AHEM 120 - Clinical Procedures I

5 CR

This course prepares students for key responsibilities in clinical medical assisting, including patient communication, medical documentation, infection control, and teamwork in healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on patient interviewing and screening, vital signs assessment, rooming procedures, patient nutrition, and assisting in gynecologic, prenatal, pediatric, eye, and ear examinations. Students gain practical knowledge to deliver professional, compassionate care in diverse clinical environments.

Recommended: AHE 100, AHEA 100
Prerequisite(s): Placement by assessment into ENGL 101 or completion of ENGL 92 or ENGL 93 and successful completion of AHE 100, AHE 120, AHE 130 (or BIOL 108; orBIOL 241 and BIOL 242). All with a C or better. Or permission of the Program Chair.

Course Outcomes

Demonstrate proficiency in core clinical skills, including obtaining and documenting patient vital signs, performing eye and ear assessments, and assisting in gynecologic, pediatric, and prenatal examinations.
Apply infection control and asepsis principles, including standard precautions, isolation procedures, and sanitation practices, to ensure patient and staff safety.
Conduct thorough patient intake procedures, including gathering a health history, reconciling medication and allergy lists, and screening patients using appropriate tools.
Accurately document medical information by distinguishing between subjective and objective data, making corrections in compliance with legal standards, and organizing records professionally.
Perform team-based clinical workflows, including inter-professional communication, workflow algorithms, and supporting team care initiatives to improve patient outcomes.
Integrate effective communication skills to build rapport with patients, demonstrating respect for professional boundaries and sensitivity to diverse patient needs during clinical interactions.
Demonstrate proficiency in specialized clinical procedures, including obtaining vital signs, rooming the patient, performing gynecologic and prenatal care examinations, conducting pediatric assessments, performing ear and eye irrigation and instillation techniques, and assessing visual and auditory acuity to support diagnostic processes.
Identify and instruct patients regarding dietary nutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals, electrolytes, vitamins, fiber, water), the function of dietary supplements, special dietary needs (for weight control, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, lactose sensitivity, gluten-free, food allergies, and eating disorders), and the components of food labels.

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