Online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Prepare for a Career as a Medical Assistant
Build foundational knowledge in medical terminology, HIPAA regulations, and healthcare ethics; while learning the vital role a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) plays within a medical team. This clinical medical assistant certification course ensures you are fully prepared to handle a diverse array of responsibilities across both the front and back office by integrating MedVR computer-based simulations.
Simultaneously, you will gain the administrative expertise required to register patients, manage complex scheduling systems, and maintain the professional communication flow of a busy practice. During the HIPAA training module, you will learn about patient privacy requirements and the proper handling of sensitive health information. Through our collaboration with the American Medical Association (AMA), this online medical assistant program integrates the most up to date and comprehensive Blood Pressure (BP) Measurement Series training.
The medical terminology course component introduces key concepts of medical language and human anatomy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body systems in health and disease. The curriculum covers topics such as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and immune systems, along with mental health and special senses, with exams at the midterm and final stages.
If you have prior knowledge of Medical Terminology, you can optionally test out by achieving a minimum score of 80%, replacing the course content if desired. This test-out option only applies to the online Medical Terminology course, the standalone course, or advanced career training course bundles that include the Medical Terminology course.
You will be able to sit for the CCMA exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). A voucher covering the certification exam fee is also included with your enrollment.
Note: Please research your state's requirements by visiting your state's medical board site before enrolling to ensure this course is the right fit for you.
Funding Disclaimer: For Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded students, please consult with your funding source representative before taking advantage of the Medical Terminology test-out feature. Different funding programs may have specific requirements and/or restrictions. If you attempt the test-out feature(s) in the Medical Terminology course without getting approval, your funding benefits may be jeopardized. The online medical assistant certification course includes the opportunity to become CPR certified, and you will also be able to earn a HIPAA training certification as well.
Job Outlook for Certified Clinical Medical Assistants
Certified clinical medical assistants can earn a competitive salary while building a rewarding career in healthcare. According to Indeed, the average salary for a medical assistant in the U.S. is approximately $49,676 per year.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for medical assistants to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations. The field is expected to see about 112,300 job openings annually during that period.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant FAQs
According to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), medical assistants are critical members of the healthcare team and can be found in a variety of medical settings. As a medical assistant, you are often the first and last person a patient interacts with, making a lasting impact on the patient's experience. Medical assistants are flexible, performing a variety of both clinical and administrative tasks. Exact duties will vary by location, healthcare specialty, and practice size, but you will also likely complete clerical and administrative tasks within physician's offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. You will also need to understand how and what information can be shared and adhere to confidentiality laws, like HIPAA, in patient treatment.
Although the exact amount of time can vary, it typically takes nine months to two years to become a medical assistant through most online medical assistant programs, depending upon the training curriculum and the time you have to commit. For example, this course allows you up to 12 months of access to complete the required training.
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a national certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the largest allied health certification organization in the U.S., with over one million certifications awarded over more than 30 years. This exam serves to validate the skills of medical assistants and demonstrates their dedication to the profession. According to the 2020 Industry Outlook produced by the NHA, 89% of employers require or encourage certification for medical assistants, and 63% increase pay when certification is obtained. This course includes a voucher for the cost of the CCMA certification exam at no additional cost to you.
Yes. After successfully completing this clinical medical assistant course, you will be able to take the national Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The registration fee for the exam is included with this course.
Course Objectives
- Develop the clinical and administrative competencies required to function as a vital member of the ambulatory healthcare team
- Understand ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, the importance of a first impression, respectful attributes when interacting with patients and coworkers, and maintaining a safe office environment
- Medical terminology, including how to identify the functions of the major body systems
- Learn the three methods used to perform venipuncture
- Summarize the HIPAA Privacy Rule and understand the importance of protecting the privacy of patient information
- Review government and private insurance and know the importance of medical and surgical asepsis
- Prepare to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)