Description
This program trains students to become multi-skilled professionals who assist physicians. Students will learn to perform duties under the direction of a physician in all areas of medical practice. In addition to learning the clinical aspects of the career, students will learn how to function in an administrative capacity in the medical office. The certificate/diploma programs are offered in a Bilingual (English/Spanish) format at selected campuses.
Objectives
The Medical Assisting program is designed to train the student to function effectively as an integral member of the physician’s health care team. Students will learn how to perform laboratory tasks, including blood chemistry and urinalysis, clinical skills, including EKG, patient assisting, vital signs, injections, venipuncture, and administration skills. Students will be prepared for entry-level employment as a Medical Assistant.
Admission Requirements
- Have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Pass the entrance examination
- Background check and drug screening where applicable.
Please see Program Handbook and Externship Manual for additional program policies.
Medical Assisting Certificate
Course Outline
To receive a Certificate in Medical Assisting, students must complete 31.0 semester credit hours (920 instructional clock hours). This certificate program can be completed in 8 months for full-time students or in 14 months for part-time students. Evening students will be required to complete the Externship portion of the program during the day.
Courses: 31.0 credit hours
| Credit Hours | Clock Hours | Federal Student Aid | |
| MEA 120: Clinical Procedures | 3.5 | 125 | 3.33 |
| MEA 123: Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants | 4.5 | 125 | 3.33 |
| MEA 133: Medical Terminology | 4.0 | 125 | 3.33 |
| MEA 125: Lab Procedures I | 4.0 | 125 | 3.33 |
| MEA 126: Lab Procedures II | 4.0 | 125 | 3.33 |
| MEA 132: Medical Office Management with Billing and Coding | 4.0 | 125 | 3.33 |
| MEA 180: Externship I | 3.5 | 160 | 4.27 |
| MEA 181: Externship II | 3.5 | 160 | 4.27 |
Medical Assisting Certificate
Course Outline
To receive a Certificate in Medical Assisting, students must complete 36.0 semester credit hours (1040 instructional clock hours). This certificate program can be completed in 8 months for full-time students or in 14 months for part-time students. Evening students will be required to complete the Externship portion of the program during the day.
Courses: 36.0 credit hours
| Credit Hours | Clock Hours | Federal Student Aid | |
| MEA 141: Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants | 5.0 | 150 | 4.0 |
| MEA 142: Medical Office Management with Billing and Coding | 4.5 | 150 | 4.0 |
| MEA 143: Medical Terminology | 5.0 | 150 | 4.0 |
| MEA 144: Clinical Procedures | 4.5 | 150 | 4.0 |
| MEA 145: Lab Procedures I | 5.0 | 150 | 4.0 |
| MEA 146: Lab Procedures II | 5.0 | 150 | 4.0 |
| MEA 180: Externship I | 3.5 | 160 | 4.27 |
| MEA 181: Externship II | 3.5 | 160 | 4.27 |
Medical Assisting Diploma
Course Outline
To receive a diploma in Medical Assisting, students must complete 36.5 credit hours (860 instructional clock hours). This diploma program can be completed in 8 months (32 weeks) for full- time students or in 14 months (56 weeks) for part-time students. Evening students will be required to complete the externship portion of the program during the day.
Core Courses: 36.5 credit hours
| Credit Hours | |
| MEA 1206C: Clinical Procedures | 3.5 |
| MEA 1236C: Anatomy and Physiology | 6.0 |
| MEA 1238: Medical Terminology | 1.5 |
| MEA 1265C: Lab Procedures I | 4.0 |
| MEA 1290C: Radiography | 6.0 |
| MEA 1300C: Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding | 3.5 |
| MEA 1304C: Medical Office Management | 4.5 |
| MEA 1346C: Electronic Health Records | 4.0 |
| MEA 1804: Externship I | 3.5 |
Medical Assisting Associate in Applied Science Degree
Course Outline
To receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting, students must complete 36.0 semester credit hours in their major and 24.0 credit hours in the General Education courses for a total of 60.0 credit hours. This degree program can be completed in 16 months for full-time students or in 22 months for part-time students. Evening students will be required to complete the Externship portion of the program during the day.
