Programs of Study
Course Descriptions
College Catalog
Quinebaug Valley
Community College
742 Upper Maple Street
Danielson, CT 06239
Quinebaug Valley Community College
Courses in Allied Health & Medical Assisting
Below you find a list of all of all courses in Medical Assisting and Health Information Management Technology.
Health Information Management Technology
HIM* 102
Introduction to Health Care Systems ------ 3 Credits
This course introduces the student to the field of health information technology. Topics to be covered include the health care delivery system, medical record format and content, various filing systems, and types of medical record personnel and credentials. In addition, the course will cover retention policies and procedures, documentation, confidentiality issues and legal and regulatory aspects of the medical record.
Prerequisite:
HIM* 201
Health Information Management Principles ------ 3 Credits
This course emphasizes sources, definitions, collection and presentation of health data. Topics will include health care data systems, tumor registry, birth and death certificates, utilization and review, risk management and quality assurance. Issues concerning management, retrieval, and retention of health records, and compliance and regulations will be discussed along with current trends in health information technology.
Prerequisite: HIM* 102 (may be taken concurrently)
HIM* 210
Coding I ------ 3 Credits
This course emphasizes data abstracting techniques and the use of classification systems such as International classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and Physician’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-4) or most recent editions. Students will gain knowledge of and learn how to prepare claims using various formats. Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) and various health insurance systems will be discussed.
Prerequisite: HIM* 102, MED* 125
HIM* 211
Advanced Medical Coding ------ 3 Credits
This course is a continuation of Coding Classification Systems and Nomenclature. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic coding utilizing ICD-9-CM coding system or most recent edition. Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs), various health insurance systems, and claim processing will be discussed.
Prerequisite: MED* 125 and HIM* 102.
HIM* 254
HIMT Practicum ------ 4 Credits
This course provides students the opportunity to obtain an overview of a health information management department. The students will concentrate their time developing their data abstraction and coding skills. One hundred and sixty hours of supervised clinical experience and three hours of classroom seminar will be required.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in HIM* 102, 201, & 211 and approval of program coordinator.
Medical Assisting Courses
MED* 111
Administrative Medical Assisting ------ 3 Credits
An introduction to the theory, practice, and techniques of medical office management, professional secretarial responsibilities, reception and appointment scheduling, use of office equipment, business correspondence, and the administrative functions of a Medical Assistant will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: BOT* 111
MED* 112
Medical Insurance & Billing ------ 3 Credits
This course further develops the skills needed to perform the administrative duties of a medical assistant. Continued emphasis is placed on records management, telephone techniques and scheduling appointments. Students will use medical office software to input patient data and to perform billing and other medical administrative functions. Medical insurance, CPT, and ICD-9 coding techniques will also be covered.
Prerequisite: BOT* 111
MED* 125
Medical Terminology ------ 3 Credits
This course offers an introduction to medical terms through an analysis of their construction (prefix, suffix, root, and connecting and combining forms). The student will acquire an understanding of medical meanings applicable to the structure, function, and diseases of the human body.
Prerequisite:
MED* 131
Clinical Medical Assisting ------ 3 Credits
An introduction to the theory, practice and techniques of the clinical components of Medical Assisting. Topics will include aseptic techniques, preparation of examination and treatment areas, recording patient needs and vital signs, preparing, assisting and follow up of patients, and nutrition and diet therapy.
Prerequisite: • ENG* 073; MED * 115 (may be taken concurrently
MED* 245
Clinical Lab Procedures ------ 4 Credits
A continuation of the study of the theory, practice and techniques of the clinical components of Medical Assisting. Building on knowledge and skills developed in MEDA 110, emphasis will be placed on pharmaceutical principles and medication administration, specimen collection and handling, introduction to clinical laboratory equipment, tests, theory and procedures used by clinicians for diagnosis, evaluation and treatment, and medical emergency situations including first aid and CPR.
Prerequisite: MED* 131
MED* 250
Principles of Pharmacology ------ 4 Credits
An introduction to the nature and properties of drugs. Emphasis is placed on the need for patient/client education concerning medication therapy. Contemporary legal issues in pharmacology are examined. Technical competencies relating to medication administration are included.
Prerequisite: MAT* 095
MED* 280
Medical Assisting Externship ------ 4 Credits
Externship will provide supervised placement in a non-classroom setting at a health-care facility, medical office or other appropriate site. This experience will enable the student to synthesize and apply concepts and skills learned in the Medical Assisting program. Four credits will be earned by the student upon completion of a maximum of 200 hours of externship experience. This externship experience is to be divided evenly between clinical and administrative areas to permit the student to be involved in the total environment of a health care facility. Students wishing to obtain phlebotomy certification through NCA have the option of an additional phlebotomy experience. The phlebotomy option requires the student to perform 100 successful blood collections in a facility under the supervision of a preceptor. Students must request this option when they apply for placement in the Medical Assisting Externship course.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in Medical Assisting Program; approval of program coordinator; completion of 48 credits including the following courses: MED* 111, 112, 125, 131, 245, BOT* 111, BIO 115, 121, or 211. Students must have a 2.0 overall QPA, and a grade of C or better in all MED courses.
For more information concerning the Allied Health, please contact Cheri Goretti at QVCC.