The Healthcare Specialist Capstone course will facilitate healthcare students’ acquisition of additional knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of healthcare settings beyond a long-term care facility including hospitals, doctors’ offices, and clinics. Students can accomplish this goal by completing coursework that will cover topics such as Medical Law and Ethics and Electronic Health Records. An additional healthcare certification offered is the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) along with the coursework. 

Course Description 

Instruction includes taking and recording vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, patient education, and assisting the physician during the exam. The collecting and preparation of laboratory specimen and basic laboratory testing will be covered. The course prepares students for the administration of medication, venipuncture, ECG, and wound care and provides a basic understanding of the clinical and administrative duties and responsibilities pertinent to medical offices. Instruction in medical correspondence and records, case histories of patients, filing, telephone procedures, appointment scheduling, receptionist duties, and processing mail is also included. Written, verbal, and nonverbal communications according to patient needs are covered as well as documentation and associated legal and ethical boundaries. 

Students will also be involved in a practicum experience in medical assisting. The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) course will prepare students for the National Healthcare Association CCMA exam. 

Students may earn a maximum of six (6) high school credits per year as well as up to six (6) dual credits from Ivy Tech Community College. 

Conditions 

This is a one-year program open to juniors or seniors. 

Student clinical experiences are provided through affiliation agreements obtained with clinical agencies. These agreements outline the responsibilities and privileges of both parties. In off-campus settings, it is required that faculty and students should conform to all policies of the affiliating agency, including drug screening, criminal background checks, physical examination, immunization records, tuberculosis screening, and certification in basic life support. 

All necessary transportation to clinical experience is the student’s responsibility and is not provided by the school. 

Instructor

Tanya D. Popper- Abell

Participation Organization

Dual Credit