exams designed to evaluate your knowledge of necessary administrative assistant responsibilities. This program culminates in the identification of a testing site, registration for sitting for the exam, and completion of the exam. You will also finalize your ePortfolio which will showcase to potential employers your achievement of the Medical Administrative Certificate program and earning your CMAA Certification.

This course introduces students to the essential laws and regulations that govern the practice of healthcare professionals and the business of healthcare. Topics covered include regulatory practices, federal rules aimed at preventing fraud, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), regulations governing patient privacy, and electronic health record requirements. Student will learn the differences between negligence, criminal acts, and malpractice, with preventative course of actions. This course also introduces students to the framework for making ethical decisions and highlights some of the important ethical issues facing healthcare professionals.