Medical Assistant Technology

Note: Subject to change due to statewide standardization of medical assistant programs.

General Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for the College, admission to any nursing program requires:

  1. Unconditional admission to the College.
  2. 2.0 grade point average (GPA) or previous Southern Union students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA or higher at SUSCC.
  3. Transfer students must enter SUSCC on clear academic status (cumulative 2.0 GPA).
  4. Official transcripts received by Records Office (Wadley Campus) from ALL post-secondary institutions attended (or official transcripts from high school/ GED scores for those who have never attended college).
  5. Meeting eligibility requirements for English 101 and Math 100 and satisfaction of the College reading requirement.
  6. Submission of application for Medical Assistant Technology Program by deadline.

Admission to the Medical Assistant Technology Program is competitive, and the number of students admitted is limited by the number of clinical facilities available, after meeting minimal application requirements. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance.


Medical Assistant Progression Policies Progression Requirements

In order to continue in the program, the student must:

  1. Achieve a grade of C or better in all required general education and program courses.
  2. Be accepted by all clinical agencies for clinical experiences.
  3. Maintain program health requirements.
  4. Maintain ability to meet essential functions for program with or without reasonable accommodations.

Definitions:

Reinstatement: Students who have a withdrawal or failure in a program course and are eligible to return to that course will be considered for reinstatement to the program.
Readmission: Students not eligible for program reinstatement may apply for program admission as a new student and must submit all application criteria. If accepted as a new student, the student must take or retake all program courses.

Reinstatement Policy

In order to progress in the program, the following policy should be followed:

  1. A total of two unsuccessful attempts in two separate semesters (D, F, or W) in the program will result in dismissal from the program.
  2. A student may be reinstated to the program only one time. The reinstatement is not guaranteed due to limitations in clinical spaces. All Medical Assistant Technology program admission standards must be met.
  3. A student must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the current institution for reinstatement.
  4. If a student has a documented extenuating circumstance that should be considered related to a withdrawal or failure, then this student may request a hearing before the Admission Committee or other appropriate college committee for a decision on repeating a course or readmission to the program.

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

MAT 125: LABORATORY PROCEDURES I FOR THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Class Program
Medical Assistant Technology
Credits 3 Lab Hours 1 Theory Hours 2
Contact Hours
5

This course includes instruction in basic lab techniques used by the medical assistant. Topics include lab safety, quality control, collecting and processing specimens, performing selective diagnostic tests, such as a CBC, screening and follow-up of test results and OSHA/CLIA regulations.

MAT 205: CLINICAL SPECIALITIES FOR THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Class Program
Medical Assistant Technology
Credits 4 Lab Hours 1 Theory Hours 3
Contact Hours
6

This course will build upon previous knowledge and skills in the clinical practice setting with advanced topics, which include (but are not limited to) assisting with specialty examinations, vital signs, client teaching and components of the medical records (to include formats, types and documentation).  This course also includes management and response to medical office emergencies.  Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and manage specific emergencies in the office setting and assist with specialty procedures.

MAT 216: PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE MEDICAL OFFICE

Class Program
Medical Assistant Technology
Credits 4 Lab Hours 1 Theory Hours 3
Contact Hours
5

This course teaches the commonly administered drugs used in the medical field including their classifications, actions, indications, contradictions, and side effects on the body. Correct demonstration of drug calculation, preparation, administration, and documentation are also taught.

MAT 218: EKG TECHNICIAN

Class Program
Medical Assistant Technology
Credits 3 Lab Hours 1 Theory Hours 2
Contact Hours
5

This course provides students with an overview of cardiovascular electrophysiology and its role in health care delivery. Topics include cardiovascular anatomy, physiology and electrophysiology, interpretation of rhythm strips and diagnostic electrocardiography.

MAT 228: MEDICAL ASSISTANT REVIEW COURSE

Class Program
Medical Assistant Technology
Credits 1 Lab Hours 0 Theory Hours 1
Contact Hours
1

This course includes a general review of administrative and clinical functions performed in a medical office. The course will assist the student or graduate in preparing for national credentialing examination.

MAT 229: MEDICAL ASSISTANT PRACTICUM

Class Program
Medical Assistant Technology
Credits 3 Theory Hours 0
Contact Hours
9
Clinical
3

This course is designed to provide the opportunity to apply clinical, laboratory, and administrative skills in a physician's office, clinical or outpatient facility. The student will gain experience in applying knowledge learned in the classroom in enhancing competence, in strengthening professional communications and interactions.

MAT 230: Medical Assisting Practicum

Class Program
Medical Assistant Technology
Credits 2
Contact Hours
10
Clinical
2

This course is a medical assisting capstone course.  The student is expected to apply administrative, clinical and laboratory knowledge, while under the supervision of a designated preceptor. The student performs administrative, clinical and laboratory skills, while displaying positive affective behaviors expected of a medical assistant in the medical setting. The total number of contact hours must be a minimum of 160 hours.  The content of the course is aligned with standards and guidelines from the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) in collaboration with CAAHEP.

MAT 239: PHLEBOTOMY PRECEPTORSHIP

Class Program
Medical Assistant Technology
Credits 3 Theory Hours 0
Contact Hours
9
Clinical
3

This course is designed to provide the opportunity to apply phlebotomy techniques in the physician's clinic and hospital setting. Emphasis is placed on training individuals to properly collect and handle blood specimens for the laboratory testing and to interact with health care personnel, patients, and the general public.