/Institutions/Laredo-Community-College/json/2018-2019/Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Laredo-Community-College/json/2018-2019/Catalog.json

Medical Assistant (MDCA)

Description

Medical Assistant classes provide instruction to prepare students to be multi-skilled health care professionals specifically trained to perform in ambulatory settings, such as physician offices, clinics, and group practices, and perform administrative and clinical procedures.

The Medical Assistant Program (MDCA) offers 3 Certificates as well as an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree. Students can follow a career pathway whereby they can exit with a Basic Certificate, re-enter and continue with the Clinical Certificate. Students may complete 15 hours of academic courses and receive an Associates of Applied Science degree. Upon graduation students may enroll in and complete an Enhanced Certificate in Coding.  

MA Basic Certificate is a one semester program that prepares the student for entry level medical front office skills in medical office administration, communication, customer service and professionalism.

MA Clinical Certificate prepares the graduate to perform patient-centered assessment, assist in the examination of patients, perform treatments directed by the physician, and perform common laboratory procedures.

MA Coding Certificate prepares the students to perform advanced coding techniques, data collection, documentation requirements in the health information environment, classification systems and appropriate codes, and to understand the federal regulation perspective payment systems and methods of reimbursement.

Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assistant prepares the graduate to perform both administrative and clinical duties associated in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals in the community. 

Enhanced Coding Certificate prepares the graduate to perform both administrative and clinical duties associated in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals in the community. Prepares the students to perform advanced coding techniques, data collection, documentation requirements in the health information environment, classification systems and appropriate codes, and to understand the federal regulation perspective payment systems and methods of reimbursement.

Program Outcomes

1. Perform administrative and clinical skills expected of a beginning practicing medical assistant in an entry-level position.
2. Maintain professional and ethical behavior as a health care provider.
3. Communicate interact and work appropriately and effectively with patients, patients' family, peers, staff and supervisors.
4. Demonstrate ethical and legal behavior.
5. Identify and use multicultural perspectives to meet the needs of diverse populations.
6. Use general education knowledge and advanced administrative and clinical medical assisting skills in the delivery of quality patient care.
7. Follow standards, policies and procedures of the physician's office within the medical assistant scope of practice.

Clinical Education

The student is assigned to an ambulatory health care office or clinic to develop clinical skills under the supervision of assigned facility staff. The student must master technical standards that represent the essential  requirements of a successful Medical Assistant. Applicants should be aware that they will be required to work with clients who may speak only Spanish.

Application Process to the MA and Coding Program

Students seeking admission to the Medical Assistant Program must:

1. Meet LC admissions criteria as set forth in the college catalog.
2. If pursuing an AAS degree, the student must be college- ready per Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirement.
3. Have a minimum 2.5 GPA in Medical Assistant specific courses and achieve a grade of C or better in required academic courses.

4. Submit online application packet to ma@laredo.edu. 

5. Complete prerequisites, MDCA 1313 Medical Terminology, MDCA 1409 Anatomy & Physiology for Medical Assistants, with a grade of C or better.
6. Students are expected to be proficient in reading, writing and speaking the English language.

Admission Criteria for AAS in Medical Assistant

1. Admission into the MA Program is based on achieving a minimum of 70% of total percentage points awarded from 100% based on the following:
   1. 10%: TSI College ready in all areas.
   2. 50% Degree-Specific GPA. A minimum of 2.5 or better GPA is required in all prerequisite and degree-specific courses.
   3. 40% Overall and institutional GPA. A minimum of 2.5 or better GPA required in overall and institutional courses.
2. Students will be ranked based on the highest percentage points awarded and a maximum of 20 students will be accepted.
3. Applicants will be notified by LC’s official means of communication, student college email account,  program admission status.

Admission Criteria for Certificate Program

1. 50% Degree-Specific GPA. A minimum of 2.5 or better GPA is required in all prerequisite and degree-specific courses.
2. 40% Overall and institutional GPA. A minimum of 2.5 or better GPA required in overall and institutional courses.

• Students will be ranked based on the highest percentage points awarded and a maximum of 20 students will be accepted.
• Applicants will be notified by LC’s official means of communication, student college email account,  program admission status.

Acceptance

A student accepted into the MA program must submit the following prior to the first day of class. The student is responsible for all fees associated with these procedures.

1. A physical exam by a U.S. physician or nurse practitioner of choice within 45 days prior to the first day of class.
2. Proof of immunizations: 
   1. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Bacterial Meningitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Bacterial Meningitis, annual flu vaccine.
   2. TB skin test or chest x-ray (every 2 years)
   3. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDaP) shot (every 10 years)
3. TB skin test.
4. American Heart Association BLS Health Care Provider CPR certification
5. A negative criminal background check. This can be accessed at www.castlebranch.com.
6. A negative 10-Panel urine drug screen.

Progression in the MA Program

Students must maintain a grade of "C" or better to continue in the program. Additional program specific requirements may apply. Please refer to the MA Student Handbook

Withdrawal

A student considering withdrawal from an MA Program course should refer to the MA Student Handbook and make an appointment with the Program Director.

Attendance

The MA Program follows the LC attendance policy for academic/didactic courses. All clinical education courses require attendance in order to be in compliance with accrediting agencies. Please refer to the MA student handbook.

Dismissal

The student should refer to the dismissal policies listed in the MA Student Handbook.

For further information about the Medical Assistant Program contact the Program Director Adriana B. Nunemaker by email at adriana.nunemaker@laredo.edu. The Health Sciences Department is located in the Ruben M. Garcia Allied Health Center, room 109.