Courses: 36.0 credit hours
| Credit Hours | |
| MEA 141: Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants | 5.0 |
| MEA 142: Medical Office Management with Billing and Coding | 4.5 |
| MEA 143: Medical Terminology | 5.0 |
| MEA 144: Clinical Procedures | 4.5 |
| MEA 145: Lab Procedures I | 5.0 |
| MEA 146: Lab Procedures II | 5.0 |
| MEA 180: Externship I | 3.5 |
| MEA 181: Externship II | 3.5 |
General Education Courses (24.0 credit hours)
Behavioral/Social Science (6.0 credit hours)
| IDS 110: Strategies for Success | 3.0 |
| PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 |
Communications (3.0 credit hours)
| SPC 101: Speech | 3.0 |
Computers (3.0 credit hours)
| CGS 106: Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
English (3.0 credit hours)
| ENC 101: English Composition I | 3.0 |
Humanities/Fine Arts (3.0 credit hours)
| AML 100: American Literature | 3.0 |
Mathematics (3.0 credit hours)
| MAT 103: Intermediate Algebra | 3.0 |
Natural Science (3.0 credit hours)
| BSC 105: General Biology | 3.0 |
Medical Assisting Associate in Applied Science Degree
Course Outline
To receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting, students must complete 34.0 semester credit hours in their major and 26.0 credit hours in the General Education courses for a total of 60.0 credit hours. This degree program can be completed in 16 months for full-time students or in 22 months for part-time students. Evening students will be required to complete the Externship portion of the program during the day.
Core Courses: 34.0 credit hours
| Credit Hours | |
| MEA 121 Clinical Procedures | 4.0 |
| MEA 123 Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants | 4.5 |
| MEA 132 Medical Office Management with Billing and Coding | 4.0 |
| MEA 150 Medical Terminology | 4.5 |
| MEA 125 Lab Procedures I | 4.0 |
| MEA 126 Lab Procedures II | 4.0 |
| MEA 151 Electronic Health Records | 4.5 |
| MEA 188 Externship | 4.5 |
General Education Courses (26.0 credit hours)
Behavioral/Social Science (3.0 credit hours)
| IDS 110 Strategies for Success | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 |
Communications (3.0 credit hours)
| SPC 101 Speech | 3.0 |
Computers (3.0 credit hours)
| CGS 106 Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
English (3.0 credit hours)
| ENC 101 English Composition I | 3.0 |
Humanities/Fine Arts (3.0 credit hours)
| AML 100 American Literature | 3.0 |
Mathematics (3.0 credit hours)
| MAT 103 Intermediate Algebra | 3.0 |
Natural Science (8.0 credit hours)
| BSC 205 Anatomy & Physiology | 3.0 |
| BSC 205L Anatomy & Physiology Lab | 1.0 |
| BSC 206 Advanced Anatomy & Physiology | 3.0 |
| BSC 206L Advanced Anatomy & Physiology Lab | 1.0 |
Course Delivery
Medical Assisting courses, except for MEA188 (externship course) are available via distance education and
residential delivery. In MEA188, students will complete their externship hours in an occupational setting
such as health care facilities, private and/or group practices, clinics, or other suitable facilities. Distance
education courses are delivered through Southeastern College’s online course delivery platform.
Expectations of Students in Distance Education
It is important to understand what online classes are and what they are not. Online classes are not easy substitutes for on-campus classes. In fact, students find online classes as rigorous and demanding as on-campus classes. Students are expected to attend their virtual classrooms a specified number of times per week. All attendance is monitored. Times are flexible and dictated by students’ personal schedules; nonetheless, their presence is required and recorded and counts toward final grades. An online student is expected to be computer literate and familiar with the Internet. An orientation course is available to help students improve these skills.
An online class is convenient and flexible. It allows students to work on assignments and participate in class discussions as their schedules permit within reasonable timeframes. Learning is achieved through individual inquiry, collaborative processes (student/student and student/faculty), and personal synthesis of ideas into an understanding of the topic. Outcomes are determined by qualitative analysis of student input, subjective and objective tests, including pre- and post-test, group and individual projects and case studies.
Requirements for Distance Education
Southeastern College has computers available with Internet access for student use at the campuses. Southeastern College provides technical services and training through its online platform. Personal desktop or laptop computer with internet access is required for students in online programs. Students are required to have Microsoft office for all online classes.
Learning Resource System
All students, whether distance or residential, have access to the electronic learning resource system available at any time through any computer with Internet access. Expected learning outcomes, graduation requirements and student services requirements remain the same for all students, regardless of course delivery method.
For information on graduation rates, student debt levels, and other disclosures, visit
www.SEC.edu/ConsumerInfo
Medical Assisting Program Course Descriptions
MEA 121 Clinical Procedures: 4.0 credit hours
This course will provide skills and knowledge for the student to assist the practitioner with all aspects of
the clinical practice. These skills will include patient care and preparation for examinations, procedures
and treatments. Where appropriate, students will perform diagnostic testing. In addition, students will
gain and apply principles of aseptic technique and infection control in the medical office. Equipment use,
care and routine maintenance will be covered. Course appropriate pharmacology will be presented.
Outside work required.
MEA 123 Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants: 4.5 credit hours
This course provides an introduction to the various systems of the body and principles of human
physiology. The course will include the study of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, digestive,
respiratory, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems, integumentary and lymphatic systems. Outside
work required.
