Medical Assistant Training Program
Musculoskeletal Health Partners, Medical Service Organization
The program is designed to prepare students for administrative and clinical responsibilities in a medical setting. SDN/SBNS are neurosurgical practices specializing in the surgical care of the brain and spine. Our goal is to provide our Interns with real-life experience working in an active medical practice.
This program also provides comprehensive hands-on training in a real-world medical environment. It is important to note that while participants will gain valuable skills and experience, the Medical Assistant Training Program is not accredited.
1.- Foundations in Healthcare
Medical Terminology
Understanding the basic language used in healthcare, anatomy, diseases, and procedures.
Medical Law & Ethics
Confidentiality, patient rights, HIPAA compliance, and ethical decision-making.
Exposure to neurosurgery and pain management
Focus on brain and spinal cord structures and their functions, critical for understanding neurosurgical terminology and procedures.
Cross-specialty collaboration skills
Effective communication between medical assistants, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and pain management and rehabilitation specialists.
Patient Relations & Communication
Techniques for interacting effectively with patients, including empathy, active listening, and professionalism. Handling emotionally sensitive conversations with patients and families, such as discussing surgical risks or treatment outcomes.
2.- Administrative Skills
Medical Office Procedures
Managing phone calls, scheduling appointments, handling patient check-ins and check-outs.
Medical Office Procedures: Mana
Training on using EHR systems, data entry, updating records, and maintaining patient confidentiality. At SDN, students will learn to use eCW, as well as others used by different hospitals.
Medical Billing & Coding
Introduction to coding systems (ICD-10, CPT), insurance authorization requests and claims processing, and payment collection.
Medical Scribing
Real-time documentation of patient encounters, including history taking, physical examination findings, diagnostic plans, and physician instructions, to improve workflow efficiency.
3.- Clinical Skills
Patient Care Fundamentals
Vital signs measurement, patient history collection, and basic patient care skills in diverse patient care scenarios. Hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.
4.- Pharmacology
Medication Administration
Types of medications, dosage calculations, preparation, and prescribing of oral and injectable medications.
Drug Interactions and Side Effects
Understanding potential interactions, contraindications, and common side effects.
5.- Medical Procedures and Assisting
Minor Surgical Procedures
The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in practical clinical skills, focusing on both routine and advanced medical practices.
Key components include:
Wound Care and Dressing Changes: Techniques for wound cleaning, dressing changes, and infection control.
Radiology Basics: Safety protocols, understanding radiology procedures. Interpreting neurosurgery-specific imaging (e.g., spinal MRIs, CT scans of the brain).
Bracing: Fitting patient with cervical, thoracic, and lumbar braces.
Removal of Sutures/Staples: Expertise in removing sutures and staples with precision and ensuring proper wound healing.
Preparation of Examination/Procedure Rooms: Preparing examination rooms to meet procedural requirements and ensuring patient comfort.
Preparation and Maintenance of a Sterile Field: Maintaining aseptic conditions to minimize infection risk during procedures.
6.- Infection Control and Safety
Sterilization Techniques
Methods for sterilizing instruments and maintaining a sterile environment.
OSHA Guidelines
Safety regulations, personal protective equipment (PPE), and waste disposal.
7. Externship or Clinical Practicum
Hands-on Experience
Gaining real-world experience in a healthcare setting.
Skills Application
Applying learned skills under supervision, engaging with patients, and performing clinical tasks.
