Practicum - Administrative Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Jessica Hill (Curriculum Vitae)Phone
<p>(806)467-3023</p>Office Location
West Campus, Allied Health Building
Office 137
Office Hours
I will be available before class (if you let me know) and after class. I can also meet in person with you in my office on the West Campus. Please feel free to email me, or I will provide a link to Remind so that you can text me.
Course Information
AI Statement
Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting
Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.
Recording Policy
Disability Statement
If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc
Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:
Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.
Administrative Drop Policy
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Student Withdrawal Procedures
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
Privacy Statement
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College
For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).
Course
MDCA-1165-001 Practicum - Administrative
Prerequisites
Course Description
Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student.
Student Resources Student Resources Website
Department Expectations
Occupational License Disclaimer
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:
Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
Hours
(1 sem hr 10 practicum)
Class Type
Clinical
Syllabus Information
Textbooks
None
Supplies
Notebook for Practicum
Steno pad for notes
Student Performance
COURSE GOALS:
A supervised, work-based learning experience in an ambulatory/office setting that provides practical application of administrative medical assisting knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors. Students demonstrate competencies from MAERB’s Core Curriculum Administrative Functions and related affective behaviors under on-site supervision. Minimum 160 contact hours over 8 weeks.
- Course outcomes (aligned to WECM practicum aims and MAERB Admin Functions): On successful completion, students will be able to:
- Apply administrative medical assisting knowledge and skills in a live ambulatory setting under supervision (scheduling, intake, documentation, revenue cycle, coding, correspondence, referrals) 1920.
- Demonstrate professional communication and telephone techniques; document accurately in EHR; maintain confidentiality (HIPAA) 1920.
- Participate appropriately in telehealth interactions, manage community resource referrals, and support front-office workflows 1920.
- Execute operational tasks (inventory, equipment maintenance coordination, data backup awareness, incident reporting pathways) 20.
- Exhibit affective competencies: professionalism, empathy, teamwork, cultural responsiveness, ethical practice, and self-assessment 20.
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog in using the AC Connect Portal
In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .
If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".
Expected Student Behavior
Student Responsibility:
The student must notify:
• The practicum supervisor of the practicum site and the course instructor for any reason for non-attendance by 8:00 a.m. of the day missed. You may email or text the course instructor.
You must speak directly to the practicum supervisor. If the student is unable to reach the practicum supervisor keep trying until you speak to her/him. Do not leave a message on a machine.
The student will need to leave a voicemail message on the course instructor’s office telephone and also send an email to the course instructor after contacting the practicum supervisor. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action by the course instructor and the program director.
• All absences must be cleared and made-up prior to the end of the practicum assignment. Failure to do so will result in the following grade of "F"
• If a student has an accumulation of three (3) absences, the student’s final grade average will be lowered by one (1) letter grade.
• There will be NO practicum site assignment during the times that the college is not in session. This will include holidays and the appropriate breaks during the summer semester, however, if a student is missing hours in order to complete the course, arrangements will be made to make up the missed time.
PRACTICUM CONDUCT:
All students are expected to exhibit a high degree of professionalism during their practicum session while at their respective practicum sites.
The student will abide by all facility policies and will not cause any disruption of the patient care/office areas while in training.
The practicum facility supervisor can suspend the student from the practicum site for "just cause" until corrective action has been taken by college/program officials.
If a student is dismissed from the practicum site, the student MAY BE dismissed from the Clinical Medical Assistant program.
PRACTICUM SITE & HOURS:
Each student will be assigned to a practicum site by the course instructor.
This assignment is for the duration of the student's practicum training.
Practicum hours will be announced at the beginning of the practicum assignment and will be adhered to by the student and facility.
The student will complete 160 clock hours of practicum.
The student will have 10 weeks to complete the practicum.
The student should plan to be at the practicum site a minimum of 16 hours per week.
PRACTICUM DRESS CODE:
All students will be expected to arrive at the practicum site by presenting an appearance worthy of an Allied Health Professional. This will involve the following areas:
1. Clothing and shoes are to be neat and clean at all times.
2. Gaudy makeup will not be allowed. No perfumes.
3. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. NO FACE JEWELRY ALLOWED. NO TONGUE JEWELRY.
4. Hair must be neat and clean.
5. Amarillo College Name tags should be worn at all times.
6. The student will wear scrubs that have been approved by the Clinical Medical Assistant Program.
Students who are in violation of any one of these codes will not be permitted to remain in the practicum site facility until the violation has been and is corrected.
Students will be expected to make up the time to correct any violations.
