ALH 2113 - Medical Skills

3 Credits

This course provides students with foundational knowledge and hands-on healthcare skills used across a variety of allied health professions. Through laboratory practice, simulations, competency-based instruction, and job-shadowing experiences, students will develop practical skills and gain real-world exposure to healthcare environments and the diverse career opportunities available in careers in respiratory therapy, medical laboratory technology, physical therapy, dental assisting, radiologic technology, phlebotomy, and pharmacology.

Topics include infection control, vital signs, patient communication, specimen collection and handling, basic respiratory procedures, rehabilitation and mobility techniques, dental chairside assisting principles, radiologic safety and positioning concepts, venipuncture, medication terminology, dosage calculations, and safe medication administration principles. Students will also explore professional standards, ethical practices, teamwork, and healthcare documentation commonly used in clinical settings.

Emphasis is placed on developing clinical competency, critical thinking, professionalism, and adherence to safety standards required in healthcare environments. Successful completion of the course prepares students for further study and entry-level skill development in a variety of allied health pathways.

Course Level Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Demonstrate proper infection control procedures, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization, and standard precautions.
Apply effective communication and professional behaviors when interacting with patients, healthcare providers, and peers in clinical and laboratory settings.
Accurately obtain and record vital signs and basic patient assessment data.
Perform foundational respiratory care skills, including oxygen delivery setup, airway support techniques, pulse oximetry, and respiratory safety procedures.
Demonstrate basic medical laboratory procedures, including specimen collection, labeling, handling, and laboratory safety protocols.
Perform venipuncture and capillary blood collection procedures using proper phlebotomy techniques and
safety standards.
Apply foundational physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques, including patient positioning, transfers, body mechanics, range-of-motion exercises, and mobility assistance.
Demonstrate introductory dental assisting skills, including chairside procedures, instrument identification, proper use of dental terminology, and infection control in the dental setting.
Explain basic radiologic concepts, including imaging safety, radiation protection, patient positioning principles, and healthcare imaging terminology.
Apply introductory pharmacology concepts, including medication classifications, medical abbreviations, dosage calculations, routes of administration, and medication safety practices.
Maintain accurate healthcare documentation using appropriate medical terminology and professional standards.
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills during simulated healthcare scenarios and laboratory activities.
Identify ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities associated with allied health careers.
Demonstrate safe patient care practices while adhering to confidentiality, HIPAA regulations, and healthcare industry standards.
Work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team in simulated clinical environments and/or shadowing opportunities.