Medical Assistant Program Handbook

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Medical Assistant

Program Handbook

2111 Emmons Rd.

Jackson, MI 49201

Kristin M. Spencer, PhD, MBA, BHSA, CMA(AAMA)

Program Director

JW232

517-796-8463

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Jackson College

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Medical Assistant Certificate and Associate Degree Program

Upon successful completion of all required courses for either the Certificate or Associate Degree programs, it is our goal that the student will be prepared for entry level employment as a Medical Assistant and successfully obtain a medical assistant credential.

Medical Assistant Program Goals

1. To prepare students for entry-level employment as a medical assistant.

2. To provide students with knowledge (cognitive domain) and practice of appropriate behavior (affective domain) in the workplace related to medical law, bioethics, and healthcare professionalism.

3. To provide students with medical office administrative skills (cognitive and psychomotor domains).

4. To provide students with medical knowledge (cognitive domain) relating to the practice of medical assisting. 5. To provide students with clinical medical assisting skills (psychomotor domain).

6. To provide students with written and oral communication skills appropriate to patient instruction and care.

7. To prepare students to successfully complete the American Association of Medical Assistants CMA(AAMA) exam and earn their national professional credential.

8. To maintain program accreditation from the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

What is a Medical Assistant and a CMA?

“Medical Assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to work in ambulatory healthcare settings performing administrative and clinical duties. The practice of medical assisting directly affects the public’s health and well-being and requires a mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession.” (2008 AAMA Standards)

Medical Assistants perform administrative (including reception, records management, billing and insurance claim form processing, transcription, etc.) and clinical duties (including: assisting the physician with exams and treatments, performing EKGs, laboratory testing, administering medications, taking vital signs, using aseptic techniques, performing phlebotomy, etc.) and may manage emergency situations, facilities and personnel. Competence in the field also requires that Medical Assistants have knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, display professionalism, communicate effectively, and provide instruction to patients according to their individual needs.

We encourage professional credentialing. JC graduates may become a Certified Medical Assistant [CMA(AAMA)] by taking the American Association of Medical Assistant's certification examination upon completion of their program. Students qualify for taking the CMA(AAMA) exam by completion of the Certificate-Medical Assistant first and then have the option of also completing the Associate Degree in Applied Science-Medical Assistant. Current applications and qualification information for this exam may be found at : www.aama-ntl.org.

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What Medical Assistant degrees are offered at Jackson College?

JC offers Certificate - Medical Assistant and Associate Degree in Applied Science - Medical Assistant

degrees. The Jackson College Certificate-Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission

on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of

the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

1362 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756

Phone: (727) 210 2350

The Medical Assisting Education Review Board - The Medical Assisting Education Review Board

(MAERB), an autonomous unit within the Endowment, evaluates medical assisting programs according

to Standards adopted by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the American

Medical Association (AMA), and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education

Programs (CAAHEP). The MAERB then recommends programs to CAAHEP for accreditation

What is CAAHEP? - CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field. In

collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits over 2000

educational programs in twenty (20) health science occupations.

JC students gain knowledge of the human body in health and disease, medical terminology, medical law

and ethics, written and interpersonal communication, pharmacology, and nutrition. Medical Assistant

students learn and perform administrative (clerical and business) tasks including: medical office

organization, medical office computer applications, and business professionalism. In addition to these

skills, the student will develop skills included in clinical medical assisting such as: laboratory

techniques, blood collection, assisting with examinations, administering medications, performing EKGs,

assisting with medical specialty office treatments. A minimum of 180 hour non-paid Clinical Practicum

experience with a licensed health care practitioner is the capstone course for this program and offers real

life experience in a local medical practice.

Is Medical Assisting a good choice for me?

You are perfect for a career in medical assisting or medical office administration if you care about

people, enjoy learning about health and the practice of medicine, and have skills that may be developed

to assist with caring for patients and for performing medical office administrative and clinical tasks.

