Medical Assisting

PERSONNEL DIRECTORY

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Michel McKinney, CMA (AAMA)
CCC-Grand Island CHIT 954
402-461-2405 877-222-0780 ext 2405
mmckinney@volamdolong.com

FACULTY

Carol Hipke-Muske, CMA (AAMA)
CCC-Grand Island CHIT 954
402-460-2173
cmuske@volamdolong.com

Stacy Parr, CMA (AAMA)
402-460-2147
sparr@volamdolong.com

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Program Application Procedures

1. Complete a Central Community College application.
2. Request an official high school transcript or GED score (send to CCC Admissions).
3. Request an official college transcript if applicable for any college previously attended.
4. Schedule to take the entrance testing.
5. Schedule an appointment with the Medical Assisting Program Director. Academic Requirements
   • The student must have on file a completed Central Community College application.
   • A student accepted into the Medical Assisting (MEDA) program must be a high school graduate or have passed a standard equivalency test. An official high school transcript or copy of the equivalent certificate must be on the file with the Registrar’s Office. College courses that have been completed with a “C” or 2.0 GPA may be transferred to Central Community College. The course will be reviewed by the College Registrar and Program Director and could be used in the Medical Assisting Program of Study.

Non-Academic Requirements

1. The student must schedule an admissions interview with the Medical Assisting Program Director. This may be scheduled by calling 402-461-2405, 1-877-222-0789 ext. 2405 or mmckinney@volamdolong.com The purpose of this interview is to review admission criteria, distribute admission forms and answer questions about the program.
2. The student must meet Essential Functions listed in the Health Occupations Handbook and sign the Medical Assisting Program Essential Functions Release Form.
3. The additional program costs for the background check, drug screen, textbooks, uniforms, stethoscope, liability insurance, immunizations, cost of travel to the practicum site, and examination fees will be incurred by the student.
4. The student will be required to submit a signed Immunization Health Statement. Applicants must be immunized against Hepatitis B. The immunization is completed through a series of three (3) injections over a period of six (6) months. Students may begin the Medical Assisting program before they complete the Hepatitis series but could be held out of MEDA 233 Lab I if they have not started the series. Practicum sites may require additional immunizations.
5. The student will be responsible for successfully completing the courses to obtain a current CPR/First Aid certificate (Healthcare Provider Level) prior to beginning the clinical externship. Present this card to the program director for verification and to place a copy in your student file.
6. Criminal Background, Adult/Dependent Abuse Checks and urine drug screen. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may prevent students from being accepted to a practicum site and preventing completion of the program. Students who have been found guilty of a felony or pleaded guilty to a felony are not eligible for the AAMA (CMA) Certification Examination. The certifying board may grant a waiver based on mitigating circumstance. Any student with a felony conviction is advised to contact the AAMA prior to beginning the program. It is highly recommended that any student with knowledge of his/her own abuse history meet the Dean of Health Sciences prior to beginning the program to discuss options in health care education.
7. The student may be requested by a clinical site to submit to and pass drug testing and to a reasonable background investigation, including a criminal background check.

Program Goals

1. To prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
2. Adapt curriculum to the changing role of the medical assistant in the community through continuous program assessment.
3. Meet or exceed all Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) established threshold for outcome assessment in medical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Learning Outcomes

Program goals and learning outcomes for the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains are consistent with and responsive to the demonstrated needs and expectations of the communities of interest served by the Central Community College Medical Assisting Program. They provide the basis for program planning, implementation, and evaluation. The program goals and learning outcomes are intended to be compatible with the mission of Central Community College expectations of the communities of interest, and nationally accepted standards of roles and functions. The program goals and learning outcomes have been developed based on verified needs and expectations of area health care providers and employers, and the educational needs of students served by the program. To ensure that the program remains responsive to changes in the needs and/or expectations of its’ communities of interest, the program goals and learning outcomes are created and/or revised annually by advisory board members during the spring meeting. The program personnel identify and respond to changes in the needs and/or expectations of the communities of interest.

Assessment of Program Goals

The program annually assesses its effectiveness in achieving stated program goals and expected learning outcomes for the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains using various evaluation tools developed by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Program goals and learning outcomes are reviewed annually by the Assessment of Student Learning Committee and the Medical Assistant Program Advisory Board, and are revised as needed based on evaluations and feedback.

