Administrative Medical Assistant Prep
Administrative Medical Assistants find career opportunities in the offices of general medical and surgical hospitals, physicians, chiropractors, outpatient care centers and many other medical facilities. The many responsibilities of administrative medical assistants include a strong combination of knowledge of automated medical equipment and patient care, as well as an understanding of medical office protocols.
All these factors have combined to create an immense potential job market for qualified Administrative Medical Assistants. This course will provide students with the skill set and expertise that will make them irresistible to prospective health care employers. This career training will introduce students to topics such as: medical terminology, privacy, and risk management. The course will cover medical insurance billing and coding with emphasis placed on the use of computers in the medical office, telephone techniques, and the importance of HIPAA compliance.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Greet and receive patients.
- Schedule patients, including referrals to specialist.
- Update and file patient’s medical records.
- Provide patient instructions regarding procedures and tests performed in the physician’s office.
- Code diagnosis and procedures for insurance purposes.
- Handle financial arrangements with patients.
- Prepare and maintain employee records.
- Maintain records for license renewals, membership fees, and insurance premiums.
- Coordinate managed care coverage for patients and physicians.
- Ensure compliance with HIPPA guidance.
- Handle mail, billing, insurance claims, credit, and collections.
- Reconcile bank statements.
- Assist the physician with articles, lectures, and manuscripts.
- Utilize computer skills and operate office equipment.
Course Length
72 Instructional Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Administrative Medical Assistant Prep program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State and have the option to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Medical Administrative Assistant certification exam. The certification test fee is $117.
Certified Nursing Assistant Prep
Certified Nursing Assistants are an important part of the health care industry. Students in this program will develop the skill set needed to supplement staffing in the community served. Students will receive the appropriate training to be prepared for successful completion of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).
Course Objectives
This course requires hands-on participation in the clinical lab.
The main course objectives are to understand:
- Effective communication with the patient and coworkers.
- Safety and standard precautions.
- Proper body mechanics.
- Identification of changes in the aging process.
- The cause and effect of multiple diseases.
- The death and dying process.
- Additional health care skills.
Materials Needed
- Textbook: $150 approximately
- Drug Screen/Criminal Background Check: $70
- Malpractice Insurance: $15
- CPR Certification Card: $10
- Health Immunization: - Cost will vary based on individual’s immunization status
Course Length
130 Instructional Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Certified Nursing Assistant Prep program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State and have the option to sit for the registry exam through the Alabama Department of Public Health website (https://ph.state.al.us/NurseAideRegistry/). Certification exam testing is on-site through the Alabama Department of Public Health. The exam fee is $35.00 for written and oral exams and $40.00 for the Clinical Skills exam. Retake of one exam is $35.00.
Clinical Medical Assistant Prep
Clinical Medical Assistants serve an integral function to keep the office of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. Clinical Medical Assistants may be called upon to perform direct medical duties under the supervision of a physician such as: collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, perform electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Acquaint self with medical asepsis, disease, and infection control.
- Demonstrate proficiency in taking medical history, measurements of vital signs, basic physical examination, and assisting with minor surgery.
- Acquire knowledge in basic pharmacology, dosage calculation and medication administration.
- Acquaint self with diagnostic procedures.
- Demonstrate proficiency in performing laboratory procedures.
Materials Needed
- Textbook: $215 approximately
- Drug Screen/Criminal Background Check: $70
- Malpractice Insurance: $15
- CPR Certification Card: $10
- Student Skill Pack: $75 approximately
- Health Immunizations - Cost will vary based on individual’s immunization status
Course Length
176 Instructional Hours + 96 Clinical Rotations Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Clinical Medical Assistant Prep program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State and have the option to sit for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification exam. The certification test fee is $160.
Dental Assistant
The Dental Assistant course prepares students with the skills needed to work in a dental office as an entry-level dental assistant, receptionist, front office assistant or back- office assistant. The main goal of this course is to familiarize the student with all the areas of dental assisting. This course includes theory and hands-on training that allows students to become familiar with dental instruments and how to prepare them for the patients. Students will learn the professional skills that are necessary to work as a Dental Assistant.
Course Objectives
Students will be knowledgeable of the following after course completion:
- Tooth anatomy and charting.
- Alginate impressions pour and trim models.
- Techniques of digital x-ray: bitewing films, periapical films and panorex films.
- Instruments using fourhanded dentistry, and how to pass them.
- Purpose and use of dental materials.
- Home care instructions to educate patients.
- Procedures for medical emergencies.
- Protocols for all procedures listed.
- Composite/Amalgam restorations
- Oral surgery – tooth extractions, simple and surgical.
- Endodontic – root canals.
Course Length
55 Instructional Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Dental Assistant program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State.
Medical Assistant for Vision/Ophthalmic
This comprehensive 60-hour program of study will prepare students to enter the vision care field. This program teaches students the skills needed to work in a vision care office as an entry-level vision care clinic assistant, receptionist, front office assistant or back-office assistant. This program will include both classroom theory and hands-on training one evening per week in a local vision clinic.