Additionally, you must be very outgoing and comfortable communicating with patients about very

sensitive subjects. Because health care is one of the fastest growing career fields, there are many

opportunities for medical assistants and medical office personnel in the offices of physicians, podiatrists,

chiropractors, and other licensed health care providers. Job opportunities are also abundant in medical

clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, medical laboratories, medical billing services, and with insurance

companies.

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TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Essential Functions/Technical Requirements:

These technical standards reflect performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the program at this college. These standards are not conditions of admission to the program. Persons interested in applying for admission to the program should review this information to develop a better understanding of the physical abilities and behavioral characteristics necessary to successfully complete the program.

Jackson College complies with the requirements and spirit of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Therefore, JC will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for participants with disabilities who are otherwise qualified.

 Effectively communicate in English both verbally and in writing utilizing accurate and appropriate terminology with classmates, co-workers, clients, and providers.

 Demonstrate critical thinking based on knowledge of academic subject matter required for competence in the profession. They will incorporate the cognitive knowledge in performance of the psychomotor and affective domains in their practice as medical assistants in providing patient care.

 Apply mathematic principles. This includes the ability to apply computations; identify measurement systems; define and convert between metric, apothecary and household systems; identify and correctly use

abbreviations and symbols in calculating medication dosages; and analyze charts, graphs, and/or tables in the interpretation of healthcare results.

 Correctly interpret and/or clarify verbal, written and electronic health information.

 Auscultate body sounds, characterize them and interpret findings appropriately.

 Accurately characterize and interpret the color, odor, clarity, and viscosity of body structures and fluids.

 Accurately assess equipment, medication, solutions, and other products/supplies to ensure client safety.

 Observe/guard clients’ response before, during and after treatment.

 Accurately perform and assess patient testing such as visual acuity examinations.

 Accurately interpret readings on manual and electronic patient monitoring equipment.

 File and accessing paper medical records. Utilize computers and electronic equipment and medical record software.

 Safely access and operate office equipment in a variety of settings.

 Demonstrate necessary motor skills for client-centered intervention such as performing parenteral therapies, palpating veins for radial pulse and venipuncture, etc.

 Safely access, prepare, and operate equipment and supplies in a variety of settings.

 Perform or assist with and/or transfer, lift, move, position, and manipulate the patient.

 Access information from books, reference manuals, screens on computers, paper and electronic medical records to accurately perform duties.

 Identify, recognize, maintain, organize, and disseminate accurate health information.

 Accurately and proficiently perform testing using manual and automated methodologies including patient samples and quality assurance measures.

 Correctly interpret and/or clarify verbal, written and electronic health information.

 Prioritize, organize, and utilize time-management skills to deliver patient care in a timely and accurate manner.

 Demonstrate appropriate professional and procedural judgment decisions under stressful and/or emergency conditions (i.e. cardiac arrest), emergent demands (i.e. immediate interventions or actions), and a distracting environment (i.e. high noise levels, crowding, complex stimuli).

 Fulfill requirements of productivity, rotating schedules and heavy work loads.

 Adhere to HIPAA, AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) professional standards, JC and clinical site professional conduct guidelines, policies and procedures. Technical standards refer to all nonacademic admission criteria that are essential to participation in the program.

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The following standards have been determined as desirable in order to successfully complete the program and to gain employment as a medical assistant.

The College will make every reasonable effort to accommodate a student with a disability that otherwise would be qualified to meet the Standards of the program.

FUNCTIONAL ABILITY TECHNICAL STANDARD

1. Vision

The student needs to be able to read a typewritten page and must be able to determine if the patient is having difficulty reading an eye chart as they stand at least a distance of 20 feet from each other.

2. Hearing

The student needs to be able to hear verbal messages on the telephone. The student must also be able to hear low level sounds to properly perform blood pressure.

3. Manual Dexterity

The student needs to be able to draw up medication in a syringe and take a radial pulse.

