Did you ever want to learn how to take a blood pressure? In Module Two in the Medical Assistant program at Ross Medical Education Center, a student will be taught to take vital signs including blood pressure, temperature, and pulse as well as how to obtain an accurate height and weight. These are core skills that are taught as part of a course in this module but are also practiced throughout the program.
In this module, each student will be instructed on many clinical skills and patient positioning in a hands-on environment. Urine testing is practiced as well as performing pregnancy tests. Interaction with the patient and patient education are an important part of the process of any clinical skill, and many opportunities will be provided for practice. This is a fast-paced program with many courses covered, and there are always a variety of ways to review.
Instructors are creative and love to play review games. One instructor states, “I use a fun game called ‘Kahoot’ to review for tests, and students love it!” During clinical skills, students will be documenting using both the paper chart and the electronic health record. The module also covers medical terminology and anatomy and physiology to include the skin, bones, and urinary system. There will be an opportunity to use the microscope to look at a slide of skin cells to see them up close and personal!
Part of this module also includes skills related to medical office administrative duties, and basic keyboarding skills will be covered. The classroom experience is interactive with many varied presentations, discussions, activities, and numerous opportunities to use technology and clinical skills. Administrative skills also include use of a program called Typing Quick and Easy, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, a virtual library, StudyWare, and many online resources. Professionalism and soft skills are covered and can prepare students for their interaction with patients. The module is a place to gain knowledge while having hands-on fun with many varied activities.