Certified Clinical Medical Assistant for the Experienced CMAA (Voucher Included)

Online Training for Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA)

Become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Clinical medical assistants work alongside doctors, nurses and health care providers to ensure the patient has a smooth, efficient medical experience. They may perform procedures such as injections, assist physicians with exams and educate patients as to their care regimes and health indicators. To work at a high level, clinical medical assistants need a specialized skill set and a meaningful certification. This 100% online course is specifically designed to prepare healthcare professionals who have been working in administrative roles as Certified Medical Administrative Assistants (CMAA) take on clinical responsibilities and work directly in patient care.

Job Outlook for Certified Clinical Medical Assistants

  • The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists Medical Assistant among its strongest areas for career growth. The BLS expects demand for medical assistants to grow by 19% between now and 2029. That is nearly four times the expected growth rate for all jobs.
  • According to the BLS, the average pay for medical assistants in 2019 was $16.73 per hour or $34,800 per year. Salary survey data from PayScale.com supports this estimate, indicating that clinical medical assistants earn, on average, $34,359 per year.

Course Objectives

  • Learn the specialized skills needed to contribute to a healthcare team in an ambulatory setting
  • Practice ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, patient privacy laws, medical terminology, and clinical procedures
  • Identify the functions of the major body systems
  • Describe how to measure vital signs
  • Discuss the importance of medical and surgical asepsis
  • Summarize the basic guidelines for the administration of injections
  • Explain the three methods used to perform venipuncture
  • Identify the placement of electrodes for an ECG
  • List the steps for obtaining a throat culture
  • State how to conduct physical and chemical examinations of urine
  • Recognize what constitutes a medical emergency
  • Prepare to take and pass the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). (Course includes a voucher which covers the fee of the exam.)

    Curriculum

    1. Medical Terminology
    2. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
      1. Major Body Systems
      2. Pathophysiology
      3. Pharmacology
      4. Nutrition and Special Diets
      5. The Chief Complaint and Patient History
      6. Recording Vital Signs
      7. The Physical Examination
      8. Specialty Exams and Procedures
      9. 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

      Prerequisites and Requirements

      • This course is intended for experienced clinical medical assistants. If you do not have previous experience, consider completing our Certified Medical Administrative Assistant course prior to enrolling.
      • To be eligible to sit for the CCMA exam, you must hold a high school diploma or GED.

      Instructor

      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.

      FAQs

      1. What does a Clinical Medical Assistant do?
        Clinical medical assistants perform a variety of duties that bridge the administrative and procedural aspects of patient care in a healthcare facility. They may note and track patient history and personal information. They may administer injections, draw blood and measure vital signs. They often work directly with doctors during exams and procedures. They can prep samples for lab tests. The world of the clinical medical assistant is filled with diverse, fulfilling activities that contribute directly to the patient’s positive experience.
      2. Is certification important for CMAs?
        Certification is a sign of professionalism and commitment to excellence. It may also be required by state or local regulation. According to the National Healthcare Association (NHA), many healthcare providers include certification in their career ladders for medical assistants, offering elevated pay and career opportunities after certification.
      3. What is the difference between a CMA and a CMAA?
        For experienced CMAAs, the clinical medical assistant certification offers the opportunity to expand their work into patient procedures. It may also offer the opportunity for enhanced pay and job opportunities. The NHA notes that clinical certification can lead to roles such as patient care coordinator, health coach or population health coach. PayScale.com indicates that adding clinical responsibilities can raise a medical assistant’s pay by as much as $8,000 per year, depending on role and experience.
      4. Do CMAs enjoy their work?
        While clinical medical assistants work in situations that are naturally stressful, for those who enjoy the medical environment, job satisfaction is quite high. OwlGuru.com determined that 71% of medical assistants are satisfied with their job. 76% say their job is meaningful and helps make the world better for themselves and others.
      5. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?
        Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school.  Most schools offer telephone or online registration.
      6. How long does it take to complete a program?
        When you register, you’ll receive twelve (12) months to complete this program.
      7. What if I don’t have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?
        The time allotted to complete your program has been calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don’t worry too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort, you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee may be charged for an extension.
      8. Do I have to buy additional materials?
        No
      9. 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.
      10. 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.
      11. Am I guaranteed a job?
        ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases.  We don’t provide direct job placement services, but ed2go facilitators and career counselors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job.  Facilitators will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program.  Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
      12. How can I get more information about this program?
        If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us at cpe@ecu.edu. You may also call ed2go directly at 1-877-221-5151.
      13. 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.

      Registration and Enrollment

      This course is 100% online. Start anytime.