Overview
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The Medical Assistant Fundamentals for Patient-Centered Care specialization provides a comprehensive foundation for a medical assisting career, emphasizing essential skills in communication, patient-centered care, and techniques for diverse populations and clinical specialties. Through this specialization, students are prepared to deliver compassionate, high-quality care in a variety of healthcare settings.
Syllabus
- Course 1: Medical Assisting Foundations
- Course 2: Patient-Centered Care Essentials
- Course 3: Pediatric, Geriatric, Phlebotomy, and Cardiology Assisting
Courses
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The Medical Assisting Foundations course is designed to provide beginner-level students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in the medical assisting field. This introductory course lays a strong foundation in key medical concepts and practices, preparing students for practical application in healthcare settings through three lessons. In Lesson 1: Introduction to Medical Terminology, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of medical language, including prefixes, suffixes, root words, and abbreviations commonly used in healthcare. Students will also learn to communicate with medical professionals and accurately document patient information effectively. In Lesson 2: The Human Body, students explore the structure and function of the human body, including major organ systems, anatomy, and physiology. Lesson 3: Infection Control focuses on understanding the principles of infection control and the importance of maintaining a safe and sterile environment in healthcare settings. By the end of this course, students will have a strong grasp of fundamental medical concepts, preparing them for further education or entry-level roles in the medical assisting profession.
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The Patient-Centered Care Essentials course is designed to prepare beginner-level students with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide compassionate, effective, and individualized care in a healthcare setting through three lessons. In Lesson 1: Communication in the Clinical Setting, students master the art of clear, empathetic, and professional communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Students learn techniques for active listening, delivering difficult information and addressing diverse patient populations effectively. Lesson 2: The Physical Examination will teach an understanding of the steps involved in conducting a physical examination. Students will develop skills in patient observation, vital sign measurement, and documentation while maintaining patient comfort and confidentiality. And, finally, in Lesson 3: Nutrition and Patient Coaching, students explore the role of nutrition in health and wellness, learning how to educate and motivate patients to adopt healthier lifestyles through personalized coaching. By the end of this course, students will be equipped to deliver holistic, patient-centered care that emphasizes communication, physical assessment, and patient education.
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The Pediatric, Geriatric, Phlebotomy and Cardiology Assisting course is designed to teach beginner-level students to deliver quality care across diverse patient populations and clinical specialties in 3 lessons. In Lesson 1: Pediatric and Geriatric Care, students learn to address the unique physical, emotional, and developmental needs of pediatric and geriatric patients. Lesson 2: Phlebotomy, Blood Collection, and Urinalysis teaches hands-on experience in phlebotomy, including proper techniques for blood draws, specimen handling, and infection control. Students gain competency in performing urinalysis and understanding laboratory protocols to support accurate diagnostic testing. And, in Lesson 3: Cardiology Assisting and Electrocardiograph (ECG), students will build expertise in assisting with cardiovascular procedures, including preparing patients for electrocardiographs, operating ECG equipment, and identifying basic cardiac rhythms. By completing this course, students will be prepared to work in clinical settings, confidently supporting patients’ diverse healthcare needs and contributing to high-quality, specialized care.
Taught by
Jennifer Zabel