Course Objectives
- Have a general understanding of the medical office.
- Understand patient triage.
- Be familiar with ophthalmic medical equipment.
- Demonstrate chart documentation.
- Understand coding.
- Perform visual acuity testing.
- Understand tonometry.
- Perform specialized testing.
- Understand refractometry.
- Have a general understanding of ocular motility.
Course Length
60 Instructional Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Medical Assistant for Vision/Ophthalmic program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State.
Medical Billing and Coding Certification Prep
This course prepares the student for a career in the Medical Billing and Coding reimbursement. The Professional Medical Coding course enables the student to accurately define insurance terms and abbreviations and introduces the student to simulation exercise with filing and billing procedures. This course focuses on familiarizing the student with requirements, rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to various insurance programs. This course enables students to translate written descriptions of procedures/services performed to their highest specificity.
Course Objectives
- Apply knowledge of medical terminology.
- Apply and interpret International Classification of Diseases codes.
- Code accurately procedures and diagnoses on all claims submitted to insurance carriers.
- Prepare accurately all medical and disability claims for the physician’s office.
- Apply and interpret current procedural terminology codes.
- Translate to the highest level of specificity and link between ICD-10-CM codes and CPT codes.
- Interpret coding and documentation guidelines by using the www and the Internet.
- Prepare appeals for all underpaid claims.
- Inform health care providers and their staff of changes in insurance practice policies.
- Assist with updating of patient registration forms and charge forms as required by changes in coding or insurance billing requirements.
- Explain insurance benefits, policy requirements, and filing procedures to patients.
- Introduction of ICD-10 CM Diagnostic coding. The course curriculum is approved by American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC). The goal of the course is to train medical coders to prepare for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) exam.
Through rigorous examination and experience, CPCs have proven mastery of all code sets (CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II), evaluation and management (E/M) principles, surgical coding, and adherence to documentation and coding guidelines.
Course Length
122.5 Instructional Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Medical Billing and Coding Prep course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State and have the option to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam through AAPC. Membership and certification test fees are approximately $540 (prices subject to change).
Medication Aide
The Medication Aide program is designed for students who are already a Certified Nursing Assistant. This program prepares students to administer routine medications to patients in nursing facilities, assisted living environments, correctional institutions and more. The Medication Aide program may be completed in a matter of weeks.
Course Objectives
- Basic Competencies and Procedures
- Medication Information
- Different Systems of the Human Body of Musculoskeletal System
- Urinary System
- Circulatory System
- Respiratory System
- Nervous System
- Digestive System
- Endocrine and Reproductive System
- Sensory System
- Skin and Mucous Membranes
- Additional Activities of Medication Aide
Materials Needed
- Textbook: $50 approximately
- Drug Screen & Criminal Background Check: $70
- Malpractice Insurance: $15
- CPR Certification Card: $10
- Certification test fee: $170 approximately
Course Length
100 Instructional Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Medication Aide program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State and have the option to sit for the Medication Assistant Certification Exam (MACE). The Certification fee for MACE is $170.00 approximately.
Patient Care Technician
The Patient Care Assistant/Technician (PCA/T) course is designed to prepare entry-level graduates who promote and protect the health and safety of patients through the delivery of compassionate, quality health care services, and the promotion of health care standards. Specifically, the PCA/T will be able to provide basic patient care skills. Additionally, graduates will have knowledge and skills in medical and surgical asepsis, basis anatomy and physiology, cardiac monitoring, electrocardiography, phlebotomy, and interpersonal skills. Graduates of this program are qualified to work under the supervision of licensed professional personnel, and alongside other health care providers in a variety of settings. The graduates are prepared for entry-level opportunities in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care and assisted living facilities, hospice, home care, and other health care facilities.
Course Objective
- Explain and demonstrate skills necessary to provide patient safety and basic care needs.
- Demonstrate an understanding of medical terminology and abbreviations.
- Explain and demonstrate knowledge of basic infection control procedures and techniques.
- Describe and adhere to HIPPA guidelines and the general laws and ethical responsibilities of healthcare employees.
- Demonstrate culturally competent, interpersonal skills with patients, families, and professional staff.
- Identify the structure and function of body systems.
- Identify common disease processes and associated care.
- Attain CPR and First Aid Certifications.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill of phlebotomy and microchemistry.
- Provide emotional support to patients and families while performing patient care.
- Provide care for patients with feeding tubes.
- Recognize and adapt approaches to care for patients with functional limitations.
- Identify and report changes in the patient’s condition.
- Assist with ostomy care.
- Monitor and record bodily functions.
- Explain, monitor, record, and measure accurately intake and output.
- Identify the various post-operative complications and explain the role of the PCT to prevent postoperative complications.