Withdrawing from a Course:
It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to officially withdraw may result in the student receiving a grade of "F" in the course. In order to withdraw from a course the student will need to officially notify the course instructor by email.
Students are not automatically dropped from their class roles as a result of nonattendance.
Student Grievance Procedure:
A student who has a problem with the course or the course instructor should make every attempt to resolve the problem with the course instructor. If that is not successful, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the CMA Program Director, Dean of the Health Sciences Division, the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the President - IN THAT ORDER. Please refer to the current Amarillo College catalog for a complete explanation of the grievance procedures.
Cellular Telephones & Pagers:
Cell phones are and can be disruptive during the practicum Telephones must be turned off during the practicum with the exception of emergency personnel. Cell phones must either be turned off or set to vibrate during class/practicum time. Please notify the course instructor in writing if you fall in this category, otherwise, failure to comply will result in you being asked to leave the practicum site for that day. You may check your cell phone on breaks and during your lunch break. You will still be responsible for the practicum hours that you miss.
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the college rules & regulations & is punishable as prescribed by Amarillo College Board policies. Academic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. “Cheating on a test” shall include:
- Copying from another student’s test paper.
- Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test.
- Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator/instructor
- Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an administered/unadministered test
- Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.
- Bribing another person to obtain an administered/unadministered test or information about an administered/unadministered test.
“Plagiarism” shall be defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.
“Collusion” shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for the fulfillment of course requirements.
Grading Criteria
Method of Instruction: In-service (on the job) training; practicum.
Methods of Evaluation: Completion of competency evaluation form by each practicum site supervisor. (Grade will be assigned by the course instructor by the following format). Practicum evaluation, procedure manual, academic journal, and exit examination.
EVALUATION METHOD:
PRACTICUM COMPETENCY:
To assist the course instructor in determining a student's competency level in the practicum area, the practicum site supervisor will maintain a record of their assisted and unassisted procedures. The student will be evaluated and graded by the practicum site supervisor. The student will be able to discuss their practicum evaluation with the course instructor..
The weekly practicum evaluation is worth 25% of the student's final grade.
Weekly timesheet is worth 10% of the student's final grade.
Reflective journals (professional growth, linkage to outcomes) is worth 15% of the student's final grade.
The Administrative Master Competency Checklist is worth 50% or the student's final grade.
See the AC Connect web site for more information or contact Student Help Center @ 371-5992 for assistance or you may call AskAC @ (806) 371-5000.
Hours for Student Help Center: (Technical Help)
Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 9:00pm.
Fridays are from 8:00am to 5:00pm
Hours for AskAC:
Monday – Thursday from 7:00am to 9:00pm.
Fridays are from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Grades will be based on the following scale:
90.0 - 100 = A
80.0 - 89.9 = B
70.0 - 79.9 = C
69.9 or less = F
If a student fails any part of this course, then the student must make arrangements with the course instructor and the program director to repeat the course in its entirety.
No final grades will be rounded in this course.
Attendance
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
"Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend the practicum / class." Any student who is chronically late to practicum or leaves early or is absent more than 3 times during the course may earn a failing final course grade.
Practicum Hours will be Tuesday and Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 8:00 to 12:00pm unless otherwise arranged with the course instructor.
Calendar
8-Week Practicum Plan (Administrative Focus) Target: 20 hours/week (adjust hours for local credit/contact requirements)
- Week 1: Onboarding, EHR orientation, HIPAA/office policies, appointment scheduling methods; begin phone system training and message documentation 1920.
- Week 2: Patient intake/front desk workflows, insurance verification and eligibility, copay collection; message documentation accuracy and routing 20.
- Week 3: Referrals and authorizations workflow; community resources; inter-office correspondence; professional writing with templates and secure messaging 1920.
- Week 4: Coding and documentation support (ICD-10-CM/CPT/HCPCS at admin level); claim scrubbing basics; denial reasons overview (observe and assist) 20.
- Week 5: Revenue cycle workflows: charge entry, payment posting, credit balances, collections policy awareness; patient statements/customer-service scripting 1620.
- Week 6: Operational functions: inventory cycles, ordering flows, vendor coordination; data quality controls; basics of backup/contingency awareness 20.
- Week 7: Telehealth participation: scheduling, pre-visit processes, consent, patient verification; etiquette and documentation; quality and access considerations 1920.
- Week 8: Integration/capstone week: prioritize independent execution (under supervision) of core admin tasks; complete competencies; final evaluation and debrief.
Additional Information
Syllabus Created on:
08/13/26 12:20 PM
Last Edited on:
08/13/26 12:38 PM