Medical Assistant 1A: Introduction
Unidades del Curso de Camino a la Carrera de Asistente Médico
Unit 1: Healthcare Services and the Healthcare Team
Have you ever wondered what it takes to care for a patient? We all know what it’s like to see a doctor and get treated, but so much more is going on behind the scenes. The healthcare world consists of a wide variety of professionals who perform roles that are just as diverse. As we explore the history of these services and the roles of the people who make up the healthcare team, we’ll also see the importance of teamwork in accomplishing the common goal of treating the patient. Let’s investigate healthcare services and the healthcare team!
Unit 2: Learning the Language: Medical Terminology
Have you ever heard medical professionals talking in a doctor’s office or a hospital and had no idea what they were saying? What about the abbreviations they use? How can so little mean so much? The medical world has its own language and to become part of that world, we need to learn that language, speak it, and translate it for our patients. Let’s continue building a firm foundation for medical assisting as we learn the language of medical terminology.
Unit 3: Building Up: Anatomy and Physiology I
Before we learn about the skills that are specific to any medical profession involving patient care, it is essential that we gain an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology. As we review this material, we’ll start with the smallest unit within the body, examine its systems, and identify growth and development patterns and milestones across the life span. Have you ever wondered what keeps all of these processes going? We’ll also look at the role nutrition plays in maintaining health. Let’s build up to staying healthy!
Unit 4: Take a Deeper Look: Anatomy and Physiology II
We know what we see when we look at someone, but what mysteries lie beneath the surface? As we take a deeper look, we’ll explore systems within the body that perform functions like circulation, respiration, digestion, and sending and receiving nerve impulses. Although each system plays a unique role, we’ll investigate how they work together to maintain homeostasis and create a healthy body.
Unit 5: When Things Go Wrong: Diseases and Disorders
The way the body’s systems work together to maintain the careful balance of health is truly amazing, but with so many working pieces, sometimes things go wrong. This investigation leads us through the various body systems to determine the causes, signs, and symptoms of common diseases and disorders as well as risk factors and methods of diagnosis and treatment. We’ll also look into the role pathogens play in the spread of disease and ways to prevent them. But, if we don’t consider mental health, we aren’t treating the whole patient, so we’ll also look into the role of psychology in patient care. Come along as we find out what happens when things go wrong!
Unit 6: Professionalism and the Art of Communication
What characteristics make someone a professional? Sure, the educational requirements and additional certifications are part of the equation, but many traits can be mastered before getting to that level! As we explore the keys to effective communication, we’ll also investigate important factors in professionalism as well as the ethical role and responsibility of a healthcare worker. Join me as we decipher the key to professionalism and the art of communication!
Unit 7: Technology in Health Care
Have you ever wondered how healthcare organizations manage the huge amounts of patient information that they ask for and update regularly? The days of paper files and large storage rooms are disappearing as all types of healthcare facilities switch to electronic systems. What considerations come along with utilizing these systems and what types of functions make life easier? We’ll find answers to these questions and more as we explore technology in health care.
Unit 8: Front Office Roles
Medical assistants perform many roles in the medical world. In the front office, they serve as the voice and face of the facility, guiding patients as they schedule their appointment, come in for the visit, and leave after seeing the doctor. They likewise help to maintain the waiting room and frequently interact with vendors and other business associates. Together, we’ll investigate what it takes to be a medical assistant in the front office. With so much that could go wrong in this process, we’ll see what goes on behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly!