2016-2017 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Medical Assistant Diploma
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The goal of the Medical Assistant program is to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains. Medical assistants are the only allied health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings, such as physicians’ offices, clinics and group practices. As multiskilled allied health team members, medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical procedures in these settings.
Students gain a basic knowledge of clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, medication administration, first aid, office Practices, patient relations, medical law and ethics, communication skills, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, laboratory procedures, administrative procedures and patient care techniques. These content areas are presented in the classroom, practiced in the laboratory setting and utilized in a 10-week supervised practicum experience in an ambulatory setting. Students do not receive pay or any financial remuneration for the practicum rotation.
The DMACC Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP www.caahep.org), 25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, phone 727-210-2350, upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE), 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1575, Chicago, IL 60606, www. maerb.org, phone: 1-800-228-2262. DMACC graduates are eligible to take the certification examination [CMA (AAMA)] given by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Graduates are also eligible to take the State of Iowa Limited Radiographer examination upon completion of the program.
Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may prevent students from participating in practicum education experiences. Students unable to participate in practicum education will be unable to complete the Medical Assistant program. A felony conviction may prevent applicants from being eligible for the CMA (AAMA) Medical Assistant certification examination and this also applies to Iowa Limited Permit Exam.
For more information about the Medical Assistant program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/medassist.
Location: Ankeny
Program starts Fall semester.
Program Entry Requirements
- Complete an application for admission.
- Submit proof of high school graduation or HiSET completion.
- Complete required entry assessments. Complete COMPASS Reading, COMPASS Writing and AKEKS Math assessments, obtaining satisfactory scores in reading (81 or above) writing (70 or above) ALEKS math placement(30 or above)or ACT scores in Reading (19 or above) English (19 or above), Math (14 or above).
- Submit evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school biology or equivalent (DMACC Academic Achievement Center Biology I & II or BIO 156 ).
- Typing test / word processing requirement is 35 WPM with 5 or less errors in a five-minute timed assessment.
- Attend a required Medical Assistant information session.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Medical Assistant diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of 2.0 (C) or better is required in all MAP courses. A student must receive a grade of “C” or better in the first course of a sequential course offering before enrolling in the second-level course of the sequence. Sequential courses include MAP 544 & MAP 554 ; MAP 225 & MAP 228 ; MAP 347 & MAP 348 ; MAP 110 & MAP 118 and MAP 255 & MAP 256 . Several courses have corequisites listed in the catalog. Each MAP course may only be repeated once.
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Option 1 - Select 1 Course
Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 48
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$147.00 per credit
The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.
Varied Costs
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Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Semester 3 |
| Books (approximate) |
650 |
570 |
100 |
| Supplies |
65 |
25 |
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| Uniforms, Shoes, Watch, Stethoscope |
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275 |
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| Certification Test Fee (CMA-AAMA) |
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125 |
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| AAMA student membership fee |
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25 |
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| Radiography Technology fee |
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80 |
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| HESI Radiography prep testing fee |
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100 |
| Radiography Permit to Practice |
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60 |
| Radiography Test Fee IDPH |
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140 |
| Physical Exam (approx.) |
80 |
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| CPR Healthcare Provider |
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50 |
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| Immunizations/titers |
150 |
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| Materials Fee |
115 |
125 |
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| Background check, etc., as described below |
68 |
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The Medical Assistant program utilizes a background check service, www.certifiedbackground.com, to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and to track immunizations, health records and CPR certification for each student after their acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service (approximately $68) and for ensuring that all requirements are met and documented.
Approximate total for the program: $9,859*
* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.
What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Arrange hospital admissions, schedule laboratory and outpatient appointments.
- Perform Quality Control Procedures.
- Prepare patients for various examinations and assist with examinations and treatments.
- Obtain vital signs.
- Perform EKGs.
- Administer injections and instruct patients about medications and TB testing.
- Sterilize instruments, order supplies and maintain treatment rooms.
- Schedule appointments, answer telephones and perform patient check-in and check out functions.
- Code and complete insurance claim forms.
- Obtain blood specimen using venipuncture and finger stick techniques.
- Perform laboratory tests (urinalysis, complete blood count, blood chemistries, strep tests, etc.) as ordered by physician.
- Assist with minor surgery, apply bandages and dressings and remove sutures.
- Maintain patients’ records and take medical histories.
- Take x-rays of chest and extremities.
- Assist in patient education.
- Serve as a patient advocate.
- Document patient care.
- Utilize electronic health records.
- Transmit prescription orders as directed.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Perform activities in an organized and detailed manner.
- Apply knowledge from the biological and social sciences.
- Must have necessary physical and emotional stamina to meet demands of a rigorous schedule. Some employers may require candidates to pass a strength and agility test prior to hiring.
- Must have self-discipline and ability to take initiative.
What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?
- Individuals who have been found guilty of a felony, or pleaded guilty to a felony, are not eligible for the AAMA (CMA) certification exam and Iowa Limited Radiography Permit. However, the certifying board may grant a waiver based upon mitigating circumstances.
- You will be required to communicate easily and clearly with patients and coworkers.
- You must accept responsibility for your actions.
- You will stand and walk most of the day.
- Working under pressure requires good physical health and emotional stability.
- Average starting salary $31,421 (2013-2014 Placement Report).
Nondiscrimination Policy
Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in employment, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator may be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850. (2016)
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