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Degree Overview
Course Descriptions
Admissions Information
Tuition & Financial Aid
Days until classes:
Next classes start
Mar 12th
Program Length: 22 months
Available at the following locations:
Available Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Degree Overview
The Medical Specialties program prepares students for entry-level employment as medical assistants with practical radiology, medical billing/coding, and laboratory skills. The student is also prepared for a career as an entry-level pharmacy technician, home health aide, and as a medical receivables and coding professional. Objectives of the program include preparing students for possible certification or licensing in the various medical specialties, as well as gaining employment in many medical fields.
Note: Radiology courses are limited scope and are not intended for RRT certification.
| Program Information | Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties |
|---|---|
| Occupations Degree Prepares For (and SOC code of occupation) |
Medical Assistants - 31-9092.00 |
| Tuition and Fees | $32,000 |
| Cost of Books | Included |
| Room and Board | N/A |
| Job Placement Rate * | N/A% |
| On-Time Completion Rate | N/A |
| Median Title IV Debt | N/A |
| Median Non-Title IV Debt | N/A |
| Median Loan Debt | N/A |
Course Descriptions
CourseCourse NameCredits
Course Description
Click a course to the left to see the course description here.
Tip: Reading course descriptions is a great way to help you decide if a degree is right for you.
Computer Fundamentals
This course provides students with a foundation in the skills and the knowledge needed for today?s technology-based careers. Students study the CPU and memory, input devises and peripherals and how these components interact with an operating system to perform critical tasks. Emphasis is placed on what can go wrong and how to recover. Learners also explore how computers connect to the Internet, what services can be found online, how they can be used, and what dangers exist in the form of viruses, Trojans, and other malware. Students prepare to work with different types of applications, including spreadsheets, word processors, presentation creation tools, and more.
Credits: 4.5
Computerized Medical Administration
Provides the student with the training required to keep consistent with computer software that is used in the billing areas of the medical and dental fields. Real life activities and simulations reinforce basic billing skills. Conflict management and billing collection are taught. This course uses a medical office simulation to introduce the student to the everyday functioning of a medical office.
Credits: 3.0
Computerized Pharmacy Systems and Databases
This course provides the student with the training required to keep consistent with computer software that is used in the pharmacy. Real life activities and simulations reinforce basic skills.
Credits: 3.0
Communication Arts
This course focuses on developing critical thinking and communication skills in both verbal and nonverbal areas. Emphasis is placed on debate, panel discussions, committee work, conflict resolution, interviews, and editorial writing.
Credits: 4.0
Externship
The student performs a 150-hour externship at an approved location and is supervised on a weekly basis both by the on-site professional(s) assigned to the student and by the instructor from the College. During the externship, the student gains proficiency to an employee-acceptable level in the specific program he or she is studying. All hours are volunteered and no remuneration is allowed. (Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all core courses or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 5.0
American Civilization
This course focuses on the history of the United States from the American Revolution to the present. Emphasis is on the economic, the political, and the social development of our country.
Credits: 4.0
Medical Terminology, Law, and Ethics
Introduces terminology that is specific to the medical profession. Course enables students to translate prefixes, suffixes, and root words from their Greek and Latin word parts. Elements will be able to be combined into medical terms. Course also covers medical laws, ethics, and bioethics.
Credits: 4.0
Medical Billing
Introduces the fundamentals of bookkeeping procedures. Covers payroll, spreadsheets, ledgers, and transactions documents. Management and filing specific to the medical office will also be included.
Credits: 3.0
Medical Records and Communication
Prepares the student to work with the medical community and patients using interpersonal communication, developing both written and verbal skills. Introduces the student to work performed in medical administration. Medical records including POMR and SOAP are covered as well as telephone techniques, appointment scheduling, mail handling and medical reception skills.
Credits: 3.0
Medical Asepsis
This course discusses the concepts of medical and surgical asepsis and aseptic technique, and a review proper hand washing techniques. Disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments, assisting in minor surgical procedures are taught, along with universal (standard) precautions and infection control as specified by OSHA.
Credits: 2.0
Introduction to Electrocardiography
This course covers basic cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, electrocardiography, standardization of the ECG, identifying artifacts, recognition of arrhythmia, and 12-lead ECG.
Credits: 2.0
Office Clinical Procedures I
This course focuses on clinical laboratory procedures performed in out-patient medical offices or medical clinics. The fundamentals of urine analysis and microbiological testing will be introduced. Microscope use is taught, along with specimen collection and cultures and sensitivities. Gram-staining procedures and theory are discussed.
Credits: 4.0
Assisting and Documenting Physical Examination
This course presents the proper techniques of a complete patient examination, including taking patients’ vital signs (including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, and weight). The proper procedures for obtaining growth charting for children, patient history, and complete physicals are covered. Patient confidentiality and HIPPA regulatory compliance will be covered.
Credits: 2.0
Anatomy and Physiology
Covers the anatomy and physiology of the major systems of the body including but not limited to the integumentary system, the muscle and skeletal systems, the nervous system, the reproductive system, the digestive system, and the endocrine system. Course includes basic organization and general plan of the body including cells, membranes, and tissues.
Credits: 4.0
Professional Medical Coding
Covers the study of insurance using computer coding software. Includes speed and accuracy of coding using ICD-9, CPT-4, and HCPCS rules. Pre-tests are included in this course to better prepare students for certification.
