Medical Assistant (MEDA)

MEDA 109 Pharmacology
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)

Introduction to the study of drug therapy, including dosage calculations and principles for administering medications. Administration of medications will be implemented within clinical experience coursework and within the scope of practice. This course will be a combination of therapy and practical clinical experiences. PREREQ: Medical Assistant major. PRE/COREQ: MEDA 132, MEDA 180, and MEDA 242. (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

MEDA 115 Human Relations in Healthcare
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)

Specialized skills for communicating and resolving conflict among team members and patients in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, insurance offices, and public health agencies. Emphasis on team building, interpersonal conflict variables, listening and seeking information, styles and behavior patterns, and negotiation skills. PREREQ: Medical Assistant or Administrative Specialist major. (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

MEDA 132 Medical Office Procedures
(4 Credits, Fall/Spring)

Students study medical law and ethics, communication and human relations, telephone procedures, scheduling appointments, and records management. The course also includes the study of professional fees and credit, collection, financial records, and health insurance. PREREQ: Medical Assistant or Administrative Specialist major. PRE/COREQ: MEDA 109, MEDA 180, and MEDA 242; or PERM/INST. (4 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 4 credits)

MEDA 180 Medical Assisting Foundations
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)

This course introduces the essential knowledge and foundational skills required for success in the medical assisting profession. Students will explore key principles of human anatomy and physiology with a focus on the structure and function of body systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding medical terminology, including word parts, abbreviations, and language used throughout healthcare environments. Students will build accurate medical vocabulary and develop a strong physiological knowledge base to support safe and effective patient care in administrative and clinical settings. PREREQ: Medical Assistant major. PRE/COREQ: MEDA 109, MEDA 132, and MEDA 242. (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

MEDA 201 Medical Assisting Professional Development
(3 Credits, Spring/Summer)

Students will study medical office financial management. They will use medical information management software. The course also includes job skills and certification exam preparation. PREREQ: MEDA 109, MEDA 132, MEDA 180, and MEDA 242 with a grade of C or higher. PRE/COREQ: MEDA 243. (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

MEDA 220 Human Diseases
(3 Credits, Varies)

This course focuses on human diseases that are frequently first diagnosed or treated in the medical office or clinic setting. The course provides an overview of the disease process and is organized by a systems approach. It provides a description of diseases, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment, and prevention. PREREQ: Medical Assistant major. (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

MEDA 223 Integrated Medical Office Software
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)

Principles and use of an integrated medical practice management and electronic health record system (PM/EHR) in a medical office setting. Emphasis on patient scheduling, submitting electronic bills, and documenting patient encounters. PREREQ: Medical Assistant or Administrative Specialist major, or PERM/INST. PRE/COREQ: MEDA 132. (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

MEDA 237 Ethics for Medical Professionals
(3 Credits, Fall)

Introduction to professional and ethical behaviors of healthcare team members. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of ethical and unethical behaviors, as well as techniques that may be used to help resolve personal conflict and ethical dilemmas. (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

MEDA 242 Clinical Procedures I
(7 Credits, Fall/Spring)

Students will learn about different body systems and organs in order to obtain the knowledge required to assist physicians in patient care. Tasks may include preparing patients for exams, assisting with procedures, using sterile techniques, performing patient education, collecting and processing specimens, and performing laboratory and diagnostic tests. Learning multiple skills allows the student to work in a variety of patient care settings. PREREQ: Medical Assistant major. PRE/COREQ: MEDA 109, MEDA 132, and MEDA 180. (3 lecture hours, 8 lab hours, 7 credits)

MEDA 243 Clinical Procedures II
(7 Credits, Spring/Summer)

This course is a continuation of Clinical Procedures I. Second-semester students in the program will continue to develop their skills in clinical assisting with an emphasis on phlebotomy, EKGs, and laboratory tests and procedures. PREREQ: MEDA 242 with a grade of C or higher. PRE/COREQ: MEDA 201. (3 lecture hours, 8 lab hours, 7 credits)

MEDA 245 Medical Assistant Practicum
(6 Credits, Fall/Spring)

Students are placed in a physician's office for a 160-hour non-paid work experience. During the practicum, students are supervised and evaluated on technical, administrative, and clinical course competencies. In addition to the work experience, students complete homework assignments and prepare for exams. PREREQ: MEDA 109, MEDA 132, MEDA 180, and MEDA 242 with a grade of C or higher. PRE/COREQ: MEDA 201 and MEDA 243. (0 lecture hours, 12 lab hours, 6 credits)