Course Description

Introduction to Medical Assisting gives you a confident launch into frontline healthcare—focused on safe habits, clear communication, and day-one clinic skills. You’ll learn the MA’s role on a care team, scope of practice, and how great workflow supports great care. From patient intake to closing the chart, we make each step simple, repeatable, and professional. Course length: 12 weeks. Foundations • Ethics, professionalism, and HIPAA/privacy in real workflows • Cultural humility and customer service that turns anxiety into trust • Infection control: hand hygiene, PPE, standard precautions, room turnover, sharps safety Patient Reception & Intake • Identity verification, consent, accurate demographics and insurance capture • Vital signs with proper technique; height/weight/BMI, pain scales, SpO₂ • Comfort, dignity, and accessibility from lobby to exam room Clinical Workflow Skills • Prepare exam rooms; stocking, labeling, and equipment checks • Assist with basic exams: positioning, draping, and post-visit clean-up • Rooming for common visits; patient education with teach-back Documentation & EHR Basics • Chief complaint and brief history collection • Entering vitals, templates/smart phrases used correctly • Clear intra-team messaging so providers get exactly what they need—fast Communication Frameworks • AIDET for patient rapport and expectations • SBAR for concise handoffs and escalations • De-escalation techniques for tough moments Quality & Safety Habits • Double-identifiers, read-back, label-before-you-leave • Measurement accuracy and device calibration checks • Safe room turnover and waste handling Practice & Preview Labs • Specimen collection basics (non-blood) with gloves-on practice • Telephone etiquette, appointment reminders, and no-show follow-up • Quick drills that build confident, repeatable routines Who Should Enroll • Adults (17+) entering healthcare, cross-training staff, workforce partners upskilling new hires Outcomes • Clinic-ready: polite, organized, safe, and steady under pressure • Clean technique, clear notes, dependable teamwork • Confidence to grow into advanced skills next