Aug 06, 2026  
2026-2027 Course Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Course Catalog
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MAP 620 - Practicum

Credits: 4
Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 12
Course Type: Voc/Tech
This course provides the student a supervised practicum in an ambulatory healthcare setting. A minimum of 180 hours is obtained. Onsite supervision is provided by an individual who has knowledge of the medical assistant profession. Students will not receive compensation/payment, monetary or otherwise, from the practicum site. The practicum experience allows the student to demonstrate critical thinking by incorporating cognitive knowledge in the performance of psychomotor and affective domain skills in the administrative, clinical, and laboratory areas. Students will complete weekly reports of clinic experience and time sheets. 
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in all MAP courses in first two terms
Competencies
  1. Distinguish the ability to apply knowledge and skills in medical office procedures acquired in the classroom to patient care in a clinical setting
    1. Prepare patients for physical examination, treatment, or procedure
    2. Assist healthcare provider with patient examinations, procedures, and treatments
    3. Obtain vital signs
    4. Assist with minor surgical procedures
    5. Instruct patients regarding proper preparation for tests ordered by the physician
    6. Calculate proper doses of medication
    7. Administer parenteral and oral medications
    8. Perform sterilization procedures
    9. Maintain sterile equipment and supplies
    10. Dispose of contaminated, disposable, or outdated items
    11. Obtain and record information obtained from the patient related to their physical condition
    12. Maintain exam rooms to provide a safe, sanitary environment for patient care at all times
  2. Distinguish the ability to apply knowledge and skills in laboratory procedures acquired in the classroom and laboratory to patient care in a clinical setting
    1. Obtain venous and capillary blood samples
    2. Perform hematology procedures using manual and/or automated techniques
    3. Perform physical, chemical, and microscopic urinalysis
    4. Differentiate between normal and abnormal test results
    5. Perform electrocardiograms
    6. Perform procedures essential to quality control in the laboratory
    7. Instruct patients on collection of specimens to be brought to the office or taken to a laboratory (stool and urine)
    8. Perform other laboratory procedures that may include pregnancy test, mono test, and rapid strep test
    9. Document on graphs and flow sheets
    10. Demonstrate proper disposal of biohazard materials, sharps, and regulated
  3. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills in office management acquired in the classroom to management procedures in a clinical setting
    1. Prepare patient files for a day’s appointments
    2. Obtain accurate information for office records from new and returning patients to include address, phone, insurance, etc
    3. Schedule appointments according to office policy
    4. Obtain a patient’s signature on permission forms
    5. Obtain precertification or prior authorization for outpatient testing
    6. Arrange hospital admissions and/or laboratory and x-ray outpatient procedures as directed by the physician
  4. Adapt to the routine of assigned clinics
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic principles
    2. Demonstrate retention of knowledge pertaining to office procedures
    3. Organize work for efficient use of time
    4. Follow verbal instructions
    5. Follow written instructions
    6. Participate in EMR training and applications per clinic policy
  5. Interact with patients, peers, and physicians in an acceptable, professional manner
    1. Acquire appropriate information regarding a patient’s current condition and symptoms
    2. Demonstrate a caring attitude with patients
    3. Communicate information to co-workers in a succinct manner
    4. Present a courteous and friendly attitude with patients and staff
  6. Seek additional experience and information when dealing with unfamiliar situations
    1. Identify limitations in performing unfamiliar procedures
    2. Ask appropriate questions at an appropriate time
    3. Accept constructive criticism
  7. Apply professional communication techniques for the medical office
    1. Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence
    2. Use appropriate techniques for information received and given out over the phone
    3. Deal with representatives of pharmaceutical companies, equipment manufacturers, other physicians, family member, and other nonpatient individuals on the phone and in person
  8. Apply ethical principles to behavior in the medical office
    1. Set professional boundaries with coworkers and patients
    2. Identify unethical behaviors of a medical assistant
  9. Maintain regulations set forth by HIPAA
    1. Comply with patient consent requirements
    2. Obtain proper release of information
  10. Incorporate critical thinking skills
    1. Utilize critical thinking skills when performing patient care and assessment
    2. Utilize questions to determine if important information is lacking
    3. Reject information that is not accurate, relevant, precise, or clear
    4. Double check all facts
    5. Follow steps for implementation/problem solving

Competencies Revised Date: AY2027



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