Course Outcomes

ADAS (Administrative Assistant)

MEDL (Medical Office Administration)

OFTD (Administrative Office Tech.)

LAWS Paralegal Program

CRPT (Court Reporting)

ADAS-2530 Office Tech and Procedures II (3 credits)

This course deals with the strategies and issues related to effective supervision of employees who work in an office environment. The relationship between office productivity and management activities such as planning, scheduling, organizing, implementing, evaluating and controlling is examined.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Understand current trends in the business office and the need to adapt in an ever-changing business environment
• Use the Internet to research topics pertaining business situations
• Understand basic job responsibilities of the administrative professional
• Write and speak effectively in a business environment
• Understand and effectively use Microsoft Outlook Software Program
• Use effective interpersonal skills in a business environment
• Develop ability to analyze, evaluate, and exercise their own value judgment

ADAS-2570 Administrative Office Management (3 credits)

This course deals with the strategies and issues related to effective 
supervision of employees who work in an office environment. The relationship between office 
productivity and management activities such as planning, scheduling, organizing, 
implementing, evaluating, and controlling is examined.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Understand current management principles
• Understand basic management practices, opportunities, and challenges in administrative 
  office management
• Understand the need for leadership and motivation skills as they pertain to the 
  administrative office manager
• Apply language skills (oral, written, and listening skills) effectively
• Research Internet for data pertaining to business office practices
• Produce accurate reports using computer technology in a variety of business
• Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working 
  relationships and goals

ADAS-2580 Office Administration Cooperative Education I (3 credits)

This is a planned and supervised cooperative work experience that provides students with an opportunity to observe and participate in a work environment related to their academic interests. Students attend class on campus during weeks one through five then work approximately 13 hours a week in an approved Cooperative Work Experience Placement during weeks six through 15. (Prerequisites: Enrollment in Office Administration program and completion of 24 credits in that program, and 2.0 GPA or permission of instructor) Lecture 25 hours total, CO-OP: 130 hours total

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Develop critical thinking skills in self-assessment in order to make the right choices affection their careers>
• Devise strategies for building rapport in teamwork with a diverse workplace culture
• Learn how to use critical thinking in problem solving
• Develop techniques that build confidence in the resume writing and interviewing process

LAWS-1010 Criminal Law (3 credits)

A foundational study of criminal law, focusing on common law and modern statutory applications. Topics include substantive law, distinction between criminal and civil justice systems, essential elements of crimes, key components to criminal intent and acts, as well as causation and harm. This course also covers defenses such as insanity, entrapment, and others used in U.S. Law.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of criminal law in the United States.
• Define the categories, types, and legal implications of crimes.
• Identify the differences between criminal and civil law.
• Apply the essential elements of criminal law and crimes, with reference to Rhode Island General Laws.

LAWS-1080 Introduction to Law and Legal Studies (3 credits)

Students will be introduced to the law and the American legal system. Topics include legal research and writing, E-Filing, communication skills, law office administration, legal and professional ethics, foundations of substantive and procedural law, legal terminology, the functions of the courts, and the role of attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Describe the role, responsibilities, and ethical rules of legal professionals (e.g., attorneys, paralegals) and the varied administrative structures of law firms.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of American law and the legal system.
• Demonstrate a basic application of legal research, writing, and analysis.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Explain the basic legal terminology, concepts of substantive and procedural law, and the functions of the courts.

LAWS-2020 Basic Civil Procedures for Legal Professionals (3 credits)

This course introduces the legal concepts and practical applications of civil litigation using the rules of civil procedure as applied in the federal and state court systems. The course will cover the court system; jurisdiction and venue; pleadings (complaints, answers, counterclaims and cross-claims); and discovery documents (interrogatories, depositions and requests for production).

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Describe the differences and relationship between substantive and procedural law.
• Differentiate between personal and subject matter jurisdiction involved in civil litigation matters.
• Define the various remedies in civil litigation.
• Draft litigation documentation (i.e., complaints, answers, motions, and discovery) in required court format.
• Explain the role and responsibilities of legal professionals (e.g., attorneys, paralegals) in civil litigation.

