Clinical Medical Assistant - Professional Certificate Program Program Information and Frequently Asked Questions
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Clinical Medical Assistant
Professional Certificate Program
Program Information and
Frequently Asked QuestionsTable of Contents
Introduction and Overview of the Profession .......................................................................................... 2
What Clinical Medical Assistants Do ........................................................................................................................ 2
Employment Prospects in the Field .......................................................................................................................... 2
Program Overview ................................................................................................................................. 2
Course Content.......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Key Areas Covered in This Course ................................................................................................................................... 3
Detailed Course Topics Covered in This Course .............................................................................................................. 3
Prerequisites .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Tuition and Fees ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Registration................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Schedule..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Current offerings............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Location ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Course Completion ................................................................................................................................ 5
Required Scores ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Documentation of Course Completion .................................................................................................................... 5
Letter of Completion....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Certificate of Completion................................................................................................................................................ 5
Certification ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................................... 6
Additional Information .......................................................................................................................... 8
Clinical Medical Assistant Professional Certification Program – Rev. 5/28/15 AD 1Introduction and Overview of the Profession What Clinical Medical Assistants Do Medical Assistants perform clinical procedures including administering medications, assisting with minor surgeries, performing an electrocardiogram, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and maintaining clinical equipment in an ambulatory care setting. Medical assistants perform routine clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly. Clinical duties may include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises. They instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, and change dressings. Employment Prospects in the Field According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of the aging baby boom population will continue to spur demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As their practices expand, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients. Program Overview The Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Course at SDSU’s College of Extended Studies Course Content This comprehensive program gives students the skills to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical responsibilities of a medical office. Instruction includes preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, the technical aspects of phlebotomy and the use of the electrocardiograph (EKG) machine. This program includes 140 hours of classroom lecture including hands-on labs and an optional 160-hour clinical externship opportunity at a local healthcare service provider for those students who qualify. After obtaining the suggested practical work experience, students who complete the course will be prepared to sit for professional certification exams (see Certification section). SDSU is approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Clinical Medical Assistant Professional Certification Program – Rev. 5/28/15 AD 2
Key Areas Covered in This Course
Introduction to medical assisting
The clinical environment
Diagnostic testing and procedures in the medical office
Lab skills
Assisting with surgeries, medications, IV therapies and medical specialties
Phlebotomy and Point of Care testing
Cardiac anatomy and physiology and 12 – lead electrocardiography
Detailed Course Topics Covered in This Course
Function of the clinical medical assistant in a medical office
Introduction to health care facilities
Medical terminology
Anatomy of each of the body systems to include the heart, conduction system, circulation of the heart
and blood vessels
Care and safety of patients, medical and legal aspects, and work ethics
Effective verbal and non-verbal communication
Interpersonal skills and human behavior
Phoning in prescriptions to various pharmacies
Confidentiality and HIPAA
Taking patient medical histories
Updating patient medical files
Instructing patients on proper usage of medications
Vital signs and documentation
Phlebotomy including venipuncture and capillary sampling
Collecting non-blood specimens and point of care testing
Performing 12- lead EKGs, EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave form)
Preparing and assisting with medical examinations
Taking blood pressure and body temperatures
Appling sterile dressings
Preparing patients for x-rays
Performing various injections
Performing peripheral IVs
Administering oral medications
Aseptic technique and infection prevention
Assisting with minor surgeries
Proper use and disposal of biohazards and sharps
Clinical Medical Assistant Professional Certification Program – Rev. 5/28/15 AD 3Prerequisites
Students enrolling in the course must have:
A high school diploma or GED
The ability to read, write, and comprehend English
Good math skills
Tuition and Fees
The total program fee is $2,998 and includes textbooks and parking. This amount must be paid in full at the
time of registration. Payment plans are not available. Note: All course offerings and prices are subject to
change. Financial aid options are listed on our website here: Financial Aid Options.
Students who qualify and choose to complete the optional externship will be required to submit the
following requirements at their own cost.
1. Immunization record
a. MMR, TDAP, Varicella, Hep B (if there are gaps in the record, each shot can be $100-
$200)
2. PPD (tuberculosis) test within last 12 months ($50.00 at most walk in clinics)
3. Negative 9 panel drug screen ($50-$60 at testing centers)
4. Background check- $50.00 (at Livescan locations)
Please note that this is a non-credit professional development certificate that does not offer “transferrable
units” to a degree program such a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree.
Registration
Detailed registration information and instructions are located on our website here: Registration Information.
If possible, please register at least two weeks in advance to avoid class cancellations. No application is
necessary to register for this course.
Schedule
The Clinical Medical Assistant Professional Certification Program is offered twice annually, in spring and fall.
Current offerings
The schedule for Fall 2015 is as follows:
Dates: Sept. 29, 2015 – March 1, 2016 (Registration will open June 8)
Days/Times: Tues. & Thurs. from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Clinical Medical Assistant Professional Certification Program – Rev. 5/28/15 AD 4 Class will not be held on the following dates:
o Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day)
o Tuesday, December 22 – Friday, January 1 (Winter Break)
Location
Courses are held at SDSU’s College of Extended Studies in the Gateway Center or the Extended Studies
Center buildings located at 5250 Campanile Drive. You will receive the exact building and room number for
your class prior to the course start date via email. Classroom location information is also posted daily on the
electronic display boards located throughout the Gateway and ESC Buildings.
Course Completion
Required Scores
To pass the course and be eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion, students must earn a final score
of 70% or higher.
Points Score
100 - 90% Excellent
89 - 80% Above Average
79 - 70 % Average
69 - 60 % Marginal
Below 59% Unsatisfactory
Incomplete Did not complete
*An “Incomplete” score must be approved by the instructor and CES. Student must have completed at least
60% of the class coursework.