Other Suggested Recommendations:

* Perform activities at a height approximately 40 inches from the floor and get into a space approximately 8 feet by 8 feet.

* Ability to move from one area of a facility to another.

* Ability to assist patients in various positions, including assisting patients on or off the exam table or equipment

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANTS (AAMA)

Students are encouraged to join the American Association of Medical Assistants (www.aama-ntl.org). The annual dues include membership on three levels: local, state, and national. Students receive the

professional journal, the state journal, and the local bulletin announcing various events for medical assistants.

Students are encouraged to affiliate themselves with their local chapter. You will receive more information about AAMA membership in your core program courses.

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MEDICAL ASSISTANT CLINICAL PRACTICUM

What is Clinical Practicum and are there any special requirements for Clinical Practicum?

Clinical Practicum is a non-paid practical experience in which the student is placed in a physician’s

office or clinic under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner. The student has the

opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a real life clinical situation. A

student may work during their Clinical Practicum program; however, it will be the student’s

responsibility to be available for the Clinical Practicum hours that are assigned to them. A student will

be expected to obtain their Clinical Practicum schedule from the Supervisor at the Clinical Practicum

site. This placement occurs in the final semester of the program.

To be eligible for Clinical Practicum you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must have completed all Certificate courses except for the following:

*MAT131 – Can be taken with practicum

2. Associate Degree courses below can be taken with or after the practicum:

*COM 231 Communication Fundamentals

or COM 240 Interpersonal Communication

*ADO4

*ADO6

*BIO140

3. If it has been more than one semester since you have taken MED215 or MED216 you will need to

repeat MED215 & MED216. If it has been more than two semesters since you have taken MED115

and MED116, you will need to repeat these classes. If it has been more than one year since you have

taken MOA241 or MOA240, you may need to repeat these classes.

4. If you previously took MOA111 and MOA211 you will need to take MED115, MED116, MED215,

and MED216.

5. Approval of the Program Director

**Please meet with the Program Director if you have any questions regarding these requirements.**

Clinical Practicum Assignment

A Clinical Practicum site is assigned by the College and must be arranged and approved for each student before the start of the MED252 course. The clinical site is a third party entity into which students are placed for practical experience. Jackson College cannot guarantee that a Clinical Practicum site will always be available at the beginning of the semester. Arrangement for such a site depends upon the college’s ability to enter into a formal agreement with a proposed site. Students should not rely upon the availability of a Clinical Practicum site in a particular geographical location. While Jackson College uses its best efforts to negotiate Clinical Practicum sites, even after they become available they can become unavailable for reasons beyond the control of Jackson College and in that event Jackson College has no liability.

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***You will be given a Clinical Practicum Orientation in MED215 or MED216 where you will

receive the required documents to apply for Clinical Practicum and be told of the required

deadlines for completion of your paperwork. However, you are welcome to view the Clinical

Practicum Handbook on the MA Program Website and any questions you have will be answered

in the orientation.

What are the health and physical requirements of the Medical Assisting Clinical Practicum?

Health Certification Form: A Statement of Physical/Emotional Fitness will be completed (by the

physician of your choice) as a requirement for Clinical Practicum to assure that students and patients are

appropriately protected. This will be given to you at the time of your Clinical Practicum Orientation.

The Statement of Physical/Emotional Fitness in no way is utilized for admission, retention, or removal

of a student from any Allied Health Program. The Health Certification Form includes: a negative

Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Test or negative chest x-ray, proof of immunizations for Rubella (German

Measles), Rubeola (Hard Measles), the Hepatitis B Vaccine Series, Varicella Zoster (Chicken Pox), or a

physician diagnosed history of varicella zoster, and a recent physical examination. It is beneficial to

determine if you have proof of immunizations (Immunization Record) or whether you may need to have

titers drawn to demonstrate immunity. It is preferable that the Hepatitis B series is completed prior to

entering the Allied Health program; however, minimally it must be started or a waiver signed before the

student is allowed to attend the clinical site. You may want to retain a copy of this document for your

own records. Some clinical sites may require the student to undergo a drug screening and criminal

background test.

