Clinical Practicum

Course Number:
MA 270
Transcript Title:
Clinical Practicum
Created:
Aug 15, 2022
Updated:
Jun 01, 2023
Total Credits:
4
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
125
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

HE 113

Department permission required

Course Description

Provides hands-on practice in administrative and clinical skills in a medical clinic/physician office setting. Prerequisites: HE 113; Department permission required.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Complete routine clinical procedures according to office protocol.
  2. Perform injections in a clinical setting.
  3. Complete common diagnostic laboratory procedures.
  4. Apply current up-to-date quality control and safety practices in the workplace.
  5. Demonstrate ethical standards and confidentiality for patient privacy practice.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

Student performance is evaluated by the supervisor to whom the student is assigned at the medical office.
The grading system utilized for the course is “Pass” or “No Pass”. In order to receive a “Pass” grade, the student must:

  • Satisfactorily complete the objectives listed for the administrative and clinical medical office assistant as stated in the AAMA guidelines
  • Receive satisfactory evaluations for each of the work area supervisors.
  • Complete minimum time assigned (125 hours)

Course Activities and Design

Students are assigned to a clinical office during the third term of the Medical Assisting program. 

The total time assigned is 125 hours over 5 weeks. The offices are selected by the course instructor.  Hours of assignment are based on office requirements and will be indicated on a schedule published by the course instructor in concert with the practice site supervisor. Insofar as possible, student requests for assignments will be taken into consideration.

Students are required to wear uniforms conforming to the requirements set forth by the CGCC Medical Assisting Program. Apparel should consist of uniform scrubs (top and pants) with photo ID badge and appropriate shoes.  These items are purchased by the student in accordance with the guidelines in the Medical Assisting Student Handbook.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Complete routine clinical procedures according to office protocol.

  • Interview patient for chief complaint
  • Document in the patient medical record.
  • Collect vital signs.

Outcome #2: Perform injections in a clinical setting.

  • Prepare and administer injectable medications /vaccines per office guidelines.
  • Follow the 6 rules of medication administration
    • Right patient
    • Right medication
    • Right dose
    • Right route
    • Right time
    • Right documentation

Outcome #3: Complete common diagnostic laboratory procedures.

  • Collect specimens
  • Process specimens or prepare for transport.
  • Perform CLIA-waived tests according to office protocol.
  • Maintain quality control while performing CLIA-waived tests.

Outcome #4: Apply current up-to-date quality control and safety practices in the workplace.

  • Handwashing, wrapping instruments, sterilization techniques, disposing of bio-hazardous materials, and standard precautions.
  • Abide by all safety rules and regulations regarding equipment.

Outcome #5: Demonstrate ethical standards and confidentiality for patient privacy practice.

  • Maintain all patient medical records per office policy and standard HIPAA requirements.
  • Transmit information in a confidential and professional manner.
  • Access and instruct patients about preventative health issues.
  • Contact patients to give test results and/or other medical information per physician orders.

Suggested Texts and Materials

  • Today's Medical Assistant, 4th Edition
  • Evolve Resources by Kathy Bonewit-West, BS, MEd and Sue Hunt, MA, RN, CMA (AAMA), ISBN: 9780323639859