Medical Assisting Courses

LRT 101 Diagnostic Procedures I (2 cr)

Limited Radiographers need a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes in order to accurately position patients to produce quality diagnostic images. This course provides exposure to a non-energized skills laboratory. Through intensive class and laboratory sessions, students will learn and practice radiographic positioning procedures for the chest and extremities. In addition, students will explore pathological conditions and how they affect radiographic images; compare and contrast imaging procedures for the pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient; and be introduced to a five-step method for critiquing radiographs for diagnostic quality.

PREREQUISITES: MA 106, LRT 110. COREQUISITES: MA 122.

LRT 102 Diagnostic Procedures II (2 cr)

This course builds on the skills learned in LRT 101. In addition, the course introduces radiographic film processing, radiographic critique, and basic patient care skills. Students will spend time critiquing radiographs and performing retention tests.

PREREQUISITES: LRT 101. COREQUISITES: LRT 111.

LRT 110 Imaging I (2 cr)

Producing diagnostic radiographic images and caring for patients involves an understanding of a multitude of technical factors, their affect on the image and methods for maintaining radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable. Through in-depth discussions and class activities, students will learn how to utilize technical factors to produce quality diagnostic images. In addition, students are challenged to correlate their understanding of human anatomy and physiology to the affect of radiation on the human body and how they can use protective devices and procedures to protect themselves, patients, patients’ families, the health care team and the public from unnecessary radiation exposure.

COREQUISITES: MA 102.

LRT 111 Imaging II (2 cr)

The physics component of the course is designed to begin with an overview of the basic laws of physics and then progress into the study of atomic structure, electrostatics, electrodynamics, electromagnetic, radioactivity, and the electromagnetic spectrum. The laws and theories of physics will be correlated to the operating principles identified with radiographic equipment. The student will review x-ray beam production associated with medical imaging procedures. Correlation of theory to practice is measured through the student’s ability to analyze and interpret heat rating charts, anode cooling charts, rectification systems and the electrical circuitry of radiographic equipment. The Radiation Biology component of the course is designed to provide a detailed look at how radiation affects the human body, how tissues and organs respond to radiation, radiation response syndromes, radiation risk assessment and radiation oncology. Student responsibility for protection of self, patient, patient’s family and health care team are reinforced. Through mock registry exams, the student will identify areas that need reinforcement to prepare for the State of Iowa Board Examination.

PREREQUISITES: LRT 101, LRT 110. COREQUISITES: LRT 102.

LRT 120 Clinical Practicum (1 cr)

This course provides clinical experiences for the completion of required competencies. Medical Assisting Program Chair will arrange clinical sites on an individual basis with each student.

PREREQUISITES: LRT 101, LRT 110. COREQUISITES: MA 201, MA 202.

MA 101 Medical Assistant Administrative Procedures I (4 cr)

This course introduces the medical assisting profession. It focuses on basic medical office functions and emphasizes administrative responsibilities including bookkeeping, accounting, patient scheduling, referrals, medical record keeping and communication skills. Medical terminology overview by emphasizing prefixes, suffixes and root words stressing spelling and pronunciation. Students will also explore computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook.

MA 102 Medical Assistant Clinical Procedures I (4 cr)

This course offers basic concepts of clinical procedures, including asepsis and infection control, specimen collection, compassionate patient care, OSHA regulations, vital signs and patient exam preparation. Students learn to assist with procedures including pulmonary functions, injections, pharmacology, electrocardiography, obtaining patient histories and charting. Students will develop and deliver a patient education project.

COREQUISITES: LRT 110.

MA 106 Anatomy and Physiology (with Lab) (4 cr)

This course offers basic concepts in human anatomical structure and physiology with relation to body functions. It includes all major body systems in regards to gross anatomy and function as it relates to homeostasis. The laboratory component emphasizes lecture topics and includes further exploration of tissues and organs through hands on work (Medical Assisting program only).

MA 108 Diseases of the Human Body (3 cr)

This course studies the major diseases of the urinary, reproductive, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, musculoskeletal, integumentary and special senses (eye and ear) systems. It includes etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment, prognosis and prevention of common and well-known illnesses. The content also includes the immune and genetic relationships as well as pain management. Alternative and complementary health care is introduced. Students will produce pathology reports and review current research.

PREREQUISITES: MA 106.

MA 121 Medical Assistant Administrative Procedures II (4 cr)

This course focuses on medical insurance billing, diagnostic and procedural coding. Medicolegal issues are discussed as well as insurance fraud, abuse and medical etiquette. Legal and ethical issues in health care are covered.

PREREQUISITES: MA 101.

MA 122 Medical Assistant Clinical Procedures II (4 cr)

This course focuses on diagnostic testing in the areas of hematology, phlebotomy, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, urinalysis and minor office surgery. Sterile technique will be covered with CLIA regulations and quality control. Students will have their first ambulatory clinic experience.

PREREQUISITES: MA 106, MA 102. COREQUISITES: LRT 101.

MA 201 Medical Assistant Professional Components (2 cr)

This course focuses on personal attributes, job readiness, workplace dynamics, human resources and risk management and emphasizes professional opportunities and responsibilities of the medical assistant. The Medical Assistant is introduced to their role as office manager. Allied health professions, credentialing and working as part of the health care team are discussed. It provides an opportunity for students to discuss situations that arise in the practicum experience.

PREREQUISITES: MA 121, MA 122. COREQUISITES:  LRT 120, MA 202.

MA 202 Medical Assistant Practicum (6 cr)

This course expands knowledge and skills and incorporates previously presented information in the program to prepare the student for transition into practice as a Medical Assistant. The student receives supervised experience in an ambulatory health care setting.

PREREQUISITES: LRT 101, MA 121, MA 122.
COREQUISITES: LRT 120, MA 201.