LAWS- 2040 Law in Contemporary Society (3 credits)

This course studies adjudicated cases involving contemporary social issues and the effect on society. Stress is placed on the relationship and impact of law on social values, morals, and change. The balance between the interests of society and individual rights are scrutinized.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Explain the relationship between law and morality as it relates to the police, the courts, and society.
• Interpret and compare perspectives of the major social and legal issues while considering the interests of society and individual rights.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively by defending and challenging contrary perspectives.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and logical reasoning skills using the legal approach to analyze contemporary social and legal issues.

LAWS- 2050 Law of Contracts (3 credits)

Students will examine contract law, including the basic elements of a valid contract, rights of the third parties, and remedies for breach. Topics include agreement, consideration, contractual capacity, and legality.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of legal rules, concepts, requirements, and terminology related to valid legal agreements.
• Analyze the provisions of an existing contract using the essential elements of contract law.
• Identify the rights and obligations of the parties to a contract.
• Explain breach of contract and identify the legal and equitable remedies available.

LAWS 2070 Law of Business Organization (3 credits)

This course covers the legal requirements to organize a business entity. Topics include types of business organizations, government regulations, business ethics, and sanctions for violations of the law.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Describe the various types of business organizational structures and their legal, financial, and operational implications.
• Draft the foundational legal documents to form a business entity.
• Demonstrate an understanding of registration, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Identify legal roles, rights, responsibilities and ethical considerations of each business entity.

LAWS-2090 Legal Research and Writing I^ (3 credits)

Students will learn how to perform procedural aspects of legal research. Students will use primary and secondary legal sources, case digests, search aids (LexisNexis, Westlaw), and citators (Shepard's Citations). Students are expected to complete a case brief and legal memorandum.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Effectively use various legal research tools and techniques (e.g., LexisNexis, Shepard's Citations, Westlaw) for federal and state law.
• Distinguish between primary, secondary, and persuasive legal authority.
• Prepare a legal brief of a court decision incorporating critical facts, issue(s), applicable law, and conclusion.
• Effectively prepare a comprehensive legal memorandum including proper legal format and accurate citations.

LAWS-2095 Legal Research and Writing II^ (3 credits)

This course is a work-based, hands-on experience integrating information and skills learned in previous legal courses. The course is divided into three segments: completing the Paralegal Portfolio, preparing a criminal case file, and preparing a civil case file. Students will be exposed to professional networking with an opportunity for mentorship. This course is intended for students in their final semester of the Paralegal program.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Prepare legal documentation needed in criminal and civil cases.
• Prepare a legal memorandum for a hypothetical criminal or civil case.
• Prepare a professional portfolio demonstrating proficiency in legal research and writing through the support of an industry partner.
• Demonstrate effective communication in various legal contexts.

LAWS-2100 Tort and Personal Injury Law (3 credits)

This course involves the study of civil wrongs that result in injuries to person, property, or relationships. Students will examine types of torts (intentional, negligence, and strict liability), causation, and damages. Topics include defamation, fraud, professional malpractice, products and premises liability, and impact of insurance.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Identify and distinguish negligent, intentional, and strict liability torts.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of causation, liability (e.g., personal and vicarious), and damages.
• Analyze the court decisions that establish and modify the law of torts.
• Describe the defenses available in tort cases (e.g., assumption of the risk, contributory negligence, comparative negligence).

MEDL-2350 Medical Terminology (3 credits)

This course introduces medical, diagnostic, symptomatic and surgical terms. Literal definitions and spelling are stressed.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Identify and define medical word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes
• Define unfamiliar words by analyzing word elements
• Develop proficiency pronouncing and spelling of medical words
• Describe the major diseases and disorders affecting each body system
• Evaluate and interpret medical records

MEDL 2385- International Classification of Diseases – Clinical Modifications ICD-CM (1 credit)

This course familiarizes students with the latest volume of the World Health Organization - International Classification of Diseases and Clinical Modification medical diagnostic codes (ICD-CM) manual. This course includes an overview of the format of the ICD-CM manual and is combined with an understanding of diagnostic coding fundamentals, medical coding conventions and guidelines. Note: Please seek permission of instructor to register if prerequisite is not met. Offered only to Phlebotomy students)