MEA 132 Medical Office Management with Billing and Coding: 4.0 credit hours
This course provides instruction in the fundamental operations and maintenance of a medical office.
Instruction will include the use of electronic health record (EHR) software to manage the daily functions
of the medical practice as well as to perform procedural and diagnostic coding. Students will learn to apply
bookkeeping principles to record transactions, deposits, and file financial information as needed. Topics
covered will include medical ethics, legal concepts and liabilities, professionalism and effective
communication skills. Students will learn the importance of how to use different coding references to bill
insurance companies for physician services. In addition, students will learn how to obtain payment for
services provided. This course is an overview of the billing and coding responsibilities of the medical
assistant. Outside work required.
MEA 150 Medical Terminology: 4.5 credit hour
This course provides instruction on the basic structure of medical words, including prefixes, suffixes, roots
and combining forms and plurals. In addition, the student will learn the correct pronunciation, spelling
and the definition of medical terms. Outside work required.
MEA 125 Lab Procedures I: 4.0 credit hours
This course constitutes an introduction to clinical chemistry, equipment and basic laboratory diagnostic
testing on urine and serum. The student will learn through laboratory experience and lecture the physical,
chemical and microscopic examination of urine. The student will learn proper techniques of collection of
specimens for laboratory testing. Pharmacology appropriate to the module will be presented. Outside
work required.
MEA 126 Lab Procedures II: 4.0 credit hours
The course introduces the student to the origin and morphology of blood cells. Normal and abnormal
functions of the blood cells will be covered. The student will also receive instruction both in the laboratory
and lecture as to the proper collection, testing, and significance of laboratory tests. Pharmacology
appropriate to the module will be presented. Outside work required.
MEA 188 Externship: 4.5 credit hours
This course is designed to simulate the working environment of a health care facility as closely as possible.
The student will be placed in a physician’s office, clinic, or other suitable facility to practice and enhance
their clinical and administrative skills. The student will be supervised by the physician or other qualified
health care practitioner and will experience all aspects of the medical facility. (Pre- requisites: MEA121,
MEA132, MEA123, MEA150, MEA125, MEA126, MEA151)
General Education Course Descriptions
AML 100 American Literature: 3.0 credit hours
This course explores select American literary texts. Historical background and social forces, which shape
literature, are emphasized. Literary genres and elements are explored. Outside work will be required.
BSC 2085 (BSC 205) Human Anatomy and Physiology I: 3.0 credit hours
This course provides basic structure, function and chemistry of the body. Topics include terminology,
chemistry, cell biology, tissues, cellular respiration and body systems including skeletal, muscular,
respiratory, reproductive and integumentary systems. This course may be available via distance education
delivery methods. Outside work required.
BSC 2085L (BSC 205L) Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab: 1.0 credit hour
Laboratory experience includes microscopic observation, experimentation, study of anatomical models
and dissection. This course may be available via distance education delivery methods. Outside work
required. Co-requisite: BSC 2085/BSC 205
BSC 2086 (BSC 206) Advanced Anatomy and Physiology: 3.0 credit hours
This course continues BSC 2085 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I), with emphasis on circulatory,
digestive, endocrine, immune, lymphatic, nervous and urinary systems. Topics include blood, sense
organs, nutrition and metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance and acid-base balance. This course may
be available via distance education delivery methods. Outside work required. Prerequisite: BSC 2085/BSC
205 and BSC 2085L/BSC 205L
BSC 2086L (BSC 206L) Advanced Anatomy and Physiology Lab: 1.0 credit hour
Laboratory experience includes microscopic observation, experimentation, study of anatomical models
and dissection. This course may be available via distance education delivery methods. Outside work
required. Co-requisite: BSC 2085/BSC 205 and BSC 2085L/BSC 205L
CGS 106 Introduction to Computers: 3.0 credit hours
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of operating personal computer equipment including
the basics of word processing, database management, electronic spreadsheets and presentation graphics
and email use. Outside work will be required.
ENC 101 English Composition I: 3.0 credit hours
This course is designed to develop students' writing skins in order to achieve professional life
advancement and obtain skills for lifelong learning. These skills include writing clear, well-developed
paragraphs, essays, and research papers. This course teaches the principles of prewriting, organizing,
drafting, revising, and editing paragraphs and essays. It includes basic research and documentation
methods. Outside work will be required.
IDS 110 Strategies for Success: 3.0 credit hours
Drawing on learning and cognitive theory, this course teaches persistence and high achievement skills to
enable students to establish foundations upon which to build in order to develop essential academic skills
for enhanced and continued learning. Central to the philosophy of the course is the concept that
individuals are responsible for their own actions and can regulate their own behavior through goal setting,
self-reflection, and self-evaluation, not only in an academic environment, but for preparation for
professional life advancement, as well as for lifelong learning. Outside work will be required.
