/Institutions/Laredo-Community-College/json/2017-2018/Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Laredo-Community-College/json/2017-2018/Catalog.json

Medical Assistant (MDCA)

Description

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, reenter and continue with the Clinical Certificate, complete 15 hours of academic courses and receive their Associates of Applied Science degree. Post AAS, the students can enroll in 4 classes (12 hours) and complete an Enhanced Certificate in Coding. There is also a specific Coding Certificate which can be completed in 10.5 months. Medical Assistant classes provide instruction to prepare the student to be multi-skilled allied health professionals specifically trained to perform in ambulatory settings, such as physician offices, clinics, and group practices, and perform administrative and clinical procedures.

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.

Medical Assistant Associate Degree prepares the graduate to perform both administrative and clinical duties associated with medical offices, clinics, and hospitals in the community. Enhanced Coding Certificate offered to post AAS degree MA students. Prepares students in the theory and techniques of medical billing utilizing designated codes for diagnostic and procedures used in the medical profession.

Enhanced Coding Certificate is offered to post AAS degree MA students. The Certificate prepares the students in the theory and techniques of medical billing utilizing designated codes for diagnostic and procedures used in the medical profession.

MA Coding Certificate prepares the graduate 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. Discuss the value of lifelong learning and being an active member of a professional society.
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 demonstrating ethical and legal behaviors.

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. Clinical experiences are scheduled at appropriate times during the program. The student must master technical standards that represent the essential nonacademic 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

1. Be a student in good standing at Laredo Community College.
2. Complete the application for the Health Sciences Programs at Laredo Community College and submit to the MA Program Director by the last Thursday in May for fall admission and the first Thursday in November for spring admission.

   Applications are located in room 109 of the Ruben M. Garcia Allied Health Building.

3. Students are advised NOT to complete the drug screen, criminal background check, or immunizations until accepted into the MA Program. A criminal background check can also be accessed at the Webb County Sheriff's Department.
4. Complete prerequisites, MDCA 1313 Medical Terminology, MDCA 1409 Anatomy & Physiology for Medical Assistants, and POFI 1401 Computer Applications I, with a grade of C or better.
5. Students are expected to be proficient in speaking and writing the English language.

Admission Criteria

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 LCC’s official means of communication, student college email account, regarding the program admission status by mid-June.

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 completed Health Sciences Department Immunization Verification form that includes:
   1. Proof of immunizations (Hepatitis A (Recommended), Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Bacterial Meningitis)
   2. TB skin test or chest x-ray (every 2 years)
   3. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDaP) shot (every 10 years)
2. American Heart Association BLS Health Care Provider CPR certification
3. A negative criminal background check. This can be accessed at www.certifiedbackground.com. A criminal background can also be accessed at the Webb County Sheriff's Department. As stated on the Health Sciences Department Application, documentation of a negative criminal background must be submitted to complete the application and admission process.
4. A negative 10-Panel urine drug screen
5. A completed Health Sciences Department Physical Examination Form
6. Influenza vaccine (annually)

Progression in the MA Program

Complete all pre-requisite and degree plan courses with a grade of "C" or better. Additional program specific requirements may apply. 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 LCC attendance policy for academic/didactic courses. All clinical education courses require attendance in order to be in compliance with accrediting agencies. 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 Norma Moore at 721-5262 or by email at nmoore@laredo.edu. The Health Sciences Department is located in the Ruben M. Garcia Allied Health Center, room 109.