Medical Assisting

Students learn about the healthcare field and the role of the medical assistant. They gain an overview of healthcare systems, career pathways, basic anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology. The curriculum emphasizes infection control, safety procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment in accordance with OSHA standards. Exploratory students also learn the basics of HIPAA and patient confidentiality. The course concludes with employability skill development to support success in future career technical and clinical experiences.

Following shop selection, students develop foundational knowledge and practical skills essential to safe and effective healthcare practice. They learn and apply basic patient care procedures, explore human anatomy and physiology with an introduction to body systems, and demonstrate proper infection control and workplace safety techniques. Upon successful completion, students earn the industry-recognized OSHA-10 for Healthcare certification.

Students build upon foundational skills as they develop core clinical and administrative competencies essential to the healthcare environment. Instruction includes medical terminology and an in-depth study of body systems in anatomy and physiology. Students practice key clinical skills such as obtaining vital signs, measuring height and weight, and performing patient intake procedures. Administrative training focuses on professional communication, phone etiquette, filing, and introductory use of electronic health records (EHR). Emphasis is placed on professionalism, legal and ethical responsibilities, and maintaining patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA standards.

Students build on foundational knowledge to further develop clinical competencies in alignment with DESE Chapter 74 CTE frameworks. With an emphasis on advanced academic and theoretical instruction, students continue studying medical terminology and applying the language of the healthcare environment to real-world scenarios. Anatomy and Physiology II provides an in-depth examination of body systems and their interrelationships, reinforcing students’ understanding of the clinical skills they will perform.

Students learn advanced clinical practice and office management skills aligned with industry standards. They gain hands-on experience in phlebotomy and EKG procedures, including related theory, lead placement, and specimen collection following CLSI guidelines. Instruction includes non-parenteral medication administration, diagnostic testing, and advanced administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and insurance processing. Students also review the Massachusetts Scope of Practice and examine professional ethics in healthcare. Career readiness is supported through resume development, interview preparation, and externship planning. Optional certifications include EKG Technician (CET), and students begin preparing for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

Students reinforce theoretical knowledge while integrating it with clinical practice, in full alignment with DESE Chapter 74 CTE frameworks. They advance their proficiency in medical terminology and deepen their understanding of anatomy and physiology, including complex body system interactions. The course also introduces pharmacology fundamentals relevant to medical assisting and provides an overview of pathophysiology to help connect disease processes with patient care.

Students focus on professional integration through clinical experience, certification preparation, and career readiness. They participate in a clinical externship or internship, applying their skills in real-world healthcare settings in alignment with DESE performance standards. Instruction includes CCMA certification preparation, practice exams, and clinical simulations covering vital signs, injections, and patient education. Students also explore postsecondary and career pathways in healthcare. Upon completion, students are eligible to earn the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential through the NHA, with opportunities for additional certifications in EKG or pharmacy technician roles.

Students learn advanced clinical and administrative competencies aligned with DESE Standard 9: Employability & Career Readiness as they prepare for transition to the workforce or higher education. Students will learn advanced medical terminology and develop proficiency in medical office procedures related to surgical preparation and assisting, including aseptic technique, documentation, patient interaction, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. Students will also learn professional communication skills, problem-solving strategies, and workplace readiness to support success in externships, credentialing, and entry-level healthcare roles.