Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (Vouchers Included)

Overview

Clinical medical assistants are among the most valued professionals in the healthcare environment, helping facilitate patient care and managing logistical and documentation. In today’s technology-centered healthcare system, clinical medical assistants need to use Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems as the central information repositories for patient care. This 100% online course will prepare you to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) and CEHR (Certified Electronic Health Records) certification exams.

Job Outlook

  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistants are among the most in-demand medical professionals. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates the need for 154,900 new medical assistants in the American health care system between now and 2028. This represents job growth over five times the rate expected for all jobs.
  • Medical Records Technicians are expected to encounter similarly bright employment prospects. According to CareerExplorer.com, job opportunities for medical records technicians are expected to grow by 13.5% between now and 2026.
  • The NHA envisions a new career dynamic in which medical assistants will need to work increasingly closely with Electronic Health Records due to changes in US government regulations. According to PayScale.com, such highly qualified specialists can expect to earn $49,000 per year on average.

Objective

What You’ll Learn…

Upon completion of this course you will learn:

  • Gain specialized skills needed to contribute to a healthcare team in an ambulatory setting
  • Learn the principles and practices of ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, patient privacy laws, medical terminology, and clinical procedures
  • Receive a broad overview of the electronic health records (HER) systems
    Gain hands-on experience using real EHR software
  • Summarize the HIPAA Privacy Rule and HIPAA Security Rule
  • Explain the information contained in various medical records
  • Discuss government and private insurances
  • Identify the functions of the major body systems
  • Demonstrate how to write a chief complaint and obtain a patient history
  • Describe how to measure vital signs
  • Discuss the importance of medical and surgical asepsis
  • Summarize the basic guidelines for the administration of injections
  • Identify the three methods used to perform venipuncture
  • Managing patient visits, arranging follow-up care, and issuing prescriptions
  • Establish the appropriate EHR for a healthcare practice
  • Track of vital information such as patient allergies and medications
  • Communicate with patients and report public health information
  • Prepare to take and pass the NHA’s CCMA and CEHR exams

    Outline

    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
    Becoming a Medical Assistant
    Managing Stress and Improving Communication
    Law, Ethics, and Healthcare
    Improving your Medical Office
    Computers in the Ambulatory Care Setting
    Telecommunications and Patient Scheduling
    Enhancing the Patient Experience
    Managing Medical Records
    Written Communication
    Working with Medical Documents
    Medical Billing and Coding: An Overview
    Daily Financial Practices
    The Administrative Medical Assistant as Office Manager
    Major Body Systems
    Pathophysiology
    Pharmacology
    Nutrition and Special Diets
    The Chief Complaint and Patient History
    Recording Vital Signs
    The Physical Examination
    Specialty Exams and Procedures
    Medical Asepsis and Infection Control
    Surgical Asepsis and Sterilization Techniques
    Surgical Instruments
    Assisting with Minor Office Surgeries
    Introduction to The Medical Laboratory
    Basic Microbiology
    Introduction to Phlebotomy
    Basic Hematology
    Electrocardiogram
    Administering Noninjectable Medications
    Basic Guidelines for Administration Of Injections
    Diagnostic Imaging
    Rehabilitation and Treatment Modalities
    First Aid Techniques
    Emergencies in The Medical Office

    Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist
    An Overview of EHR And CEHRS
    Steps To EHR Implementation
    The EHR Framework
    HIPAA Requirements And EHR Systems
    The EHR And Record Content
    Patient Visit Management
    Problem, Medication, And Allergy Lists
    Examination/Assessment Notes, Graphics, And Charts
    Treatment Plans, Orders, And Results
    Medication Orders and Administration
    Patient Communications
    Coding, Billing, And Practice Reports
    Research, Registries, And Reportable Events
    Personal Health Records and Continuing Care Records

    Prerequisites and Requirements

    There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, you will need a high school diploma or GED in order to take the CCMA and CEHRS exams.

    Instructor(s)

    Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. EHR 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.

    Jennifer Della’Zanna has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, having worked as a medical transcriptionist, practice administrator, biller, and coding specialist. She writes courses and study guides on the use of technology in health care and regularly contributes to publications about health issues. Della’Zanna is a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders and the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Albright College.

    Rachael Delekta is an MBA in Healthcare Administration and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist. Rachael has been in the health care field for over ten years. She has worked mostly on the insurance side of things, as a customer service manager for dental insurance, a claims and customer service coach, and a workers’ compensation case management biller and auditor. She works daily with medical records and healthcare software.

    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 EHR own consulting firm, AnnGrant Educational Services.

    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.

    FAQs

    1. How does a clinical medical assistant’s work involve electronic health records?
      Electronic Health Records (EHR) act as portable records of a patient’s healthcare experience. According to the NHA, certified medical assistants can enter information into EHR systems. In many cases, medical assistants who take on this responsibility help doctors see and treat patients more efficiently and may help reduce errors in medical procedures and their documentation.
    2. How long does it take to complete a program?
      When you register, you’ll receive twelve (12) months to complete this program.
    3. Is certification important for a clinical medical assistant?
      While certification requirements vary by location and organization, earning a certification such as the CCMA can help designate a prospective medical assistant as a serious professional. The NHA also notes that many healthcare organizations now require certification for career paths that lead to promotion or emerging roles such as health coach, patient navigator or patient care coordinator.
    4. What does an electronic health records specialist’s work involve?
      While a medical assistant works directly with healthcare professionals and patients, the EHR Specialist is focused on the electronic documentation of the patient’s care and condition. EHR Specialist job activities might include:
      • Auditing patient records for compliance with government or insurance requirements
      • Abstracting clinical information for reporting purposes
      • Performing basic coding for reimbursement claims
      • Processing Release of Information (ROI) requests for medical records
      • Reviewing patient records for completion and accuracy
      • Collecting patient information for demographic and insurance reports
      • Discussing patient information with physicians and insurance professionals
    5. Is electronic health records specialist a good career for remote work?
      Because electronic records are held and updated online, EHR Specialist is considered an option for a remote or home-based career. ZipRecruiter.com reports that most employers will require that remote team members have strong, secure internet connections and most will require certification.
    6. Can I get financial assistance?
      ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid.  In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.  Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements.
    7. What happens when I complete the program? 
      Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the ECU Office of Continuing Professional Education.
    8. When can I start the program?
      Our programs are all open enrollment.  You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready. Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.