Overview

The Clinical Medical Assisting program is designed to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. Medical assistants with a clinical background perform various clinical tasks including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiogram, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and other related tasks. Job opportunities are prevalent with physician’s offices, clinics, chiropractor’s offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities.

This program prepares learners to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. 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. The purpose of the Clinical Medical Assisting program is to prepare learners to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office.

 

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the clinical medical assistant's role in patient-centered care within the medical facility
  • Describe the specific personal characteristics, interpersonal communications, and professional skills required of the clinical medical assistant
  • Demonstrate an understanding of medical facility safety practices, measures, plans, and standards
  • Explain the steps in quality care throughout the patient encounter including preparation of the medical facility, completing required paperwork, taking vital signs, and completing the check-out tasks
  • Explain the concepts related to medical asepsis and surgical asepsis in the healthcare environment
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to pharmacology and the administration of medications within the scope of the clinical medical assistant practice
  • Explain the concepts related to medical asepsis and surgical asepsis in the healthcare environment
  • Explain the medical assistant's role and tasks when helping with minor surgery and diagnostic testing procedures in the medical office, including laboratory procedures, specimen collection, microscopic assessment, and hematology procedures
  • Demonstrate the ability to assist the physician as directed in various medical specialties of the medical office
  • Explain considerations of healthcare for special populations including pediatrics and geriatrics
  • Apply the basic electrophysiologic principles of cardiac conduction to the anatomy and physiology of the body
  • Identify proper placement of leads to ensure an accurate and consistent EKG reading
  • Evaluate various EKG rhythm strips following established normal criteria for each of the wave forms and intervals
  • Analyze a variety of EKG rhythm strips, identifying rate, rhythm and intervals
  • Analyze a variety of EKG rhythm strips for common dysrhythmias
  • Apply an understanding of the technical aspects of the EKG machine to the correct use of the machine and interpretation of artifacts
  • Describe the functions, associated terminology, types, and rhythm strips of pacemakers
  • Describe diagnostic electrocardiography in terms of goals, types, procedures, indications, and contraindications
  • Explain how to interpret a 12-lead EKG strip
  • Explain myocardial infarction in terms of physiology, symptoms, and EKG interpretation
  • Describe common cardiac medications
  • Explain the steps in selected specimen collection procedures performed by the phlebotomy technician
  • Explain the safety procedures in the healthcare setting and specifically in performing specimen collection procedures
  • Identify specific supplies and equipment used in selected specimen collection procedures
  • Explain precautions and guidelines when collecting specimens in special populations such as pediatrics and geriatrics
  • Define quality of care and explain the impact on patient medical care when quality and safety are compromised in phlebotomy procedures
  • Describe the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and medical terminology associated with phlebotomy
  • Describe the requirements of the successful phlebotomy career including desired character traits, training and education, roles and responsibilities
  • Explain how phlebotomists communicate with others in the healthcare setting verbally, nonverbally, within the health record, and using computer systems
  • Identify common legal issues, ethical issues, and regulatory issues commonly impacting the phlebotomist

Certifications

There  are  several  National  Certification  exams  that  are  available  to  students  who successfully complete this program:    

National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam
National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam

In addition to facilitating entry-level clinical medical assisting related positions, this course is ideal for students interested in pursuing a future formal Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Nursing (LPN) or a Nursing (RN) program.

Note: Inclusion of National Certification exam vouchers vary from school and payment / finance method. To check if they are included, you may message any of our advisors through any of our available channels here.

 

 

 

FAQs

 

+ Are these courses associated with an accredited school?
These courses are offered by Texas A&M University Texarkana, in partnership with Job Training Courses (JTC). Texas A&M University-Texarkana is a regionally accredited institution and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

+ Are there available financial aids (FAFSA, Pell Grant, etc)?
We currently do not have support for federal or state grants. However, we offer zero interest payment plans for up to 12 months. Students can take advantage of these payment plans without worrying about credit check.

+ Can I verify if this is legitimate?
Yes. You may contact Texas A&M University - Texarkana directly. Please see the contact information below:

Shelley Caraway
Executive Director, TAMUT EECD
scaraway@tamut.edu
+1 903 334 6683

+ I'm located at a different state. Can I take this program?
Yes. These programs are designed to be portable and accessible wherever you are in the country. Please note however that it is important for you to check state requirements to ensure that the program will be accepted in the state you will be employed in.

+ I'm located outside of the US. Can I take this program?
Yes. These programs are designed to be portable and accessible wherever you are. However, please note that certain programs are only designed to be taken for employment within the United States. An example of this are the Healthcare programs.

+ If I cannot complete the program within the prescribed duration, what are my options?
We offer program extensions for a certain period at no extra cost. Please message us here to speak with one of our advisors.


Have more questions? Contact us here

Enrollment Options

See where this program is available

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Texas A&M University - Texarkana

Payment Options

Full Tuition

Excluding national certification exam fees

6 Monthly Payments

Pay a fixed amount every month. Zero Interest.

12 Monthly Payments

Pay a fixed amount every month. Zero Interest.

Instructor-Facilitated Options*

Video Lesson Presentations

Mobile-Ready

National Certification Opportunity *

Textbooks & Supplemental Materials

Mentor Support

Certificate of Completion