Program Accreditation

The Central Community College, Hastings, Nebraska, Medical Assisting Associate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

*Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP
1361 Park Street Clearwater, Florida 33756
(727) 210-2350

*Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1575
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(800) 228-2262

Accreditation approval for Central Community College Medical Assisting Program has been continuous since 1976 until the present. The most recent accreditation site visit was in August 2020. Continuing accreditation was granted until 2029.

Student must be able to life a minimum of 25 pounds from floor to a table, and from a table to an overhead shelf, as well as carry a minimum of 25 pounds.

Student must possess adequate mobility to move throughout the laboratory, classroom, clinic, and hospital.

Student must have sufficient visual acuity to perform duties in the laboratory including, but not limited to, microscopic and macroscopic analyses. Be able to tell time from a face clock.

Student must be able to verbally communicate and write in English with patients, instructors, laboratory personnel, and other members of the health care team.

Students need fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination to successfully perform laboratory tests.

Any student with a disability has a right to request accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Student Services office; a representative will recommend appropriate accommodations to the course instructor and his/her supervisor. The instructor and supervisor will identify with the student which accommodations will be arranged.

Release Form

Grading

Grading Policy and Pass Score for Cognitive Domain Objectives

All cognitive objectives are graded using the percentages listed below. Cognitive objective assessments can be subject to an automatic deduction (amount varies by instructor) in the event of unexcused absence.

(Pass score for cognitive domain objectives is >77%)

Instructor Grading Information

All psychomotor and effective domain competencies have a predetermined minimal passing score (this varies and is indicated on each individual evaluation sheet). Evaluation sheets include the performance objective, anticipated outcome, conditions, standards (time limit), and minimal satisfactory score. Students are given three (3) opportunities to demonstrate competency, however, the initial score for each is recorded as the grade. To pass the course, the students must receive an average of 77% or a C in the course and obtain an average score or above on all competency evaluations within the course. CAAHEP accreditation requires 100% of all MEDA graduates pass 100% of all competencies.

Students must demonstrate satisfactory competency in ALL psychomotor and affective domain objectives (competencies) listed on the Master Competency List. If the student fails to demonstrate competency, the course that contains the competency will not be considered passing and the student will receive an “F” (fail) for the course. Psychomotor and affective domain objectives may also be subject to an automatic deduction (amount varies by instructor) in the event of unexcused absence. Acceptable Grades for Program Advancement All final grades in all courses must be at a 77 percent of “C” level. This includes all MEDA courses and core requirement courses. In courses that have a theory and laboratory component, the student must achieve a minimum of 77 percent in both the evaluation and lab portions to be allowed to pass the course. If the student fails or withdraws from a MEDA course, the student will have the opportunity to retake the course one time only and will be placed on a MEDA program academic probation. Failure to pass the course when taken the second time will result in recommendation for academic suspension from the program. The student will not be eligible to reapply to the MEDA program for two years after the academic suspension date. The student may then reapply through the admission process, meet eligibility requirements and will repeat all MEDA course work. A subsequent failure in MEDA course work will result in recommendation for permanent dismissal from the MEDA program with no possibility of re-entry. MEDA courses may only be repeated once.

Advising

The advisors for all medical assisting students is either the Medical Assisting Program Director or Medical Assisting Full-Time Faculty. An electronic file for each student enrolled in the Medical Assisting Program is maintained within the CCC Registrar's system. The file contains documents pertaining and relevant to the students’ program compliance and advisement.

Background Checks and Drug Screen

All students will have a criminal background check and urine drug screen performed before they can be granted complete acceptance to the MEDA program. Permission and payment for the check when applying for the MEDA program. Acceptance will be provisional until the results of the background check and drug screen are obtained. The cost of the background check and drug screen will be the responsibility of the student. See Student Drug Testing Guidelines in General Information.

Immunizations

Students will be working with human body fluids and will be doing a practicum rotation at a clinical setting for MEDA 2420 and will need to be immunized against Hepatitis B virus (the most common pathogen found in human body fluids). This is a series of three shots - the second shot is given 6 weeks after the original, and the third shot is given 6 months after the original.

Students will need to provide proof that they have completed the series before beginning MEDA 2330. The series must be completed by the end of the second semester. Students will need to have a tuberculin (TB) or PPD test performed. They will need to provide proof that they have completed the test.