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Students will learn what ICD-CM is and the importance to health care providers, insurance organization and the personal and societal healthcare impact of ICD-CM coding
• Students will learn & understand the format and organization of the ICD-CM manual
• Students will learn to what constitutes and how to identify correct ICD-CM codes based on physician diagnostic documentation
• Students will apply the proper coding process to identify appropriate ICD-CM codes
• Students will use critical thinking skills to understand medical coding provider notes to assign the appropriate ICD-CM code to a patient’s health care record
• Students will apply proofreading skills via proper code analysis and selection

MEDL 2390 - Fundamentals of Medical Coding  (4 Credits)

The Fundamentals of Medical Coding course is designed to introduce students to the concepts of medical diagnostic and procedural coding using the latest editions of WHO-ICD-CM, AMA CPT®, and CMS-HCPCS II medical coding manuals. The course will cover topics including the organization of each manual, how to locate and determine the respective medical codes, and how to review medical coding guidelines for accurate patient medical record documentation. HIPAA laws and regulations related to patient privacy will also be introduced.

Prerequisite(s): MEDL 2350 (may be taken concurrently)

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Understand the format and organization of the WHO ICD-CM, AMA CPT ® and CMS HCPCS II manuals.
• To determine what constitutes and how to identify correct ICD-CM codes and CPT Procedural Codes based on physician diagnostic documentation.
• Apply the proper coding process to accurately identify medical procedural codes.
• Explore the personal and societal impact of medical coding in the healthcare environment.
• Understand the basic aspects of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) and related HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws and the relationship to a patient's medical insurance and a patient's medical privacy and confidentiality rights.
   

MEDL 2410  - Fundamentals of Medical Insurance Billing and Electronic Medical Records (4 Credits)  

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of Medical Billing and Electronic Medical Records. The course introduces the essential aspects of medical billing used in provider-based medical practices. This includes a review of the CMS-1500 claim form. Students will participate, complete, and prepare for the NHA CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) online program, and prepare to take the NHA CBCS exam. The basics of Electronic Medical Records are also covered along with the fundamental aspects of EMR operations and management. Students will participate, complete, and prepare for the NHA CEHRS (Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist) online program, and prepare to take the NHA CEHRS exam.

Prerequisite(s): MEDL 2390 (may be taken concurrently)

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Learn and understand the CMS-1500 form
• Complete several samples CMS-1500 forms related to the various billing processes including the physician's office or other related healthcare settings
• Understand and apply ICD (Diagnostic) and CPT (Procedure) codes and their relationship to accurate medical billing processing via the CMS-1500 form
• Evaluate HIPAA requirements related to patient privacy and the sharing of patient information
• Prepare and take the NHA CBCS Certification Exam.
• Operate administrative features and functions of an Electronic Medical Records system
• Record mock patient demographic and clinical data into the EMR system
• Create basic financial reports and productivity-related clinical reports

MEDL 2420  - Practical Applications in Professional Medical Coding  (4 Credits)  

This course advances the student’s knowledge of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding (HCPC) code sets and outlines the application of the fundamentals of coding and documentation in the physician’s practice. This course prepares students for the American Academy of Professional Coders CPC Certification Examination.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Students will complete multiple AAPC sample test questions in preparation for the AAPC – CPC exam
• Students will learn test preparation techniques by understanding various forms of test questions and how answer test questions under time constraints
• Students will apply proper coding processes and critical thinking skills to identify appropriate ICD-10–CM, CPT and HCPCS II codes related to medical provider documentation and the relationship to the patient medical record and provider medical reimbursement
• Students will review HIPAA rules and regulations related to patient confidentiality
• Prepare and take the NHA CEHRS Certification Exam

OFTD-1120 Microcomputer Keyboarding (3 credits)

