Online Clinical Medical Assistant
Prepare for the CCMA Exam
Clinical medical assistants combine clinical and procedural knowledge, working across the domain of health care facilities to aid inpatient treatments and clinical operations. They are tasked with working directly with patients and supporting the work of doctors and other health care professionals.
The 100% online course will prepare you to work as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), designated by the National Healthcare Career Association (NHA).
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Job Outlook for Clinical Medical Assistants
The healthcare field offers one of the leading areas of opportunities for career growth today. Within healthcare, medical assistants are among the most in-demand professionals. NHA estimates that job openings for medical assistants are increasing by 9-15% each year.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics concurs with the NHA estimate. Its data indicates job opportunities for medical assistants will grow by 23% overall by 2028. This is four times the expected average growth for all jobs.
Medical assistants earn $34,800 per year, or $16.73 per hour on average, according to BLS data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register for a course if I am an international student?
Yes, the courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country's regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
Does this course prepare for a certification?
Yes. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam offered by National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The registration fee for the exam is included with this course.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive twelve (12) months to complete the course.
What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Am I guaranteed a job?
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. 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. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.
What are the system requirements for the online certification exam proctoring?
System requirements for NHA certification exam proctoring are:
- Operating system supported: Windows 7 and later; 32bit (x86) and 64bit (x64); Mac OS X and later
- Browsers supported: PSI Secure Lock-Down Browser
- Browser settings: The browser must accept third-party cookies for the duration of the exam ONLY
- Webcam/microphone: Minimum VGA 640 x 480 resolution, enabled built-in or external microphone
- Bandwidth: Minimum 400 kb/s download and upload Hardware requirements: 2GB RAM Memory; 1 GB Free Disk Space, minimum 1368x768 screen resolution
Course Objectives
- Learn the necessary skills to function as a vital member of the healthcare team in an ambulatory setting.
- Demonstrate basic medical terminology knowledge;
- 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;
- Discuss the importance of medical and surgical asepsis;
- Explain the information contained in different types of medical records;
- Identify the three methods used to perform venipuncture.
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites prior to enrolling in this course.
A high school diploma or GED is needed to take the CCMA exam. Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Curriculum
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
INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING
Overview of medical billing and coding in today’s healthcare system
HEALTHCARE LAW
How HIPAA, the False Claims Act and the Stark Law protect health information
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH INSURANCE TERMS
Health insurance terms, healthcare provider terms and third-party reimbursement methods
PHARMACOLOGY FOR CODERS
Definition of pharmacology, drug classifications and routes of administration
ICD-10-CM
Overview of ICD-10-CM, as well as coding guidelines, conventions and steps for assigning ICD-10-CM codes
CPT AND HCPCS LEVEL II CODING
How the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and CPT Code Book work, and steps for assigning CPT and HCPCS Level II codes
ABSTRACTING INFORMATION FROM MEDICAL DOCUMENTS
Coding from soap notes, consultation reports, operative reports, emergency room records and procedure reports
NEW PATIENTS, INSURANCE CLAIMS AND EOBS
Electronic, paper and hybrid medical records, practice management software and developing insurance claims
SUBMITTING ELECTRONIC CLAIMS AND CMS 1500
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), electronic claims submission and the National Uniform Claim Committee
BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD
Working with participating and nonparticipating providers
MEDICARE
Understanding Medicare, parts A, B, C and D
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS
Medicaid, TRICARE, CHAMPVA and workers' compensation
ICD-10-PCS (OPTIONAL LESSON)
Overview, code structure and definitions of ICD-10-PCS
SURVEY OF HOSPITAL BILLING
Hospital revenue cycle, chargemaster, master patient index and prospective payment systems
CAREER ROADMAP FOR MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING – FIND A JOB FAST
Marketing your skills and talents, creating a résumé and cover letter, interviewing and salary negotiation
Instructor
Nancy Smith
She 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.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.