In Module Five of the Medical Assistant program at Ross Medical Education Center, students will be taught a variety of hands-on skills related to infants and geriatric or elderly patient and rehabilitation. The varied patient population is a one of the focuses of this module, from babies to the elderly. The hands-on approach to clinical skills is important in preparing for the medical assisting career, and the student will be provided the ability to practice and perfect the skills of wrapping, measuring the height and weight, and obtaining head and chest measurements of the infant. Students will be also taught to perform some types of vision testing.
Communication with the elderly patient will be practiced through role play using professional skills. Rehabilitation techniques will include application of hot and cold compresses, cold packs, and hot soaks. The electronic health record is becoming more and more prevalent in health care facilities, and medical assistants must have a working knowledge of this type of system. During this module, the administrative skills will include many opportunities to use the electronic health record in depth to learn the process of this type of system.
The module also covers the medical terminology, anatomy and physiology of reproduction, glands and hormones, such as the thyroid gland. Medications that are used in these areas for disorders and diseases will also be taught. Medical billing procedures and the use of what is called a patient management system will be taught. This process will be enhanced by medical diagnosis and procedure coding that will be taught as a clinical course. Excel, a virtual library, StudyWare, and many online resources will be utilized.
Professionalism and soft skills are always a focus and will include many aspects of interacting with others, both coworkers and patients. The topic of medical office management and what it takes to be promoted in the career are discussed. All of these skills, whether administrative or clinical, can prepare the student for opportunities in a career in the growing healthcare field.