Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Student must meet Oregon Health Authorities rules for students in clinical training prior to starting clinical practicum. This includes; criminal background check, drug screen, proof of immunization status, BLS CPR card through AHA, tuberculosis test, bloodborne pathogens training and HIPAA compliance training. 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Skillfully assist in, perform, and document routine clinical procedures according to office protocol.
2. Apply current, up-to-date quality control and safety principles in clinic.
3. Communicate verbally, non-verbally and in writing within a clinical setting.
4. Maintain ethical standards and confidentiality for patient privacy and practice integrity.

Students will complete 192 hours of clinical practicum or externship in an ambulatory care setting. This will take place during their third and final term of the program.

In order to secure a clinical practicum site and be eligible for externship, students must pass all of their previous program courses. Clinical practicum will be scheduled for three eight-hour shifts per week in accordance with the program schedule.  

Students are required to wear uniforms conforming to the requirements set forth by the PCC Medical Assisting Program. Apparel should consist of a navy blue lab scrubs with student name badge, clean closed-toed shoes, stethoscope and a watch. These items are purchased by the student in accordance with the guidelines provided by the course instructor.

Student performance is evaluated by the supervisor to whom the student is assigned at
the medical office.

The grading system utilized for the course is “Pass” or “No Pass”. In order to receive a
“Pass” grade, the student must:

1. Demonstrate competency and the ability to perform clinical and administrative functions of the medical office under direct supervision. 
2. Receive competent scores on all evaluations from supervisors.
3. Submit the following documents to clinical coordinator (program instructor):

• Signed and verified time card showing 192 completed clinical hours
• Softskills evaluation from preceptor with scores above 3
• Medical Assisting Education Review Board skills assessment form 
• Evaluation of the practicum site completed by student

1. Use knowledge and skills obtained in previous program courses within the clinical setting.
2. Gain experience in clinical workflows and observing all aspects of the medical practice.
3. Utilize aspects of the patient interviewing and intake process (written and oral).
4. Demonstrate basic phone skills and proper telephone techniques required for a medical office. 
5. Maintain a professional demeanor.
6. Utilize medical terminology within documentation and medical correspondence. 
7. Demonstrate the ability to provide an empathetic and supportive role in patient care. 
8. Transmit information in a confidential and professional manner - maintaining HIPAA compliance and regulations. 
9. Follow all safety rules and regulations regarding equipment.
10. Maintain patient medical records and document with accuracy. 
11. Demonstrate knowledge supporting HIPAA regulations as it relates to records requests and release of information. 
12. Perform the following procedures and skills if allowed by clinic or hospital: 

• Wrapping autoclaving instruments, sterilization techniques
• Disposing of biohazardous materials, and standard precautions
• Prepare and maintain exam and treatment rooms
• Prepare and assist physicians
• Support the inventory system 
• Collect and process urine samples
• Perform hematology, chemistry, immunology, and microbiology tests
• Maintain quality control while performing and collecting tests
• Prepare injectables and oral medications/vaccines
• Aid in administer medication either orally, rectally or by injection
• Document all medications given to patient appropriately in the patients charts
• Dispose of all controlled substances using the guidelines of their medical office