Course Description
This is a BCCampus on-line provincial course. This course is designed to enable the Medical Office Assistant to perform basic clinical procedures including the use and management of medical equipment. The student will learn to perform basic laboratory tests and assist the physician with specific examinations and procedures. Emphasis is placed on the role of the medical assistant as a link between the doctor and external medical testing and treatment facilities.
Course Content
The following course content will be covered:
- The Medical Record
- Medical Asepsis
- Sterilization and Disinfection
- Vital signs
- The Physical Examination
- Eye and Ear Assessment and Procedures
- The Gynecologic Examination and Prenatal Care
- The Pediatric Examination
- Minor Office Surgery
- Colon Procedures and Male Reproductive Health
- Introduction to the Clinical Laboratory
- Urinalysis
- Introduction to Blood Chemistry and Serology
- Medical Microbiology
- Emergency Medical Procedures
Learning Activities
Communications between instructor and students will be conducted online using the course email, bulletin board and chat utilities. The instructor will guide the students through a series of learning objectives using motivation and online instruction. The assigned readings, together with the reinforcement exercises, are the principal learning activities. Additional materials and resources are available online.
Means of Assessment
| Quizzes |
20% |
| Research assingment |
15% |
| Mid-term exam |
20% |
| Skill assessment |
25% |
| Final exam |
20% |
| Total |
100% |
Note: The letter grade assigned will be determined by the college at which you are registered.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify the need for and apply aseptic techniques in the medical office.
- Assemble equipment; ascertain and chart vital signs (temperature, pulse and respiration) and height and weight.
- Explain the correct technique used for taking blood pressure and how to prevent errors when taking blood pressure.
- Explain (and demonstrate) the preparation of the examining room and patients for physical examinations and other procedures.
- Explain the preparation and care of specimens for laboratory testing.
- Discuss the process of sterilization and disinfection and identify measures to prevent cross-contamination.
- Explain (and demonstrate) the use of sterilization and disinfection techniques for equipment decontamination.
- Complete and chart results of visual acuity testing using the Snellen eye chart.
- Explain patient preparation for x-ray and diagnostic imaging examinations and explain how to arrange appointments with outside facilities.
- Explain correct collection and preparation procedures and perform basic urinalysis and pregnancy tests.
- Explain collection procedure for Hemoccult testing to patient and explain the testing procedure of Hemoccult slide.
- Explain (and demonstrate) blood glucose testing.
- Identify surgical instruments (and prepare) sterile trays used for minor surgery.
- Discuss the preparation of children for examination, identifying tests and procedures used and the current immunization schedule recommendations.
- Explain the collection of specimens for external evaluation.
- Explain (and demonstrate) how to record information on a percentile chart for boys and girls.
- Demonstrate and discuss procedures for the examination of the gynecologic and obstetric patient.
Please note: Where “and demonstrate” is mentioned, this will take place on the two-day clinical portion.
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants, Bonewit-West, Kath, latest edition, W.B. Saunders Company.
Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants Study Guide, Bonewit-West, Kath, latest edition, W.B. Saunders Company
Other
Clinical kit contents to be purchased by the student from their local pharmacy:
- Oral Digital Thermometer
- Pregnancy Test
- Urinalysis Strips
- 20-foot Snellen Chart
- Disposable Gloves
Recommended Text/Materials
Supplementary materials online
Note: These books may be purchased through your local college bookstore. If they are unavailable, please contact your instructor.