PACE NONCREDIT COURSE:
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Areas of Study
Course Type
Overview
Hours: 540 | Duration: 12 months
Prepare for the CCMA Exam
Clinical medical assistants combine clinical and procedural knowledge, working across the domain of health care facilities to aid inpatient treatments and clinical operations. They are tasked with working directly with patients and supporting the work of doctors and other health care professionals. The 100% online course will prepare you to work as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), designated by the National Healthcare Career Association (NHA).
Clinical medical assistants are skilled multitaskers who help maximize the healthcare team’s productivity. Medical assistants enable a healthcare facility to operate more efficiently, which increases revenue and provides a positive experience for patients. For physicians, clinical medical assistants help manage the increasing complexities of practice management and patient care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for medical assistants will grow 16% through 2031, which is much faster than the average job.
In this online medical assistant certification course, you will learn a broad range of skills that make medical assistants versatile and valuable, including medical terminology, medical law and ethics, HIPAA rules, scheduling systems, and the importance of certified clinical medical assistants as healthcare team members. You will also be prepared to perform duties from the front office to the back office. These duties include measuring vital signs, assisting with exams, performing laboratory testing, maintaining equipment and supplies, administering injections, obtaining blood specimens, scheduling appointments, registering patients, and answering and returning phone calls.
You will also learn medical terms and their application as part of your medical assistant training. You will start by learning the origins of medical words and how to recognize prefixes and suffixes used in medical terminology. Then you will learn about the body as a whole and how to differentiate cells, tissues, organs, systems, and cavities. Next, you will learn to define and describe the function of each system of the human body. This knowledge will help you take the next step in your medical career or education.
The online medical assistant certification course also includes the opportunity to become CPR certified and participate in an unpaid clinical experience. Because employers recognize that certified medical assistants deliver greater value, completing the course will help you to be well-prepared to find your place in this rewarding healthcare career. You will also be able to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
This CCMA certification course includes a voucher which covers the fee for the exam. However, please research your state’s requirements by visiting your state’s Medical Board site before enrolling to ensure this course is the right fit for you. Please note that this course does not qualify students to work as medical assistants in Washington state.
The course also includes an opportunity to participate in unpaid clinical experience.
Disclaimer: To qualify for the clinical experience applications process, students must successfully complete the online course and have account balances up to date (at a minimum). Going through the clinical experience application process does not guarantee a placement. However, affiliated partnerships increase the likelihood of finding a site that matches student needs. COVID may be affecting the capacity of availability in your area. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process 2 weeks prior to completing courses.
Key Concepts
Curriculum
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- The Musculoskeletal System
- The Cardiovascular System
- The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
- The Respiratory System
- The Digestive System
- The Urinary System
- The Nervous System
- The Special Senses The Eyes and Ears
- The Integumentary System
- The Endocrine System
- The Reproductive System
- Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- Medical Assisting Foundations
- Professional Behavior
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- The Art of Communicating
- Telecommunications, Telephone Professionalism, and Telephone Techniques
- Written Communications
- Medical Office Environment
- Patient Scheduling
- Managing Medical Records
- Introduction to Health Insurance
- Medical Coding: An Overview
- Patient Accounts
- Insurance Claims, Patient Billing, and Collections
- Daily Financial Practices
- Managing the Office
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Infection Control and Medical Asepsis
- The Chief Complaint and Patient History
- Body Measurements and Vital Signs
- Preparing for Examinations
- The Complete Physical Examination (CPE)
- Specialty Examinations and Procedures
- The Physician’s Office Laboratory (POL)
- Specimen Collection and Processing
- Introduction to Phlebotomy
- Diagnostic Testing
- Minor Office Surgeries
- Medication Dosage Calculations
- Administering Medications
- Emergencies in the Medical Office
- First Aid Procedures and Mental Health Issues
- Rehabilitation
- Nutrition and Special Diets
- Certification
- Preparing for Your Career
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a certified clinical medical assistant make?
Clinical medical assistants can make an above-average salary and enjoy a prestigious medical career. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median medical assistant salary is $37,190 with an hourly wage of $17.88 per hour.
What is a medical assistant?