Materials Needed
- Textbook: $215 approximately
- Drug Screen: $50
- Criminal Background Check: $20
- Malpractice Insurance: $15
- CPR Certification Card: $10
- Health Immunizations - Cost will vary based on individual’s immunization status
Course Length
64 Instructional Hours + 64 Clinical Rotation Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Patient Care Technician program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State and have the option to sit for the Patient Care Technician/Assistant Certification exam (CPCT/A).
Pharmacy Technician Certification Prep
Pharmacy Technicians work in pharmacies under the direction of a pharmacist. Pharmacy Technicians prepare medications in the correct dosage form and strength, measuring the appropriate amount of a drug and producing a prescription label.
Course Objectives
During this course the student will acquire the knowledge and skills to enter into the pharmacy profession and work alongside other health care professionals as a representative of the pharmacy industry. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the pharmacy profession and contemporary pharmacy settings.
- Explain the pharmacy technician’s role in the medication-use process.
- Describe appropriate appearance and behavior in the pharmacy profession.
- Understand appropriate communication skills in the pharmacy profession.
- Apply self-management skills such as time management, stress management, and adapting to change.
- Identify federal and state pharmacy organizations, and key pharmacy websites.
- Apply interpersonal skills such as negotiations, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
Materials Needed
- Textbook: $250 approximately
- AL Board of Pharmacy Licensing Fees/Exam: $103 (approx.)
Course Length
72 Instructional Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State and have the option to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The certification test fee is $129.
Phlebotomy Certification
The Phlebotomy Certification course is designed to train individuals to properly collect and process blood and other specimens for laboratory testing and to interact with patients and other healthcare personnel. The course is also designed to prepare individuals to take the phlebotomy certification exam, given by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. The clinical rotation is a supervised practicum in a hospital setting that provides practical experience in phlebotomy. Emphasis is placed on collection techniques, specimen processing, workflow practices, and utilizing laboratory information systems.
Course Objectives
- Understand the role of various laboratory departments as well as other departments in the hospital.
- Acquire the knowledge of prevention techniques for diseases that can affect healthcare personnel.
- Acquire knowledge of legal, professional, and safety issues associated with phlebotomy, including infection control and isolation procedures.
- Acquire knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the major body systems.
- Learn the components of peripheral blood.
- Learn procedures for special blood collections and the reasons for performing them.
- Understand the importance of quality assurance and quality control.
- Learn how to perform venipunctures (vacutainer, syringe, and butterfly) and dermal punctures as well as explain the reasons for using the different methods.
- Be able to identify complications of phlebotomy.
- Learn how to process non-blood laboratory specimens.
- Understand the significance of laboratory tests as related to disease.
- Learn how to perform CPR.
Materials Needed
- Textbook: $150 approx.
- Drug Screen: $50
- Criminal Background Check: $20
- Malpractice Insurance: $15
- CPR Certification Card: $10
- Health Immunizations – Cost will vary based on individual’s immunization status
Course Length
96 Instructional Hours + 48 Clinical Rotation Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Phlebotomy program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson Stat and have the option to sit for the National Healthcareer Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam. The certification test fee is $125.
Sterile Processing
The Sterile Processing Technician program provides an overview of the sterile processing profession and equips the student with knowledge and skills to obtain an entry level position in the Sterile Processing and Distribution department in a hospital or outpatient facility. Emphasis is placed on the profession of sterile processing, basic science, infection control, aseptic technique, sterilization, instrumentation identification, safety, inventory management and distribution, quality assurance, professional development and current trends in healthcare impacting sterile processing. Upon completion, the student will be eligible to apply to sit for the national certification exam.
Course Objectives
- Examine an overview of the Sterile Processing department and recognize the role in patient care.
- Define the role and responsibilities of the sterile processing technician.
- Explain organizational structure in the hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
- Define and discuss professionalism.
- List and discuss career opportunities in sterile processing and material management. Course Specific Information
- Describe the organizational structure and objectives of the Sterile Processing Department.
- Define basic medical terminology.
- Define important terms for processes, functions and tests in relation to sterile processing.
- Describe the basic function of SPD.
- Understand how knowledge of anatomy and physiology relates to the work done in SPD.
- Explain differences between bacteria and viruses and how they affect the body.
- Understand OSHA Regulations and Employee Safety.
- Identify the broad categories of surgical instruments and their uses.
- Identify the Basic functional groups of commonly used Instruments.
- Identify proper packaging for surgical instruments.
- Identify the various types of sterilization performed in healthcare facilities.
- Identify the methods for monitoring the sterilization process.
- Identify the conditions that will compromise the sterility of a package.
- Describe the major sources of contamination of sterile supplies.
- Describe the principle types of inventory systems.
Course Length
110 Instructional Hours + 103 Clinical Rotation Hours
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Sterile Processing program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State. Students are encouraged to take a national certification examination in accordance with certifying body guidelines. IAHCSMM’s CRCST certification requires students to pass the certification exam and complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a CS department. Clinical hours may be applied to this requirement.