This course is designed for business use. It emphasizes proficiency in touch-typing keyboard mastery, proper typing techniques and the development of speed and accuracy. It also provides practice in applying these skills to document formatting such as centering and business letters. Individualized instruction units are given throughout the course. A minimum typing speed of 15 wpm is required to pass this course.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate keyboarding skills acceptable for business use
• Demonstrate the proper reach techniques for all alphabetic and number/symbol keys using the touch method
• Demonstrate use of space bar, return keys, tab key and other significant keys associated with keyboard
• Demonstrate proper keyboarding technique while applying keyboarding skills
• Keyboard straight copy for 5 minutes with a minimum proficiency rate of 15 net words per minute

OFTD-1140 Office Technology and Procedures I (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide students with a basic background in the rapidly expanding applications of office technology, including an introduction to telework telecommunications, Web research, online projects, PowerPoint presentations and Outlook. In addition, students develop their communication skills and learn about proper business attitudes with an emphasis on developing soft skills (people skills), critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Understand their role in the structure of business organizations
• Develop human relation skills to enable them to function effectively as an office team member
• Manage time and work efficiently
• Understand the impact of integrated office technology in the office environment
• Schedule appointments and set up meetings
• Make travel arrangements
• Process and distribute the 'product'—information

OFTD-1250 Office Accounting (3 credits)

This course develops the office worker's understanding of the basic procedures used in keeping a set of accounting records in a service business. Basic accounting principles are covered along with their implementation in an electronic office system.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Organize and set up a chart of accounts
• Journalize transactions according to the rules of debit and credit
• Post journal transactions to the ledger
• Prepare a trial balance with adjustments to the worksheet
• Prepare financial statements from the worksheet

CRPT-1000 Steno Machine Shorthand Theory (3 credits)

This is an introductory course in steno machine shorthand writing. Students will learn proper positioning at the steno machine and how to properly set up and break down their machines. Students will learn how to depress each key and will memorize the keys on the stenographic machine. They will learn to write letters, combine letters to form new letters and words, and combine several letters to form phrases heard daily (brief forms). This is taught by writing words as they are heard phonetically. They will learn how to write numbers and punctuation on the steno machine. Realtime writing is taught in this class. My Realtime Coach™ is utilized for coursework and homework assignments. Proficient read back and transcribing steno notes into English is required. Individual and group coaching is provided, as needed. Extensive practice hours outside of classroom is essential to being successful at learning the stenographic machine. Students will be tested online via My Realtime Coach™ and are required to achieve 40 words per minute by the end of this class.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate how to set up, position the stenographic machine, and breakdown the machine
• Demonstrate memorizing the keys on the stenographic machine
• Demonstrate writing phonetically
• Demonstrate how to write letters, numbers, punctuation, words, and brief forms for words heard daily
• Demonstrate how to utilize My Realtime Coach™ for classwork, homework assignments, and testing
• Demonstrate how to read back steno notes
• Practice timed dictation via My Realtime Coach™ of speeds beginning at 20 words per minute and increasing to 40 words per minute

CRPT-1100 Text Editing for Court Reporters (3 credits)

This course provides a comprehensive study of text editing skills practiced by Court Reporters. Emphasis is placed on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, proofreading, and editing.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Develop editing and proofreading skills
• Apply basic grammar and punctuation rules.
• Use abbreviations, capitalization, and number expressions correctly
• Use reference materials to determine correct grammar rules
• Apply proper apostrophe rules
• Create essays using proper grammar and all punctuation rules
   

CRPT-1110 Court Reporting and Computer Aided Technologies I (3 credits)

In this course, students will learn the features and how to operate the Case CATalyst™ software. Students will be building and maintaining their personal dictionary. Students will learn to read and name their files and transcribe their notes. Students will be writing from 40-60 wpm on the stenograph machine and be required to pass two separate tests of Question & Answer testimony at 60 wpm. Proficient read back from their notes is required. My Realtime Coach™ is utilized for homework assignments in this class.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Learn the set-up of Case CATalyst™, create user files, and learn and navigate the CATalyst™ Windows Screens
• Demonstrate basic transcript production, including reading, translating, and editing steno notes
• Construct personal dictionaries, job dictionaries, and information updates
• Apply parentheticals  and indexing into transcripts and execute the modifications of layouts for basic transcript production
• Demonstrate the ability to achieve 60 wpm two tests of Q&A testimony and proficiency in read back of notes
• Create one essay on current events, legal or medical conversation