Student Health Issues: It is the student’s responsibility to inform the Director of Allied Health or the

Program Director of any illness, pregnancy, injury or surgery that might compromise the safety of either

the student or the patient(s). If a student has an infectious condition that may endanger clients in the

clinical sites, they need to inform the Director of Allied Health or the Program Director of the situation,

provide a written letter from their health care provider stating that it is safe for them to return to the

clinical site. While in the program any student with a medical condition or injury which causes a

student to miss clinical for over two (2) days, will be required to obtain a written doctor’s release to

continue in class and clinical and/or to return to class and clinical. The release will verify that s/he is

able to meet class/lab/clinical practice requirements without restrictions on activity (such as limitations

on weight lifting). The goal is to prevent aggravating an existing condition, or jeopardizing the students,

classmates or patient’s safety or well being. If at any point there are concerns regarding a health

problem or disability, Jackson College reserves the right to require a medical release or physical

examination. Students are responsible for contacting the Program Director regarding concerns or risks

related to their own health care needs. Students must meet the Technical Standards and Functions (see

Exhibit B) set for participants in the Jackson College Allied Health Programs with or without reasonable

accommodation.

Health Insurance: It is important that you maintain health insurance to defray the cost of hospital and

medical care of any illness or injury that may be sustained while participating in a clinical experience.

Substantial monetary liability can be incurred if you do not have medical insurance and injury or illness

occurs.

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CPR and First Aid Certification: Students are required to obtain “Professional Level” CPR

Certification and Basic First Aid Certification prior to starting your Clinical Practicum. This will be

discussed during the second semester of the program.

Academic Honesty -Cheating: Cheating is defined as: copying another’s answers; giving answers on

tests to another; bringing answers to a test situation; plagiarism including but not limited to copying

other students papers, copying verbatim from a website (with or without a reference), etc.; forging

competency evaluation forms; forging or misrepresenting clinical hours; any other act which does not

truly reflect the student’s progress. Any student found cheating in any MOA course may fail that course

and a written warning will be issued following the due process procedure.

Drug Free Campus Policy: For the well-being and safety of all concerned, unlawful manufacturing,

possessing, distribution, or the ingesting of controlled substances or federally illegal drugs such as, but

not limited to, marijuana, narcotics, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens, are strictly prohibited

on the college’s/clinical premises, equipment, job site, or during college activities.

No person shall report for work, no student shall report for class, and no person shall come on

college/clinical premises while legally under the influence of alcohol or other illegal drugs. No person

shall become impaired / intoxicated by the use of alcohol, controlled substances and/or illegal drugs on

college/clinical premises.

Individuals who choose to violate the above become subject to institutional and legal sanctions. The

college will cooperate with outside law enforcement agencies as they carry out their responsibilities both

on and off campus.

Students found to be in violation of the college Drug Free Campus Policy will be subject to discipline

and sanctions set forth in appropriate institutional manuals up to and including expulsion. Where

applicable, individuals will also be subjected to local, state, and federal legal sanctions.

Cell Phones: While the Allied Health faculty recognize that communication with family and friends is

important, the use of cell phones and beepers in class and at the assigned Clinical Practicum is very

distracting to others. All electronic devices are required to be turned off while in class or at the Clinical

Practicum site. If you are experiencing a family emergency and must keep a cell phone on, please

obtain instructor permission prior to class. We appreciate your cooperation in providing an environment

conducive to learning for all students.

Criminal Background Checks & Drug Testing: All students will be required to complete a

background check and drug screen prior to being eligible to enter the clinical practicum. Note there will

be additional fees/charges for both the background check and drug screen.

Some convictions may also result in the student being ineligible to sit for the CMA(AAMA) exam. It is

the student’s responsibility to verify eligibility directly with AAMA. If you find that you are not eligible

to take the CMA(AAMA), you are able to appeal the AAMA’s decision. Please contact the Program

Director to discuss the appeal process.