Failure to provide proof of the hepatitis immunizations and TB testing will exclude the student from the required practicum rotation. The cost of the immunizations/exam will be the responsibility of the student.

Practicum and Laboratory

Dress Code: Students will be required to wear white pants or scrubs (color does not matter), appropriate shoes, and/or a laboratory coat every scheduled laboratory and clinical skills assessment day. The shoes can be either uniform shoes or clean white athletic shoes (no slippers or crocs). Tattoos, facial jewelry and other forms of body art must not be visible when working in any practicum or laboratory facilities or CCC classroom. No more than two earrings can be present in a pierced ear. Artificial fingernails are not allowed in the program area by students. Natural nails should be kept less than ¼ inch long from the finger tips.

Body Art, Jewelry and Piercings

Tongue, face/nose rings or body art must not be visible when working in clinic/practicum, laboratory and classroom.

Smoking

Smoking is a recognized health hazard and most health care facilities are now adopting policies that prohibit smoking by their employees not only within their facilities but often on the entire campus.i.e. outside exits, in parking lots, etc. The MEDA program will reflect this workplace policy by enforcing a no smoking policy while the student is in class or on practicum rotations. Students will not be allowed to use tobacco products during class or at practicum sites. If the student uniform smells of smoke and is offensive to patients or peers, the instructor or practicum site supervisor has the authority to request the student to change to a clean uniform.

Insurance

All students in the Health Occupations programs who perform invasive procedures are required to carry liability insurance purchased through the college. The cost is $12 per year and will be assessed with the first semester tuition of each school year.

Attendance

The student is required to attend all class sessions. If unable to attend, the student must notify the instructor prior to the regularly scheduled class time; failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence. If the instructor chooses to use attendance as part of the course grade, the following will be used as a point system. One point will be earned for each day the student attends class/lab. An excused absence earns, .7 points; a tardy; I-12 .5 points. Students with less than an 85 percent overall attendance record will lose an additional 10 percentage points from their attendance grade.

Cheating

Anyone found passing out test information, or copying from another person will receive a failing grade of ZERO for that evaluation and will not be allowed to retake that material. Any extra credit that may be an option for the class will then not be able to be used and will become void.

Laboratory and Clinical Behavior

Students must be prepared to perform competencies as scheduled in lab. All MEDA students will be oriented to safe laboratory practices, Standard Precautions and OSHA guidelines. Failure to follow these rules may result in the student being removed from the laboratory/clinical setting for the day, and the laboratory/clinical activity in progress will not be made up. Students will also be expected to develop proper respect for the laboratory/clinical as a work environment by keeping their work area neat and clean. This is extremely important in a student laboratory where various groups of students will be using the same space. Failure to dispose of used materials in the appropriate manner, returning equipment and supplies to their proper storage area, and cleaning work surfaces with the proper disinfecting solution will result in points being deducted from the laboratory/clinical activity.

Course Materials

All submitted assignments become the property of the MEDA program and will not be returned to the student in any course for the program for any reason.

Causes For Dismissal

Behavior

All MEDA students will be held to the standards of behavior set forth in the Central Community College student handbook.

HIPAA Violations The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal regulation that dictates all patient information is confidential and limits who has access to that information. Anytime students are in a health care facility, they will be required to follow this regulation. Any student violating this regulation – obtaining or discussing any form of patient information in a non-official capacity, either in the workplace, at school, or in public will be recommended for immediate dismissal from the program.

Academic

All MEDA students will be held to the Standards of Progress found in the Central Community College College catalog.

Academic Probation and Suspension

In accordance with college policy, students will be required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. If a student falls below a 2.0, they will be placed on academic probation for the following semester; students failing to achieve a CUMULATIVE GPA during the probationary period will be recommended for suspension from the program for a semester. While the student is on suspension, they will have academic goals and progress assigned that must be fulfilled before the student will be allowed to request reinstatement to the program. Students that do not fulfill the requirements of their suspension will be recommended for dismissal from the program and will need to reapply.

Policies and Procedures for Applied Experience

Phlebotomy Rotation

All MEDA students will be required to complete a rotation at a clinical facility to perform phlebotomy on patients.

The phlebotomy rotation will be scheduled by the instructor while the student is enrolled in MEDA 2330. A current Affiliation Agreement between the college and the site will be in place. The phlebotomy rotation will consist of experience at an approved facility under the supervision of trained phlebotomists.