CRPT-1120 Court Reporting and Computer Aided Technologies II (3 credits)

This course builds on the skills students gained in Court Reporting & Computer Aided Technologies I. Students will learn to backup and restore jobs using the Case CATalyst™ software. Students will practice writing at speeds from 100-120 wpm of Q&A testimony. In addition to two voice-dictation Q&A, multi-voice dictation is introduced. Proficient read back from notes are required. To successfully complete this course, 95 percent accuracy for five minutes of dictation of two tests of Q&A at 100 wpm is required to successfully complete this course. My Realtime Coach™ will be utilized for homework assignments.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Apply new brief forms and phrases
• Develop knowledge in number usage using number drills
• Practice dictation weekly, both live and  via My Realtime Coach™ software at increased speeds up to 100 wpm in Q & A
• Demonstrate how to backup and restore jobs
• Develop proficiency in applying the rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation as previously taught in Text Editing for Court Reporters course
• Demonstrate 95 percent accuracy from 5 minutes of dictation of 2 tests of Q&A at 100 wpm
• Employ multi-voice dictation

CRPT-1130 Court Reporting and Computer Aided Technologies III (3 credits)

This course continues to build on what was taught in the Court Reporting & Computer Aided Technologies I and II classes. Number conversions will be introduced within the Case CATalyst™ software. Students will be writing on the stenographic machine at a higher level with dictation speeds ranging from 100-140 wpm. Q&A advanced terminology dictation and doctor’s testimony are also introduced. To successfully complete this course, 95 percent accuracy from five minutes of dictation of two tests of Q&A at 140 wpm is required to complete this course.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Perform new brief forms and phrases
• Demonstrate Proficiency in number conversations
• Practice dictation both live and via My Realtime Coach™ at increased speeds between 100-140 wpm
• Perform Q&A advanced terminology dictation of doctor testimony, engineering, and other technical testimonies
• Develop proficiency in applying the rules of grammar, spelling and punctuation previously taught in the Text Editing for Court Reporters course
• Demonstrate 95 percent accuracy from 5 minutes of dictation of two tests of Q&A at 140 wpm

CRPT-1140 Court Reporting and Computer Aided Technologies IV (3 credits)

In this course, students continue to focus on increasing their writing speed. Dictation is given at speeds of 140-180 wpm. In addition to Q&A dictation, Jury Charge and Literary dictation are introduced in this course. Students will learn how to modify layouts and manage jobs within the Case CATalyst™ software. To successfully complete this course, 95 percent accuracy from five minutes of dictation of Literary 140 wpm, Jury Charge at 160 wpm, and Q&A at 180 wpm is required to successfully complete this course.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Apply and learn new brief forms, phrases, and use number drills
• Perform Literary and Jury Charge dictation
• Perform Literary 140 wpm, Jury Charge 160 wpm, and Q&A 180 wpm dictation, both live and via My Realtime Coach™
• Perform and pass one test of Literary at 140 wpm, one test of Jury Charge at 160 wpm, and one test of Q&A at 180 wpm
• Apply reading, translating, and editing steno notes using Case CATalyst™
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation to produce quality transcripts
• Modify layouts and manage jobs with the Case CATalyst™ software

CRPT-1160 CART and Captioning for the Advanced Court Reporter (3 credits)

In this course, students are given Literary, Jury Charge, and Q&A dictation at speeds of 180-225 wpm. To be successful in this course, 95 percent accuracy from five minutes of dictation of Literary at 180 wpm, Jury Charge at 200 wpm, and Q&A at 225 wpm is required to complete this course. Students will be taught the role of the court reporter in the varied areas where Computer Access Realtime Translation (CART) and captioning are used and will have an opportunity to practice alongside a certified court reporter.

As a result of this course a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate 95 percent accuracy from five minutes of dictation of Literary at 180 wpm, Jury Charge at 200 wpm, and Q&A at 225 wpm
• Utilize CART and captioning technologies as used in the Court Reporting field
• Create one essay on current events, legal or medical conversation
• Evaluate professional Court Reporters performing their duties in the various areas in Court Reporting such as the judicial and freelance fields