This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office and prepare students to understand and use electronic records in a medical practice. Instruction includes preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, taking and documenting vital signs, technical aspects of phlebotomy, the 12-lead EKG and the cardiac life cycle. This course reviews the implementation and management of electronic health information using common electronic data interchange systems and maintaining the medical, legal, accreditation and regulatory requirements of the electronic health record.

The purpose of the Clinical Medical Assistant Master program is to prepare students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office and manage electronic health information using common electronic data interchange systems while maintaining the medical, legal, accreditation and regulatory requirements.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Responsibilities of the clinical medical assistant and introduction to healthcare facilities
• Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, circulation of the heart and blood vessels
• Care & safety of patients, medical & legal aspects of care, confidentiality and HIPAA
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication, interpersonal skills and human behavior
• Aseptic techniques, infection prevention, universal precautions, proper use and disposal of biohazards and sharps
• Documenting patient medical histories, updating patient medical files, vital signs and documentation
• Appling sterile dressings, preparing patients for x-rays, performing various injections, administering oral medications, instructing patients on the proper usage of medications
• Phlebotomy, venipunctures and capillary sampling, collecting specimens and point of care testing
• Performing 12 lead EKGs and EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave form)
• Role of the EKG technician
• Function of the EKG department in a variety of settings (hospital, clinic, office, mobile service)
• Medical terminology related to electrocardiography
• Care and safety of patients including medical and legal aspects of patient care
• Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
• Electrophysiology, the conduction system of the heart, and the cardiac cycle
• Circulation of blood through the heart and vessels
• Lead placement for 12-lead electrocardiography
• Basic EKG interpretation of normal rhythms and arrhythmias
• EKG troubleshooting including recognizing artifacts
• Waves and measurements
• EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave-form interpretation)
• Identification of rhythms using the 12-lead EKG
• Pacemakers
• Holter monitoring and the echocardiogram
• The history of Phlebotomy and the roles and responsibilities of a Phlebotomy Technician
• Laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control,), quality assurance , laboratory law, ethics and regulatory issues
• Anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system and anatomy of the hand, leg & foot - including arteries and veins
• Universal precautions - safety protocols, infection control and medical asepsis
• Specimen collection, processing, handling, documentation and transportation
• Venipuntcures and skin puncture practice, syringe practice, heel puncture, protocol, syringe draws, etc.
• Overview of various healthcare delivery systems with an emphasis on content and documentation requirements of the health record in various healthcare settings
• Designed to provide students with "real life" computer experience using Medcin software and performing tasks in health information departments. Tasks include admission procedures, information retention and retrieval, data entry, chart assembly, data collection, abstracting, code sets, and the release of information
• Structural components of the interactive HER, how it supports communication and continuity of care, clinical standards such as SNOWMED CT, LOINC, and UMLS
• Importance of the medical record and the effect of confidential communication laws on the release of medical information such as protected health information and HIPAA
• Tasks include admission procedures, information retention and retrieval, data entry, chart assembly, data collection, code sets, and the release of information

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exams essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

	National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
	National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT)
	National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified EKG Technician (CET)
	National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.