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DRESS CODE FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANT STUDENTS

Your career in the medical field is one of importance and prestige. People will seek you out for help

with their problems and also look to you as a representative of the health care field. You are becoming

part of a team, and along with this responsibility, there are rules you will be expected to follow in the lab

in preparation for your career in health care.

1.

You are required to wear the program designated Ceil Blue or Black scrubs to the following

classes:

MOA240, MOA241, MED115, MED116, MED215, MED216

Please purchase these ASAP. Tennis shoes must be worn. No open toe shoes are allowed. Shoes

must be clean and free from mud and dirt, white shoes are preferred with limited color. Socks

must also be worn. Hoodies are not allowed – warm up jackets in ceil blue or black should be

worn instead.

2.

Good personal hygiene is imperative.

3.

Hair should be neat and clean. If you have long hair, it should be fixed so that it does not fall

forward around your face and it should be up and off the collar.

4.

NAILS MUST BE CLEAN AND NEATLY TRIMMED! You will be applying gloves

frequently and long nails will tear the gloves. Nail polish must be light or neutral shades!

5.

Jewelry should be discreet: no dangling earrings, chains around the neck, or multiple rings on

hands. A wedding/engagement ring is acceptable. Jewelry has to be removed when washing

hands and there is a risk of losing it – so please just don’t wear it!

6.

Use good discretion and moderation with make-up: perfumes are not allowed – no smoke

smell either. If you smoke – buy Febreeze.

8.

Gum chewing is prohibited in medical classes.

9.

A watch or “clip on” time piece with a second hand, stethoscope, and BP cuff is required.

10.

Your JC name tag must be worn to each class.

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Medical Assistant Dress Code Check-off

Name________________________________

Points________________

top & pants

Clean & pressed Yes No

Program

Designated Scrubs

Yes No

Not worn

Socks White Socks that

covers ankles

Yes No

Clean Yes No

Shoes White Leather

Shoes or coordinating shoes Sling backs, sandal type, Crocs Yes No

Clean & polish Yes No

Shoe Laces Clean Yes No

Hair

Clean Yes No

Styled appropriately Off collar; does not fall in face, or has loose ends or flyways strands

Yes No

Hair accessories Hair band, barrette

Scarves, hats, large decorative hairpieces or ornaments are not allowed

Yes No

Beard, sideburn, mustaches

Clean, neat, and trimmed

Yes No

Facial piercing Not allowed None No

Tattoos Not allowed;

Should not be visible

None No

Jewelry

Rings Only wedding & engagement rings allowed

Yes No

None worn Earrings Only one set

allowed on lower lobe

Yes No

None worn

Watch With second

hand

Yes No

Necklaces Simple, subtle Large or choker type

Yes No

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Nails Clean Yes No

Trimmed to appropriate length Yes No Polish clear or neutral color; no chipping Yes No None worn Makeup Used appropriately; sparingly; should be natural looking Yes No None worn Perfume/ Cologne

Not allowed None worn No

Gum chewing Not allowed None No

Name Tag Must be visible Yes No

Original check-off Date In full

compliance

Needs a few minor corrections

Needs private conversation with instructor

Yes No Yes See

below

Yes No

Areas that need correction Comments Follow-up Corrections made Date In full compliance

Needs correction What areas

Yes No Yes Follow-up Corrections made Date In full compliance

Needs correction What areas

Yes No Yes

Comments

Compliance of dress code is worth 50pts. This will be conducted twice per term at the instructor’s

discretion.

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MA CLASSROOM

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

BEHAVIOR

 Any behavior that is distracting, disrespectful, or inconsiderate to others will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the course, removal from the program, or expulsion from the College. If you are in violation of any of the professional standards of the program, you will be given a written warning as deemed necessary by your instructor and your program director will be provided a copy of that warning. If no improvement is made, you will be removed from the program.

