Clinical Medical Assistant

An Amazon Career Choice Approved Certification Course

Program Schedule

Registration Fee: $3,299.

Course technology requirements: Desktop/laptop computer, Chromebook, or tablet with internet connection and Chrome browser. Though a mobile phone will work, it may make doing online work more challenging.

Course Description:  Enter the world of healthcare today by performing functions related to the physician’s clinical responsibilities in the outpatient/private medical office. Learn and perform methods of preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, and specimen collection including blood collection (phlebotomy), running live electrocardiographs (EKGs), and recognizing heart rhythms. Gain hands-on experience with critical procedures and concepts in phlebotomy, EKG, pharmacology, professional workplace behavior, ethics, and the legal aspects of healthcare. You will also complete an introduction to medical terminology, healthcare etiquette, and healthcare customer service to stand apart from others in a competitive job market. 

Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to take the CMA, Phlebotomy, and EKG technician exams through the National Healthcare Association (www.nhanow.com) receiving a total of 3 certifications! (Additional Phlebotomy, EKG, fees paid separately.)

Clinical Experience and Certifications

Medical Assisting – This course provides an optional 100 clinical hour experience upon completion of the CMA training program. You will be assigned to a clinical site that is flexible with your schedule. It is recommended that you are available 16 – 40 hours per week. Clinicals are typically held at outpatient medical centers or private practices.  You must have a flexible schedule and access to transportation. Once you complete the training program with/without the optional clinical hours, you will receive a certification of completion for the CMA training program and be eligible for certification testing included in your registration fee.

EKG Technician – The EKG portion of the CMA program includes the NHA requirements of running 10 live EKGs. After you complete this part of the curriculum, you will receive a certification of completion for EKG training and be eligible for certification testing. (Additional testing fees apply.)

Phlebotomy – The phlebotomy training portion of the CMA program includes performing 10 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks in class. For those interested in becoming certified as a Phlebotomy Technician, a total of 30 venipunctures are required. You have the option to attend 1-2 clinical days at a local lab to achieve this requirement to be eligible for certification testing. (Additional testing fees apply.)

The following are included in the course fee:

• 200+ hours of combined classroom lectures, online self-study, and simulation lab
• 100 + hours of clinical experience (optional)
• Scrubs
• e-book(s) and/or Textbook(s)
• Background check
• Fingerprinting
• Drug screening
• NHA Study Package and Exam fee for CMA (Phlebotomy and EKG are separate)
• EKG Calipers
• BLS Certification

Course Requirements for Clinical Training Experience ONLY: 

Background Check – A level 2 background check will be conducted through Hillsborough Community College.  Students with felonies, especially those related to child or elder abuse are not allowed to participate in the clinical rotation.  Visit the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to see if you are eligible to work in healthcare if you have criminal a history. Person’s with criminal history may be able to obtain an exemption from AHCA to provide eligibility for employment in a healthcare setting.  A failed background check will make you ineligible for the optional clinical experience but will not prevent you from completing the class.  

Drug Screening – Students are required to have a 10-panel drug screen. If the urine screen is positive, the student will receive a call from the medical review officer at the testing center asking you to provide documentation of prescriptive medication. If proper documentation cannot be provided, the failed drug screen will make you ineligible for the optional clinical experience but will not prevent you from completing the class. NOTE: Healthcare facilities will not allow students or employees to use marijuana, even with state medical approval for marijuana use.  Any positive marijuana drug screen result, regardless of medical approval for use, will prevent you from attending the optional clinical experience.

Physical Exam/Immunizations – Students must get a medical physical exam including a 2-stage TB skin test and must provide proof that all immunizations are up to date including: Influenza, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, and TDAP.  If the student has a medical issue that can affect their participation in the program, they should advise HCC immediately.  We do not recommend taking classes that include phlebotomy/specimen collection and if you are pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant due to exposure risk.  Your physician must complete and sign the Students Health and Immunization Certification Forms.  All exams, tests, and vaccines are required.  Your healthcare provider will need to complete the required HCC forms available to you once your register.

Helpful hints:

• Your High School should have your immunization records if you have graduated within the past 3 years.
• Your primary care doctor may have copies of your immunizations.
• Physicals and immunizations are free in many health insurance plans including Medicaid and may be completed with your primary care doctor.

Course Objectives  

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant should be able to: 

• Describe the function of the clinical medical assistant in a medical office
• Use and understand medical terminology
• Describe the anatomy of each of the body systems to include the heart, conduction system, circulation of the heart, and blood vessels
• Discuss the care & safety of patients, medical & legal aspects, and work ethics
• Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication
• Improve interpersonal skills and human behavior
• Submit prescriptions to various pharmacies
• Follow confidentiality and HIPAA
• Take accurate patient medical histories
• Update patient medical files
• Instruct patients on the proper usage of medications
• Take vital signs and properly document results
• Perform phlebotomy including venipuncture and capillary sampling
• Collect non-blood specimens and point-of-care testing
• Perform 12 lead EKGs, EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave form)
• Prepare and assist with medical examinations
• Take blood pressure and body temperatures
• Apply sterile dressings
• Prepare patients for x-rays
• Perform various injections
• Perform peripheral IVs
• Administer oral medications
• Utilize aseptic technique and infection prevention
• Assist with minor surgeries
• Properly use and disposal of biohazards and sharps