According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), medical assistants, otherwise known as clinical medical assistants, typically work alongside physicians in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. As a clinical medical assistant, you will interact directly with patients daily. You will likely be the first person a patient encounters after passing reception and the last person they see before exiting the facility. It will be your job to put them at ease, assure them they will be properly cared for, and leave them with a good impression. To be successful in this job, you will need to learn Electronic Health Record (EHR) software.
What do medical assistants do?
You will be responsible for taking the medical histories and recording patients’ vital signs. Exact duties will vary by location, healthcare specialty, and practice size, but you will also likely complete clerical and administrative tasks within physician’s offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. You will also need to understand how and what information can be shared and adhere to confidentiality laws, like HIPAA, in patient treatment.
Duties can include administrative and clinical tasks such as the following:
- Taking medical histories
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Assisting the physician during examinations
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
- Performing basic laboratory tests
- Instructing patients about medication and special diets
- Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
- Transmitting prescription refills as directed
- Phlebotomy
- Taking electrocardiograms
- Wound care and changing dressings
- Using computer applications
- Answering telephones
- Welcoming patients
- Updating and filing patient medical records
- Coding and filling out insurance forms
- Scheduling appointments
- Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
- Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping
Disclaimer: To qualify for the clinical experience applications process, students must successfully complete the online course content and have account balances up to date (at a minimum). Going through the clinical experience application process does not guarantee a placement. COVID may be affecting the clinical experience process or site availability in your area. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process 2 weeks prior to completing courses.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
Although the exact amount of time can vary, it typically takes nine months to two years to become a medical assistant, depending upon the program and time you have to commit. For example, this course allows you up to 12 months of access to complete the required training.
Are clinical medical assistants in high demand?
The demand for medical assistants is high, making it an excellent time for students to begin their career training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that demand will increase by 18% over the next ten years for this profession, much faster than the average for all occupations in the U.S.
What is the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam?
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a national certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the largest allied health certification organization in the U.S., with over one million certifications awarded over more than 30 years. This exam serves to validate the skills of medical assistants and demonstrates their dedication to the profession. According to the 2020 Industry Outlook produced by the NHA, 89% of employers require or encourage certification for medical assistants, and 63% increase pay when certification is obtained. This course includes a voucher for the cost of the CCMA certification exam at no additional cost to you.
What are the system requirements for the online certification exam proctoring?
System requirements for NHA certification exam proctoring are:
- Operating system supported: Windows 7 and later; 32bit (x86) and 64bit (x64); macOS and later
- Browsers supported: PSI Secure Lock-Down Browser
- Browser settings: The browser must accept third-party cookies for the duration of the exam ONLY
- Webcam/microphone: Minimum VGA 640 x 480 resolution, enabled built-in or external microphone
- Bandwidth: Minimum 400 kb/s download and upload
- Hardware requirements: 2GB RAM Memory; 1 GB free disk space, minimum 1368×768 screen resolution
You can check the compatibility of your device at: https://home.psiexams.com/static/#/bcheck
Does this course prepare me for a certification?
Yes. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam offered by National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The registration fee for the exam is included with this course.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
Can I register for courses if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
What if I don’t have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are noncredit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the “Contact Us.”
Moodle & Zoom
Before enrolling, please review the following links and ensure that your computer meets these requirements.
Course Requirements
Requirements: Hardware Requirements: This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook device. Software Requirements: Instructional Material Requirements: The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment: Please Note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.
Course Prerequisites
Instructor(s):
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. She worked as a medical office manager for ten years, where she recruited and trained all medical assistants. Nancy holds a bachelor’s degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.
Carline Dalgleish
Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems, a master’s degree in Leadership, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management. She is a Registered Health Information Administrator and an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. Dalgleish is the author of an ICD-10 coding system and also owns her own consulting firm, AnnGrant Educational Services.
Sharon L. Blackford
Sharon L. Blackford, MA, BA, RMA, has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She has a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and has served as a Registered Medical Assistant since 1994. Sharon was an active duty Clinical Specialist in the U.S. Army for 10 years. Sharon later moved to the Gulf Coast to accept a position as the Director of Education of Blue Cliff College and was promoted to Campus Director.
Stacey O’Brien
Stacey O’Brien has more than 10 years of experience in medical coding and reimbursement. Ms. O’Brien has been a risk adjustment coder for a Medicare advantage plan, audited medical records for a consulting firm, and currently supervises the coding and electronic claims submission process for a group medical practice. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a CPC coding certification from the AAPC.