MAT 103 Intermediate Algebra: 3.0 credit hours
This course covers topics such as factoring; operations with rational expressions, absolute value;
exponents, radicals and roots; linear and quadratic equations and linear inequalities and graphs, all with
applications. Outside work will be required.
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology: 3.0 credit hours
In this course, the student is introduced to the fundamental study of behavior, animal and human, with
major emphasis placed on human behavior. Student will become acquainted with concepts such as
learning, perception, intelligence measurement, personality structure, behavior disorders, human
development, social pressures and research methods. Outside work will be required.
SPC 101 Speech: 3.0 credit hours
The student will be instructed on preparation and delivery of different types of speeches, as well as learn
techniques to improve interpersonal communication skills, with emphasis on effective communication
techniques and working in teams in order to develop essential skills for effective communication. Outside
work will be required.
Medical Assisting Associate of Science Degree
Course Outline
To receive an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Assisting, students must complete 36.5 credit hours in their major and 24.0 credit hours in the General Education courses for a total of 60.5 credit hours. This degree program can be completed in 16 months (64 weeks) for full-time students or in 22 months (88 weeks) for part-time students. Evening students will be required to complete the externship portion of the program during the day.
Core Courses: 36.5 credit hours
| Credit Hours | |
| MEA 1206C: Clinical Procedures | 3.5 |
| MEA 1236C: Anatomy and Physiology | 6.0 |
| MEA 1238: Medical Terminology | 1.5 |
| MEA 1265C: Lab Procedures I | 4.0 |
| MEA 1290C: Radiography | 6.0 |
| MEA 1300C: Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding | 3.5 |
| MEA 1304C: Medical Office Management | 4.5 |
| MEA 1346C: Electronic Health Records | 4.0 |
| MEA 1804: Externship I | 3.5 |
General Education Courses (24.0 credit hours)
Credit hours in parenthesis indicate the required number of credit hours in each discipline. The courses listed are not all inclusive.
Behavioral/Social Science (3.0 credit hours)
| AMH 1010: American History Pre 1876 | 3.0 |
| AMH 1020: American History Since 1876 | 3.0 |
| DEP 2004: Lifespan Development | 3.0 |
| IDS 1107: Strategies and Success | 3.0 |
| POS 1041: Political Science | 3.0 |
| PSY 1012: Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 |
| SYG 1001: Sociology | 3.0 |
Communications (3.0 credit hours)
| SPC 1017: Speech | 3.0 |
Computers (3.0 credit hours)
| CGS 1060: Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
English (3.0 credit hours)
| ENC 1101: English Composition I | 3.0 |
Humanities/Fine Arts (3.0 credit hours)
| AML 1000: American Literature | 3.0 |
| ENL 1000: English Literature | 3.0 |
Mathematics (3.0 credit hours)
| MAC 2105: College Algebra | 3.0 |
| MAT 1033: Intermediate Algebra | 3.0 |
| STA 2023: Statistics | 3.0 |
Natural Science (6.0 credit hours)
| BSC 1005: General Biology | 3.0 |
| BSC 1050: Environmental Science | 3.0 |
| BSC 2006: Advanced Biology | 3.0 |
| BSC 2085: Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3.0 |
| BSC 2086: Advanced Anatomy and Physiology | 3.0 |
| OCB 1010: General Marine Biology | 3.0 |
The following Natural Science Lab Courses are also available:
| BSC 2085L: Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1.0 |
| BSC 2086L: Advanced Anatomy & Physiology Lab | 1.0 |
Medical Assisting Diploma - Bilingual
Campus Information
Delivery Method
- On Campus
- Hybrid
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Course Outline
To receive a diploma in Medical Assisting, students must complete 36.5 credit hours (860 instructional clock hours). This diploma program can be completed in 8 months (32 weeks) for full- time students or in 14 months (56 weeks) for part-time students. Evening students will be required to complete the externship portion of the program during the day. This program is offered in a Bilingual (English/Spanish) format.
Core Courses: 36.5 credit hours
| Credit Hours | |
| MEA 1206C: Clinical Procedures | 3.5 |
| MEA 1236C: Anatomy and Physiology | 6.0 |
| MEA 1238: Medical Terminology | 1.5 |
| MEA 1265C: Lab Procedures I | 4.0 |
| MEA 1290C: Radiography | 6.0 |
| MEA 1300C: Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding | 3.5 |
| MEA 1304C: Medical Office Management | 4.5 |
| MEA 1346C: Electronic Health Records | 4.0 |
| MEA 1804: Externship I | 3.5 |