Here is an explanation of some of the common classes taken in a medical assisting program, and what topics and subjects they cover. This is only a general list, for informational purposes – course content may vary from school to school.

Anatomy – the study of the human body and its parts, as can be seen by the naked eye

Cardiopulmonary procedures – minor procedures having to do with the heart and lungs, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Clinical procedures – a general overview of the minor medical tasks performed by medical assistants, which can include taking vital signs, performing routine tests, and first aid

Endocrinology – the study of the body’s endocrine system, which includes hormones and the effects they have on the human body

First aid – emergency procedures used to provide immediate relief for conditions such as bleeding, trauma, shock, or other situations where immediate care is needed

Insurance processing – administrative procedures involved in handling claims transactions between health providers and insurance carriers

Laboratory procedures – gathering and testing samples in order to help with diagnosis

Medical accounting / bookkeeping – tracking office expenditures, budgeting, taxes and other financial matters for a medical practice

Medical administrative skills – the front-office administrative skills needed to run the non-clinical functions of a medical practice

Medical law – law as it applies to patient care, medical records, and other facets of a health practice

Medical terminology – the words and etymology associated with health care, including proper names of conditions and treatments

Microbiology – biology on a microscopic level, or having to do with cells, molecules and other structures invisible to the naked eye

Patient care and communication – the person-to-person skills related to bedside manner and interaction with patients and their families

Pharmacology – the study of pharmaceutical drugs and how they affect the human body

Phlebotomy – the practice of drawing blood, as for testing or transfusion

Physiology – the study of human organs and organ systems, as well as their functions and interactions

Radiology – the study of x-rays as they apply to medical diagnosis

Record keeping – skills and policies related to medical records, patient privacy and the documentation of treatments and symptoms

Medical transcription – the practice of copying a recorded statement into a typewritten document, as needed for autopsy reports, treatment reports, letters of referral and other medical office functions