Credits: 3.0
Insurance Specialist
Covers medical insurance and insurance filing. Students learn to properly fill out insurance forms and understand electronic claim submission. Students also learn about different health insurance programs, government programs, and managed-care programs.
Credits: 3.0
Office Clinical Procedures II
This course introduces the fundamental knowledge of hematology and complete hematology tests, including WBC and RBC, differential counts, blood smears and staining techniques, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood typing, blood glucose, sedimentation rates, and mono reagent testing. This course also covers how to draw blood using vacutainer, butterfly, and syringe methods. Students will learn the correct vacutainer tube to use for different hematological procedures. Students will observe these skills in actual medical facility conditions.
Credits: 4.0
Clinical Procedures I
Upon completion of this course the student will perform and demonstrate the competencies for specific clinical procedures for the following specialties: drug administration, vital signs, assisting with physical examinations, patient assessment, documentation, preparing the patient for specialty examination, and aseptic procedures. Certification requirements will be completed. PREREQUISITES: MED122, MED126, PHR127
Credits: 3.0
Clinical Procedures II
Upon completion of this course the student will perform and demonstrate the competencies for CLIA waived and moderate complexity clinical procedures for the following specialties: complete urinalysis, complete hematology procedures, electrocardiography with 3 and 12 lead cardiogram, introduction to strip reading, and phlebotomy including vacutainer and butterfly techniques. Certification requirements will be completed. PREREQUISITES: MED123, MED124, MED 225
Credits: 4.0
Principles of Drug Administration
This course covers fundamental information on drug administration. Proper technique of drug administration, including injectable (subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular) methods are taught. Technique for withdrawing medication, calculation of dosages, syringe calibrations, and different injection sites are also taught in the course.
Credits: 2.0
Pharmacy Essentials
This course teaches the student essential concepts of pharmacy and pharmaceutical terminology. The student learns the pharmacy rules of the state and how they impact the role of the pharmacy technician, regulatory standards in pharmacy practice, ethical considerations for the pharmacy technician, infection control and prevention in the pharmacy, and the various categories of nonprescription products and over-the-counter drugs and counseling related to those items.
Credits: 3.0
Principles of Pharmacy Technology
Teaches basics of being a pharmacy technician. History, laws and ethics, packaging and dispensing medications, medication preparation, pharmaceutical calculations and communications are part of this course.
Credits: 4.0
Pharmacy Technology Applications
Studies the therapeutic applications of drugs, biopharmaceutics, different characteristics and actions of drugs, administration of drugs, and drug distribution.
Credits: 3.0
Psychology of Motivation
This course focuses on the skills necessary to be successful in college including note taking, study skills, writing, finding and using information on the Internet, and reading/understanding collegelevel text. Students are exposed to basic motivation theories, values clarification, and philosophic principles.
Credits: 4.0
Professional Development
This course addresses employment search and acquisition skills. Topics include matching qualifications with job requirements, resume preparation, and job applications. Also includes cover letters, follow-up letters, resignation letters, and recommendation letters. Classroom activities include discussion of basic interviewer questions and interviewing techniques.
Credits: 4.0
Limited Radiology
This course includes study of equipment operations, radiation physics, technical aspects of radiography, production of radiation, imaging equipment, film exposure, and file processing.
Credits: 3.5
Concepts of Practical Radiology
This course is a study of radiation protection, patient-care management, positioning of bones for both upper and lower extremities and chest. Exposure factors, charts, and medical law and ethics also are studied.
Credits: 2.0
Total Courses: 27Total Credits: 90
Admissions Information
College Admissions Requirements
Applicants for admission to the College must have graduated from an accredited high school, private secondary school, or have completed the equivalent (GED). All students who graduate after January 2006 must provide a high school transcript to check eligibility for the new Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).
Program Specific Admissions Requirements
All Medical Specialties students are required to take an entrance test. Applicants must obtain a minimum score of 18 on a first attempt. If an 18 is not obtained, applicants may take the test a second time and must score a minimum score of 20 on the second attempt. If the passing score is not obtained on the second attempt, applicants must wait 6 months before reapplying for this program.
Requirements for admission into the Medical Specialties program include the following:
- Negative drug screen (a drug screen may be requested at any point in the student's academic progression by university officials and/or clinical placement sites). The costs of these tests are the responsibility of the student.
- Criminal background check with satisfactory findings. The cost of the background check will be borne by the University for Medical Specialties students.
- An admissions test is required.
Medical Specialties students must receive the following clearances before beginning clinical rotations:
- Tuberculin skin test (PPD)
- Rubeola and rubella test
- Hepatitis B vaccination or immunity certification
- Tetanus
- Urine drug screen
- Varicella
- Background check
- Current American Heart Association CPR Card
- Obtain professional liability insurance
Additional Admissions Information
Getting started is as simple as making a phone call-we're happy to answer any questions you may have and can get you on your way to enrollment as soon as you're ready. Click here for more information about the admissions process.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Some people have the idea that they cannot afford college. You may even be one of them. The truth is, once you know the facts, college may be much more affordable than you think. Financial aid is available if you qualify. In fact, many students are amazed at the financial aid they're eligible to receive. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid section for more information.
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