Students will only be assigned to a rotation after completing classroom training in phlebotomy, HIPAA, and bloodborne pathogens. The instructor will evaluate the students on their ability to perform capillary, vacutainer, and syringe phlebotomies prior to being placed in a facility and will not release any student that is not competent. The instructor will place students in an available facility as space and time permit - it will be the responsibility of the student to make adjustments to their school, work, and personal schedules.

Students will report to their supervising phlebotomist at the host facility each assigned day. Therefore, failure of the student to notify the host facility, the Lab Instructor and Program Director of an absence or tardiness I-13 may result in the termination of the rotation. Failure of the student to act in a professional manner and uphold the host facility standards for performance may also result in termination of the rotation. The student will be reassigned only after all other students have completed their rotations.

The student will be evaluated by the supervising phlebotomist.

Practicum

The student will be required to have a practicum experience in an actual work setting only after completing required MEDA courses and with the approval of the program director/and or practicum coordinator. During the practicum, the student may not receive payment in any form for experiences performed during the externship by the site per the MAERB Policy Regarding Non-Remuneration for Practicum.

Availability

Sites for practicum experience are limited. If there is a greater demand than availability, students will be assigned to available positions based on date of admission to program.

The practicum will be assigned by the Practicum Coordinator after meeting with the student and successful progression through the Central Community College Medical Assisting program. The Practicum Coordinator selects and approves appropriate practicum sites. Practicum sites are chosen based on their ability to provide students with a variety of meaningful experiences, that builds on the content presented in the classroom setting. Practicum sites are chosen based on their ability to be active in providing educational experiences (practicum students cannot be substituted for regular staff). Additional factors considered include: location within the college service area, preference of medical office personnel, medical office/student compatibility and student strengths/weaknesses. The practicum site must be able to adequately safeguard the health and safety of patients, the student and any faculty associated with the education of the student. Safeguards may include compliance with OSHA and CDC guidelines and/or any state, local of institutional guidelines/policies related to health and safety. When an acceptable practicum site is located for a student, the medical office is contacted by the Practicum Coordinator. If the medical office is agreeable to having a practicum student, an Affiliation Agreement between Central Community College and the participating medical office is signed by both parties. An informational letter and the Practicum Course Syllabi are sent to the participating medical office. Students are informed of placement approximately 30 days prior to the beginning of the practicum.

The Practicum course (MEDA 2420) must be completed one (1) calendar year from successful completion of MEDA 2300 and MEDA 2330. Students who do not complete the Practicum course (MEDA 2420) on this schedule will need to retake the MEDA core classes (MEDA 1100, MEDA 1250, MEDA 1330, MEDA 2220, and MEDA 2330).

The Practicum course (MEDA 2420) will occur after successfully completing all of the MEDA courses. The externship will consist of 240 hours of clinical experience for associate degree students. The practicum is considered a course so tuition and fees will be paid. A student is not allowed to be a paid employee or accept payment of any kind from the facility where the practicum is being conducted. If a student is a current employee of a medical facility they may be reassigned to another facility for a portion of their practicum. It will be the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with their employer regarding time off and continuation of benefits if necessary. Sites for practicum are limited.

The student on practicum will be expected to behave as a Medical Assisting professional. The student will be monitored on the practicum and will be expected to fulfill all obligations of the employees of that site. Any reported failures to comply with the rules and regulations of the clinical site will result in termination of the rotation. These behaviors include proper dress, personal hygiene, avoiding perfume or cigarette odors, courtesy to staff and patients, observance of HIPAA, OSHA, and CDC regulations, and prompt and regular attendance when scheduled. No cell phone use during practicum hours unless given permission during breaks or lunch. Failure to perform at an acceptable technical level may also result in termination of the practicum.

Evaluation of students during practicum is discussed in the MEDA 2420 syllabi.

All students will be encouraged to take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) a national certification exam on completion of the entire MEDA program of study. The cost of this exam is approximately $125 and it will be the responsibility of the student to register for and pay for this exam. Information on how and when to register will be provided by the instructor when appropriate. Refer to the AAMA Certification Exam information. http://www.aama-ntl.org/. Certification is not required to work in the state of Nebraska, but it is strongly encouraged as recognition of professional competence. Area employers may require employees to be certified.

