Methods of Instruction:   Students will follow step-by-step instructions provided on the Course Checklists located on the link above.  

Program Handbook  all info on program and health forms included.

 Booklist  you may start work any time, but we cannot accept submissions until you are registered for the modules.

Supplies needed: you will need to wear scrubs if you are in the MA or Clinical Lab programs. These may be purchased anywhere and any color is fine. If you go to Life Uniform at Northgate Mall and mention you are a student at NSCC, you will get a 10% discount on certain brands of scrubs. You will also need to purchase a stethoscope and BP cuff (cheap is fine) and you will need a watch with a second hand for doing vitals. 

Students will self-study the material and work through the assignments in the checklist.  Students may accomplish this at a time and place of their choice, moving forward at their own pace but within the academic quarter time frame.  Instructors will be available in the classrooms during posted hours each day to assist students in their studies.  Students are encouraged to work at the college as much as possible to fully utilize the resources and instruction available there, but students may study on their own.  Instructors are available to teach!  Ask us.

For lab work in any courses, students are required to (after reading material) come into the classroom for:

• A hands-on demonstration of procedures (both administrative and clinical) by an instructor. Download or view the quarterly calendar on the link to the right.

• Practice of each procedure a sufficient number of times (under supervision) to gain skill and efficiency, in the classroom.  (Some things may also be performed elsewhere but practice with instructor and role-playing with students is vital!

• Perform procedures for a competency evaluation by an instructor* (*some procedures are performed with other students – see the handout “Procedures at a Glance” available on the link below and in the classroom for specifics). Students must practice a sufficient number of times and be prepared to perform the check off.  No check offs without practice first!

Students who need/want assistance are responsible for notifying the instructor(s) or appropriate department regarding the need, particularly in theory-only courses where contact is minimal.  While instructors will be available for assistance and instruction the students must make their needs known.  Instructors are available during open hours and office hours or by appointment.

Students should not monopolize instructor/assistant time beyond reasonable.  Variations in number of students and help needed will vary the time allowed per student each session.  Please sign up for only one item at a time when you want individual help.

Students may come in to the classroom during any of the schedule open times and sign their name on the board.  An instructor or assistant will help you as soon as they can by going down the list of those signed up that day.  Some days there may be a scheduled lecture or demonstration to that will keep the teacher engaged.  In an open schedule there is no way to know ahead of time how many students will come in during a particular session.  Please be patient and keep busy studying/working/practicing while waiting for your turn.  It is advised you do not plan a schedule so tight that your plan would require you to need help immediately (i.e., do not come into class ½ hour before the session is over and need to check off on five procedures that day!)   Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many resources available in the classroom and at the college and to seek guidance from the instructors.

Course Policies: 

Communication:  Students must contact the instructor once per week either in person or by email.  If by e-mail, student should state briefly their study progress and ask any questions they may have. Students should attend all hours that are required (first day and mid quarter orientation and demos, etc...).

General:       Students are expected to complete all reading, assignments and tasks as required in the course checklist for each course they are registered for by the end of the quarter.  No grade of “incomplete” will be given so students should plan to take only the number of credits you can finish. A grade of 2.0 or higher is required to pass a course. If a student fails a module, they must repeat that course (register and pay again) using an alternate packet (see program coordinator). A student may not fail the same module or course twice and continue in the program. If a student fails 3 modules, they may no longer continue in the program. The only way to fail is to not complete the work or to do very poorly on the exams that carry more weight in the total course grade in the theory only courses. 

You should follow the steps in the order as listed on the Course Checklist.  Students should seek assistance in this self-paced module study format; instructors are available to help on an individual basis during Open Hours and via email.

Students must let their needs be known.  Students are expected to be able to perform, after extensive practice, all performance objectives or check off tasks (if any) to the level of minimum competency for an entry-level medical assistant.  Entry-level competencies for medical assistants are usually given to all students during advising; if you need a copy, please ask an instructor or look in the “Program/College Handouts” in the classroom.

                   Students are expected to plan the time needed to complete all work in the course by the end of the quarter.  If a demonstration or mini-lecture is needed for any hands-on procedures, check the Quarterly Calendar to see when the demo(s) you need is/are scheduled. Complete the reading first, then attend a scheduled demo.  The student must plan ahead to be ready for demos early in the quarter to allow time for practice later in the quarter.  Students should avoid getting a grade of “no credit” and there are no “incomplete grades” given.  If you realize you cannot finish a course by the end of the quarter, see an instructor for guidance.  DO NOT WAIT until the end of the quarter when there is not enough time left to finish.  Check the Quarterly Calendar for the college’s various deadlines for dropping courses. 

                    ***Be sure to discuss problems with course completion with your funding source (i.e. Financial Aid, Workfirst, or Worker Retraining, etc...); they are there to help and it is better to let them know sooner rather than later. See your advisor (Michaelann) if necessary. Plan ahead and plan your quarter! See instructors for time management guidance!

*See the individual Syllabi (on the link above), or the Program Handbook for more information

Grading Rubric for assignments

Download the Program Handbook

Download the "Procedure's at a Glance"

Download the Procedure Practice Log

Download the Booklist

*Study Tips

*CMA Exam Review Tips

*CMA Exam Review Recommended Text

AAS Degree Requirements Information

NSCC Essential Learning Outcomes

How to use this site (easy steps):

1. If you are a new student, read the Program Handbook. Print the forms you need to have completed for your file in the division; they are numbered 1 through 8, as well as the mandatory forms checklist. These need to be completed and submitted to the division as soon as possible and prior to any clinical course registration. Complete the 8 forms, including the cover sheet and turn in to the division secretaries; do not submit these in the classroom. 

2. Review and/or read the syllabus for each course you are registered for in a particular quarter. Each course has an assignment to answer the course objectives as if they were a question on a test. They are in bold and on the first or second page of each syllabus. 

3. Print the open hours and quarterly calendar documents for your use. Hard copies of these are also posted in the classroom and available to pick up. (Print these at home, printing will be limited to assignments only in the classroom!). Be sure you have these; highlight the demos you need to attend for the quarter based on the modules you are registered for, as well as the mandatory orientation times. Use the calendar to plan out your quarter. Be aware that administrative courses taught by Meredith Crichton are on a separate document available in the classroom. 

4. Print the Checklist for each course you are registered for in a given quarter; the checklists tell you what to do for each course. (Print these at home, printing will be limited to assignments only in the classroom!).

5. Print the handouts for each course you are registered for in a given quarter if they contain assignments or check off sheets; when you open each handout document, it will tell you if you need to print. (Print these at home, printing will be limited to assignments only in the classroom!).

6. Follow the steps in each checklist. Be sure to submit half packets when asked and take your tests when the checklist tells you to so that the material is fresh in your mind; do not save all the tests for the end of the quarter!

7. The instructors are your greatest resource; come in at least once a week to get one on one assistance and to help you stay on task to complete your work in a timely manner. Email the instructor weekly if you do not come to class; this is mandatory!

8. The "Links" page has many quick and useful links that will help you to complete your assignments or give you extra information to enhance your learning. 

9. End of the quarter surveys will be available online; please be sure to complete these when prompted via email, they are mandatory and critical for us to be sure your feedback is heard. We make changes and improvements based on your comments; this is your chance to help us improve, grow and to meet your needs if possible. There will probably still be faculty surveys to fill out in the classroom each quarter.