Instructors: Margie Ihler, R.N.

Course Description: This course prepares students to work as Medical Assistants in a physician’s office. Students gain clinical skills that allow them to provide patient care such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, giving shots, performing simple lab tests and documenting information in each patient’s medical records. Students also study front office skills such as setting up patient records, billing medical insurances, scheduling patient visits and managing the office setting.

Course Objectives: Student’s will learn the skills necessary to become a Medical Assistant. Student’s will be prepared to work as an intern in a medical office and will attain the skills necessary to earn the Medical Assistant Certificate.

Course Expectations: Each student will be required to participate as the Medical Assistant and as a patient in venipuncture, injections, finger sticks and urinalysis. Students will learn and follow safety precautions when working with patient body fluids. All students will be required to pass a random drug test. Students must pass four tests at the end of this course with 80% or better; Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, Administration Office Management, and Clinical Laboratory . Each student must complete a 160 hour externship, working for a physician. This allows them to earn the “Utah Endorsed Medical Assistant” certificate. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the office.

High School Credit: Four (4) high school CTE credits

Concurrent Credit: Most students earn SLCC MA1100 (Medical Terminology) 2 credits. Highly motivated students may earn SLCC Internet HLTH1020 (Foundations of Nutrition) 3 credits.

Educational Opportunities: This course provides an excellent introduction to a career in th medical field. Many students who are interested in the nursing profession find this course to be a helpful starting point.

Possible Careers: Traditionally, a Medical Assistant is employed in a physician’s office, but other opportunities include hospital emergency departments and outpatient surgical centers.

Misconceptions: Some students have heard that Medical Assisting is an easy class. My students work very hard but have a lot of fun!

Classes required for entrance: Human Biology or Medical Anatomy & Physiology

Recommended Classes: Health Science

Program Length: Full year

Eligibility: Seniors based upon entrance testing, GPA, and attendance

Costs/Fees: Concurrent Enrollment Fee (Optional) – $40

Medical Assistant workbook – $45 Medical Terminology Textbook $90

HOSA Membership (Optional) – $25

Students must provide a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, scrubs, close toed shoes, and socks.

Immunizations Required: MMR, T-dap, Hepatitis B Immunizations and a current TB test.