Central Community College Personal Protective Equipment Policy

Area: Medical Assisting
Task/Function: PPE Requirements
Date: July, 2004

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. PPE policies are for the protection of the individual. It is critical to your safety that proper PPE is used. Failure to do so is a serious violation of approved College safety practices.

1. Eye Protection Required:
   • Safety glasses with side shields are required at all times whenever a possibility of exposure to body fluids exists, i.e. removal of a drain or tubing in which body fluids are accessed.
     • Each student is required to purchase approved safety glasses.
     • Prescription glasses are typically not safety glasses. Prescription glasses with side shields or protective eyewear worn over prescription glasses are required.
   • The college will provide eye wash stations.
2. Hand Protection Required:
   • Each student is required to wear gloves as specified by the instructor. Non-latex gloves are used to avoid problems.
   • Gloves are used to protect both the student and patient.
     • If any rips or tears occur, wash hands with soap and warm water.
     • A new pair of gloves will be put on.
     • A new pair of gloves will be used for each patient. d. Wash hands between patients.
   • The outside of the protective gloves will be treated as a contaminated area.
     • Never put hands close to mouth, nose, or eyes while wearing protective gloves.
     • Always remove gloves and wash hands before going from one patient to another, on a break, smoking or eating.
     • Contaminated gloves will be disposed with regular trash.
3. Foot Protection Required:
   • No specific foot protection is required. However, the student should purchase a sturdy shoe designed for long periods of standing, (no slippers or crocs).
   • Appropriate shoes are required. No slippers or crocs.
4. Hearing Protection Required: NA
   No type of hearing protection is required as a standard in this program. Instructors will always be aware of any situations that might occur requiring hearing protection.
5. Body and Leg/Arm Protection Required:
   • Each student is required to wear a proper facemask as specified by the instructor. A facemask is required to protect the student from aerosol spatter.
   • The student will be required to submit a signed Immunization Health Statement. Applicants must be immunized against Hepatitis B. The immunization is completed through a series of three (3) injections over a period of six (6) months. Students may begin the Medical Assisting program before they complete the hepatitis series but could be held out of MEDA 233, Lab I if they have not started the series.
   • Each student is required to pay for the vaccination series.
   • Each student is required to purchase and wear clinic clothing (jacket and pants) as specified by the instructor.
   • Each student is responsible for laundering his/her clinic clothing according to program policies.
6. Respiratory Protection Required: NA
   No type of respiratory protection is required as a standard in this program. Instructors will always be aware of any situations that might occur requiring respiratory protection.

General Safety Precautions

1. Do not lean on or against equipment.
2. Avoid horseplay in the work area at all times.
3. Get first aid immediately for any injury. All accidents will be reported as soon as possible to an instructor. This includes all accidents, no matter how slight the injury.
4. Any exposure to blood or other body fluids should be reported immediately to an instructor.
5. Proper procedures and safety precautions are always required to prevent a laceration from an instrument or other “sharps” object.
6. Do not use any equipment unless properly trained and have been authorized by an instructor.
7. Have a thorough understanding of the potential hazards and proper procedures to prevent exposure to blood or other body fluids.
8. Treat all fluids from a patient as contaminated waste.
9. Be familiar with the terms “Standard Blood and Body Substance Precautions” and consistently practice these precautions.

Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment

1. A lab coat and pants are required to be worn.
2. A facemask is required to protect the student from aerosol spatter.
3. Comfortable shoes should be worn.
4. White shoes are required. This will allow for easy visibility of any blood that might splatter on the shoes.
5. Gloves will be worn when working with a patient. New gloves will be used for each patient.

Housekeeping

1. Aisles should be kept clear at all times to avoid tripping or other hazards.
2. Adequate and convenient storage facilities for supplies and equipment are essential, since neatness invites safety and helps keep the items available and in good condition.
3. Working on wet surfaces can cause a severe slipping hazard. When walking on wet surfaces, walk slower and take smaller steps. All spills or wet areas should be cleaned I-25 promptly to avoid slipping.

First Aid

1. Get first aid immediately for any injury.
2. First aid kits should be adequately stocked and conveniently located throughout campus.
3. The phone number of the first aid responders and the ambulance service should be listed on the inside of each first aid kit’s cover for immediate use in case of emergencies.