Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 1, 2, 3, and 4 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Students will acquire knowledge to apply theory to practice while assisting with minor office surgeries and wound care. Sterile and aseptic techniques, sterile field and instrument sanitization procedures and protocols prepare students with the necessary skills to practice within the scope of practice of a medical assistant. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate correct aseptic technique and infection control measures.
  • CSLO #2: Execute wound care treatment protocols including topical medication and sterile dressing applications while being able to identify and coordinate treatment of infection in a wound care (or post-op) patient.
  • CSLO #3: Safely and accurately perform various methods of equipment and surface disinfection and instrument sterilization while exercising compliance with OSHA and other safety agencies.

Effective Term

Fall 2018

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Demonstrate correct aseptic technique and infection control measures; safely and accurately perform various methods of equipment and surface disinfection and instrument sterilization while exercising compliance with OSHA and other safety agencies.
2. Execute wound care treatment protocols including topical medication and sterile dressing applications while being able to identify and coordinate treatment of infection in a wound care (or post-op) patient.
Lab Objectives:
1. Demonstrate wrapping and labeling of instruments for sterilization and disinfection along with proper use of Autoclave.
2. Describe disinfection of operative suite.
3. Explain wound care treatments e.g. wound vacs, skin grafts, debridement and medications.
4. Demonstrate application of wound dressings (sterile and non-sterile)

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • Not Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: Following the lecture on Wound Care, students will discuss: Do all wounds require a sterile dressing? What is the difference between a dressing and a bandage?
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will take a multiple-choice test on Surgical asepsis. Standard Grading. Example Question: Surgical asepsis is most important during which of the following procedures? a. Pulmonary function test b. Stool guaiac test c. Pap smear d. Endometrial biopsy Answer: c. Pap smear
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Following the lecture on Wound Care and instructor demonstration of placing a dressing over the wound, students will practice applying sterile dressings in a lab setting for skills check off. Standard Grading.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Laboratory
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lab:

          1. Following lecture and discussion, instructor will demonstrate proper sterilization techniques and how to set up the surgical suite for a minor surgical procedure. This will be followed by students performing these tasks/skills in the lab setting with skills checkoff.
          2. Following lecture and discussion, instructor will demonstrate wound care treatments. This will be followed by students performing these tasks/skills in the lab setting with skills checkoff.

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor PowerPoint presentation on Sterilization and Minor Surgical Procedures in the office. Students will discuss what constitutes “minor” in office procedure following the presentation.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor PowerPoint presentation on Wound Care in the office. Students will participate in an online discussion on staying within the Medical Assisting Scope of Work while assisting with Wound Care.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read section in textbook on sanitation, disinfection and sterilization to prepare for discussion in class. 2. Read section in textbook, on assisting with minor surgical procedures with discussion on what is deemed minor for a classroom discussion next class.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Write essay on the importance of sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization. 2. Type up responses to classroom emergency scenarios and turn in for credit.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          1. Research case studies on what happens without proper sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization.

          Required Materials

          • The Clinical Medical Assistant
            • Author: Garrels, Marti
            • Publisher: Elsevier Saunders
            • Publication Date: 2017
            • Text Edition: 13th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.