Documentation of Course Completion
Letter of Completion
At the completion of this course, students may download a Letter of Completion using the “CES Gateway
Login” portal on our website. The Letter of Completion will include all course details (i.e. course title,
starting/completion dates, course cost, and final score); students may provide a copy of this letter to their HR
departments for tuition reimbursement purposes. For those organizations that require a grade or its
equivalent to reimburse employees based on performance, the course grading rubric reflects a score that is
equivalent to the traditional grading systems using letter grades A-F (see previous table).
Certificate of Completion
At the completion of the course, students must submit a “Certificate Application” in order to receive a
Certificate of Completion. This certificate includes the student’s name, the program title, and the date the
course was completed.
Clinical Medical Assistant Professional Certification Program – Rev. 5/28/15 AD 5Certification
After obtaining the suggested practical work experience, students who complete this course may choose to
sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)* exam offered by the National Healthcareer
Association (NHA). Visit NHA’s website at Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam for detailed exam
and membership information and requirements.
* Fees for certification exams are not included in the program tuition. This exam will be administered at CES.
Application and payment arrangements will be made with your instructor in the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is SDSU accredited?
A: Yes. SDSU is accredited through Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Q: Where can I find information to assist in my career planning?
A: The US Department of Labor is a great place to start your research. Its Occupational Outlook handbook
includes information about jobs, earnings, titles, job descriptions, job markets and potential new jobs.
Please note: The College of Extended Studies does not provide formal career services as part of the
health care program. From time to time, employers contact us expressing interest in recruiting our
students; in these cases, we can forward job position announcements to graduates of our programs.
Additionally, students report they have found valuable networking opportunities via their interactions
with other professionals in their classes.
Q: Is the certification exam included with the course?
A: The fee for the certification exam is not included in the course tuition, however the certification exam is
administered at CES. Arrangements to pay and take the CCMA certification exam will be made with your
instructor during the class (see Certification section). The certification exam is usually scheduled 1 week
after the course ends.
Q: Will this certificate enable me to get a job as a clinical medical assistant?
A: This course is specifically designed to help you take and pass the national certification exam. You will be
given information and tools needed to work as a clinical medical assistant. However we encourage you to
do your own research on this profession prior to taking the course. CES provides course training and does
not assist with job placement.
Q: Does the course include an externship?
A: Yes. The course includes an optional 160-hour externship* for students that qualify and allows the student
to apply and solidify the skills previously discussed and practiced in class. To be eligible for the 160-hour
clinical rotation, students must successfully complete the 140-hour course, submit to a thorough
background check, drug screening and meet other requirements.
Clinical Medical Assistant Professional Certification Program – Rev. 5/28/15 AD 6*Please note that this externship opportunity is offered through a third-party organization. CES only provides
the educational training portion of the program. Any specific questions or concerns regarding scheduling,
requirements, policies and procedures during the externship process should be directed to the designated
contact person which will be provided to you at the beginning of class.
Q: How do I register?
A: 1. Go to the Health Care Education registration web page. Choose your desired class from the middle
panel; details (official class name, term dates, schedule number, registration deadline) will appear on the
right-hand panel.
2. Choose your preferred method of registration.
Online (credit card only)
Choose your desired class (per step 1 above).
Click on the red “Enroll Now” button (right-hand panel) to add the course to your shopping cart. When
done adding all desired courses to your cart, click “Continue.”
You will now be on the 4 Easy Steps to Register Online page. Click “Continue.”
You will now be on the CES Gateway Login page. Click “Continue.”
If you have a Red ID (student ID), log in.
If this is your first term enrolling in SDSU/CES classes, click on “Create a New Account,” follow
instructions, and a Red ID will be generated.
Phone (credit card only)
Call the CES Registration Office at (619) 594-5152. Please have all class details (per step 1 above) ready
when you call.
Paper (credit card, money order, and cash accepted if submitting form in person)
Download the paper registration form from the CES website.
Complete the form with your personal information and relevant course information (per step 1
above).
Be sure to enroll no later than the registration deadline — usually on the first day of class. Late registrations
are granted only in special circumstances and will incur additional fees.
Q: What is the difference between obtaining a professional certificate through SDSU and becoming a
certified CMA?
A: Professional certificates, which are offered through the SDSU College of Extended Studies, should not
be confused with certifications, which are offered through third party, standard-setting organizations.
Professional certificates are awarded by educational programs or institutions and indicate completion of a
course or series of courses with a specific focus; typically listed on a résumé detailing education. Clinical
Medical Assistant is a non-credit course and will not lead to credits for obtaining a Bachelor’s or Master’s
Degree. Professional certificates are recognized by most employers as a significant academic
Clinical Medical Assistant Professional Certification Program – Rev. 5/28/15 AD 7accomplishment and can lead to new jobs as well as promotions for those who obtain them. They are
also usually more relevant and focused for today’s workforce than academic degrees and can be
completed in a much shorter period of time. This course will prepare you for certification exams (see
Certification section).
Certifications are awarded by a third party, standard-setting organization such as the National
Healthcareer Association (NHA) (see Certification section) and indicate mastery of skills measured against
a set of standards usually by an application or an exam. Certification exams require test takers to meet
specific educational and/or experience criteria, as well as to pass the written examination. We encourage
you to research exam requirements for each industry organization.
Additional Information
Thank you for reviewing the program information. To obtain additional information or ask specific questions not
answered here, please contact the Program Coordinator, Precious Jordan-Talley:
Email: healthcare.ces@mail.sdsu.edu
Phone: 619.594.3297
Website: neverstoplearning.net/healthcare
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