 Food is not allowed in the classroom. You are allowed to bring water or any closed drink container to classrooms, but drinks are NOT permitted in laboratories.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS

 Assignments are due at the beginning of class and must be completed in full or you will receive a zero.

 Late assignments will NOT be accepted. If you know you will be absent, please hand in homework early. MAKE-UPS QUIZZES & EXAMS

 Only one exam or quiz may be taken outside of the scheduled time with a 10% deduction. Students will receive a zero for all other missed exams or quizzes. If the quizzes are online, they must be completed by the due date or the student will receive a zero.

 Students arriving late on exam/quiz days may begin the exam when they arrive, but must turn it in along with the remainder of the class. If, for example, the quiz is scheduled from 10:00-10:30, ALL quizzes will be collected at 10:30, even if you did not arrive until 10:15.

CELL PHONES

 Cell phones must be turned OFF during class.

o Students whose phone rings or vibrates during a quiz or exam will have 2% subtracted from their grade on the quiz/exam.

 Students making or accepting calls or text messages during class will be asked to leave.

 Exceptions to the phone policy will be considered by the instructor on an individual basis. HONOR CODE VIOLATIONS

 Students caught plagiarizing or cheating on an assignment, quiz, or exam will receive a zero for the assignment, quiz, or exam. Cheating a second time or on the final exam will result in failure of the class and could result in expulsion from the College. This includes handing in identical assignments/answers when it is not a group project or activity.

PARTICIPATION

 A large portion of your grade is based on your participation in the course. This includes adhering to the dress code,

actively participating in the class, handing assignments in on time, and acting in a professional manner. If any of

these course requirements are not met, participation points will be deducted at the discretion of the instructor.

 If you are absent more than two times from any course (lab and lecture still count as the same course), you will not be given a passing grade in that course.

OTHER POLICIES

 The student is responsible for information and assignments given in class even if they were not present.

 The instructor will reconsider any question that was marked incorrect if the student can demonstrate that the answer is correct, based either on what was presented in class or in the textbook. Appeals of this nature must be made no later than the class period after the item has been returned to the student.

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Affective Evaluation

All clinical courses, including MED115, 116, 215, 216, will require an affective evaluation. Students

must pass all affective evaluation items in order to receive a passing grade in the course along with the

other course requirements. If any of the standards are not met, the student will be required to repeat the

course.

Attendance Policy

Students enrolled in MOA240, MOA241, MED115, MED116, MED215, and MED216 are not allowed

to miss more than two classes total. For clinical courses, lecture and lab are considered two separate

classes, even if on the same day. Therefore, if a student misses more than two lectures, labs, or a

combination of the two, they will not receive a passing grade in the course. Additionally, if a student

comes late or leaves early, the time will be deducted. If enough time missed equals a full class (three

hours) and a student also misses one class, and then additional time or a class is missed, they will not

receive a passing grade in the class. If the time missed equals two full classes (six hours), and they miss

additional time or a class, they will not receive a passing grade in the class.

The reason that we provide students with allowable missed time is because we understand that

sometimes emergencies or unexpected tragedies are unavoidable. Therefore, it cannot be stressed

enough how important it is to “save” this allowed time for when something traumatic may occur. No

exceptions will be made. So please do not miss class unless absolutely necessary. This policy is in place

to prepare the student for the requirements of the clinical practicum and future employment.

JC General Policies

Grades: A 2.0 or 2.5 is a passing grade (depending on the course requirement). Only courses with passing grades

count toward graduation. Other colleges transfer in only courses with passing grades. Many financial aid sources, including most employers, require passing grades. Additionally, earning less than a 2.0 or 2.5 in a class results in not being able to participate in the next level of courses in a discipline, which requires this course as a pre-requisite. If you attempt to register for the next course sequence and have not passed the pre-requisite course, you will be dropped from that class.

Academic Honesty Policy

Academic honesty is expected of all students. It is the ethical behavior that includes producing their own work and not representing others' work as their own, either by plagiarism, by cheating, or by helping others to do so.

