Medical Assistant in Huntington Park, CA, Diploma Program

Medical Assistant

800 clock hours / 24 Weeks / 35 Weeks (SOC: 31-9092.00 | CIP: 51.0801)

The Medical Assistant Diploma Program consists of 800 total clock hours of training, including classroom theory, skills laboratory instruction, and 200 hours of clinical externships in an approved medical facility.

Classroom instruction is primarily delivered through both synchronous learning, with a limited number of courses delivered asynchronously, while hands-on skills training is completed in the on-campus skills laboratory.

The Medical Assistant Program is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for entry-level employment as a Medical Assistant in a healthcare setting. The program covers both front-office (administrative) and back-office (clinical) functions, including patient care and clinical procedures, medical terminology, patient assessment, examination, diagnosis and treatment assistance, routine laboratory procedures, communication skills, patient scheduling, office management, coding and billing, record keeping, and basic computer skills.

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, including human anatomy and physiology

2. Perform administrative procedures

3. Perform medical coding and billing

4. Perform medical insurance verification

5. Perform clinical duties, including:

• Applying principles of aseptic technique and infection control
• Taking vital signs and patient histories
• Performing electrocardiograms (EKG/ECG)
• Collecting and processing specimens
• Preparing patients and assisting with procedures and examinations
• Administering medications
• Performing blood collection

6. Apply HIPAA regulations related to patient privacy and health information

7. Apply knowledge of local, state, and federal healthcare laws, including proper documentation and reporting requirements

8. Manage clinical facilities, equipment, and inventory

9. Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior within the scope of practice of a medical assistant

10. Demonstrate proficiency in basic computer skills

11. Demonstrate knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) software applications

12. Perform both administrative and clinical duties of a medical assistant

MA 101: MEDICAL LAWS, ETHICS, AND MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course introduces the field of medical assisting and its scope of practice. Students will learn about ethical and legal issues in patient care and clinical procedures, as well as basic principles of human behavior and psychology to help them respond appropriately to different patient situations. The course also helps students understand how individual backgrounds and emotions can influence behavior in a healthcare setting. In addition, students will gain a foundational understanding of medical terminology, including word building, prefixes, suffixes, root words, spelling, definitions, and pronunciation.

Topics include legal considerations, HIPAA, fraud and abuse, medical malpractice, clinical history taking and documentation, and medical terminology.

MA 102: ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides a comprehensive overview of human anatomy and physiology, with an emphasis on the structure, function, and interrelationships of the body's organ systems. Students will learn anatomical terminology, cellular functions, and how organ systems work together to maintain homeostasis. The course covers the major body systems, including their structure, function, and location within the body. Students will also explore common pathophysiological conditions, including signs, symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. Additional topics include metabolism, nutrition, and the body's response to disease and injury. This course provides students with the foundational knowledge needed to understand the clinical relevance of anatomy and physiology in medical assisting practice.

MA 103: CLINICAL ASSISTING I/PHARMACOLOGY

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course covers patient preparation, patient care, and routine clinical procedures for medical assistants. Students will learn how to take and record vital signs, including pulse rate, temperature (oral, axillary, and tympanic), respiratory rate, height, and weight. The course also includes instruction on measuring and evaluating blood pressure, assisting physicians during physical examinations, and preparing patients for procedures.

In addition, students will study medication fundamentals, including drug classifications, names, actions, and regulations governing their use. Topics include medication abuse, drug metabolism, factors that influence drug effects, dosage calculations, prescription handling, recordkeeping, storage, and drug therapy. Students are also expected to learn proper techniques for administering medications and injections. Students will also complete CPR Certification for healthcare providers as part of this course.

MA 104: LABORATORY PROCEDURES

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course is designed to introduce students to blood specimen collection, medical terminology, patient care, and the equipment and supplies used in phlebotomy. Students will learn proper procedures for collecting venous and capillary blood samples.

MA 105: ADMINISTRATIVE MEDICAL ASSISTING PROCEDURES

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides administrative training to support physicians in the care and treatment of patients in the front office. Students will develop skills in patient reception, registration, and appointment scheduling, as well as word processing, patient chart management, ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment, and preparing correspondence.

The course also introduces electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR), along with legal considerations in healthcare. Students will be provided with an overview of Medisoft.

MA 106: MEDICAL CODING AND BILLING

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course covers both medical coding and billing. It introduces students to the basic principles of ICD-10-CM coding and demonstrates how coding guidelines are applied through examples and exercises based on real case documents. Students will assign diagnosis codes using the ICD-10-CM system for diseases affecting different body systems, as well as procedural codes using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-4).

The course also provides an overview of the medical billing profession. Students will study health insurance systems and managed care, and complete billing exercises using medical billing software. Additional topics include inpatient and facility billing and reimbursement methodologies.

MA 107: CLINICAL ASSISTING II

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course equips students with the skills to collect specimen samples for routine testing and assist with specialized laboratory analyses. Students will learn how to ensure patient safety, complete clinical intake procedures, respond to emergency situations, and guide patients through specific procedures.

The course also provides an overview of normal electrical conduction and common waveform variations observed in cardiac monitoring. Additionally, students will learn to perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and breast exams, prepare instruments for minor surgical procedures, and assist physicians while gaining an understanding of pre- and post-operative care.

CD 100: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN RELATIONS

(Lecture: 20 Hours | Lab: None) | Prerequisite(s): None | Delivered fully online in an asynchronous format

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for personal and professional success, with an emphasis on self-awareness, goal setting, stress management, time management, and financial responsibility. Students will explore their values, strengths, and motivations, and learn how to set both short- and long-term goals. The course also covers strategies for managing stress and anxiety, improving emotional intelligence, and strengthening workplace effectiveness.

Additional topics include prioritization, overcoming procrastination, and developing financial literacy through budgeting and responsible borrowing. By the end of the course, students will create an individualized action plan that integrates these skills to support ongoing professional growth and effective interpersonal relationships.

CD 110: CAREER DEVELOPMENT

(Lecture: 20 Hours | Lab: None) | Prerequisite(s): None | Delivered fully online in an asynchronous format

This course is designed to prepare students for successful entry into the workforce by focusing on career readiness and job search strategies. Students will learn how to develop a professional brand through resumes, cover letters, and networking, as well as practice effective interviewing skills. The course also emphasizes strategies for securing employment, succeeding in the workplace, and supporting long-term career advancement.

MA 108: CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP

(Lecture: None | Lab: None | Externship: 200 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): MA101, MA102, MA103, MA104, MA105, MA106, MA107, CD100, CD110

After completing classroom lecture and lab hours, students will participate in a clinical externship where they apply the knowledge and skills gained in a real healthcare setting. Under appropriate supervision, students will perform medical assisting duties within the ethical and legal framework of the profession. The externship provides hands-on experience in patient care, clinical procedures, and administrative tasks, helping students develop confidence, professionalism, and readiness for entry-level employment.