Plagiarism is the failure to give credit for the use of material from outside sources. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

Using data, quotations, or paraphrases from other sources without adequate documentation

Submitting others’ work as your own

Exhibiting other behaviors generally considered unethical

Cheating means obtaining answers/material from an outside source without authorization. Cheating includes, but not limited to:

Plagiarizing in all forms

Using notes/books without authorization Copying

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Altering graded work Falsifying data

Exhibiting other behaviors generally considered unethical

Collaboration

While JC encourages students to collaborate in study groups, work teams, and with lab partners, each student should take responsibility for accurately representing his/her own contribution.

Consequences/Procedures

Faculty members who suspect a student of academic dishonesty may penalize the student by taking appropriate action up to and including assigning a failing grade for the paper, project, report, exam, or the course itself. Instructors must document all instances of academic dishonesty beyond those of a very minor nature, in writing to the academic dean.

The Office of the Academic Deans will record and track students who have been reported as having cheated. If the same student cheats in other courses, the dean will enact sanctions appropriate to level of infraction. The sanction will be selected in consultation with the involved faculty. The Dean can administer consequences up to and including suspension.

Student Conduct/Warning Notice

Medical Assistant students are expected and required to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. If a student violates any of the MA Classroom Professional Standards or JC General Polices, they may be placed on a behavioral contract or removed from the program as deemed necessary.

Student Appeal Process: http://www.jccmi.edu/administration/deans/StudentComplaintProcess.htm

SUGGESTED SEQUENCE OF COURSES

Please see the Suggested Sequence of Courses link in the JetNet program page to ensure you don’t

extend your time in the program. Please work with the program advisor or Program Director when

setting up your schedule.

RE-ENTRY TO THE PROGRAM

If you “stop out” of the program or have taken courses toward the program in the past and are now

returning to finish, you may be required to repeat any or all MOA/MED courses. Depending on the

length of time it has been since you were taking courses in the program, you may be eligible to

demonstrate competency in the area through a didactic and skills based assessment with approval from

the Medical Assistant Program Director. Please see the Program Director for more information.

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Medical Assistant Program Entrance Agreement

I hereby acknowledge that I, ________________________________ ,have received, read, understand, and am responsible for knowing the contents within the Jackson College Medical Assistant Student Handbook and will contact the program director if I have any questions regarding the requirements of the MA program.

I have been told and will abide by the requirements of this program in regards to the dress code, classroom polices, attendance requirements, and professionalism/affective behavior. I understand that failure to abide by these rules and regulations may result in dismissal from the Medical Assistant program.

I have been told and I am aware that there are certain requirements that must be met in order to be given a passing grade in a course. I am aware that this will be detailed in the individual syllabus for that class. I am also aware that if I do not meet the Affective Evaluation requirements, I will not be given a passing grade in my clinical courses.

I have been told and understand that all homework and assignments are due at the beginning of each class and that I will receive a “0” on that assignment if it is not handed in at the beginning of class or sooner unless I am told differently by the individual instructor.

I have been told and am aware that if I miss more than two classes per program course, I will be given a failing grade in that course. This includes MED115, 116, 215, 216, MOA240, and MOA241.

I have been told and am aware that I should meet with the Program Director for advising to ensure that I will complete my program on time.

By signing this, I am agreeing that I want to be a student of the Medical Assistant program and will abide by the behavioral and academic requirements of the program as stated by the college, the program director, and this handbook. I further understand that my signature below would allow personnel from the accrediting body of the program to review my student file during a formal audit of the Medical Assistant program.

_________________________ ______________________

Student Signature Date

_________________________ ______________________ Student Name Printed Student Number

Address City State Zip Code

_____________________________ ____________________________

Phone E-Mail

This acknowledgement form needs to be completed and submitted to the Program Director in MED115 which will constitute “official” entry into the program. However, students are expected to adhere to the MA program handbook while in MOA240 and MOA241 as well.