About This Program
Program Summary
The Comprehensive Medical Assistant Program consists of 488 clock hours. This certificate-level program is full-time. An externship of 160 hours is required to complete the program. The Comprehensive Medical Assistant program provides students with advanced knowledge in both administrative and clinical aspects of medical assisting. Students that complete this program will have the opportunity to sit for five national certifications with the National Health Career Association and the American Red Cross. Medical Assistants are vital members of the healthcare team and work to administer medications, assist with minor procedures, obtain laboratory specimens, perform electrocardiograms, provide patient education, perform phlebotomy procedures, prep rooms, and prepare patients for examinations while helping manage medical supply inventory. This program offers students’ knowledge of administrative tasks, including scheduling patients, medical coding, and billing procedures, gaining pre-certifications, and electronic medical records, advanced medical terminology. The program also provides students with the skills needed to provide direct patient care by taking medical histories, charting vitals, CPR, first aid, and assisting in examinations and procedures. In some cases, medical assistants may perform more advanced tasks under the supervision of a physician, which may include cleaning and dressing wounds, removing sutures, catheterizations, as well as medical imaging.
Program Objectives
Upon the successful completion of this program, students will have a/an:
- Working knowledge of medical terminology
- Effective patient interview and medical history writing techniques
- Understanding of basic systems-based anatomy and physiology
- Incorporated knowledge of basic science into medical comprehension
- Understanding of the cardiovascular system and blood components
- Integrated knowledge of cardiovascular concepts in relation to EKG interpretation
- Effective collection of and recording of vital signs
- Knowledge of and use of clinical safety
- Understanding and correct skills in venipuncture and another specimen collection
- Understanding and correct skills in Point of Care testing and specimen handling
- Understanding of medical ethics and relevant laws
- Awareness of appropriate professional behavior and understanding of office-work in clinical environments
- Integrated understanding of microbiology and infection in relation to immunizations and treatment
- Working knowledge of pharmacology and safe medication administration
- Knowledge of and effective skills in wound care, including suture and staple removal
- Sufficient knowledge of medical facilities to care for and prepare rooms and equipment
- Wound care
- Patient communication for patient interview or patient education
- Handling of medical records
- EHR skills needed to master administrative, clinical, and billing/coding tasks.
- Perform basic computer skills
- Keyboard practice
- Patient communication
- Maintaining and updating patient records if required
- Ordering supplies and keeping a track of the medical equipment and supplies
- Cleaning biohazardous spills and disposing of biohazard waste
- Outline the typical responsibilities of a medical office assistant, describe the personal and professional ethics required for success in this profession and explain how medical office assistants are impacted by HIPAA and other healthcare-related regulations.
- Describe how a medical front office is typically managed, focusing on administrative processes and procedures.
- Explain the procedures to follow to create and maintain accurate medical documentation, especially with regards to patient records, procedural and diagnostic coding, insurance claim forms, and other healthcare documentation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of medical insurance by outlining typical claims-processing procedures and explaining the difference between government and commercial health insurance plans.
- Using standard medical terminology, explain the structures and functions of the human body, including the senses and body systems.
- Identify and describe the medical office assistant’s role in standard patient interactions in the medical office, including in-office diagnostic tests and procedures, specimen sampling, medication administration, and the preparation of patients for examination.
- Describe universal precautions and explain how to maintain a safe environment in the medical office, even during emergency situations.
- Basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and certification with the American Red Cross
- Blood Borne Pathogen training certification with the American Red Cross
- Have an opportunity to sit for registry as a Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), and Electronic Health Records Specialist (CHERS) certification with the National Health Career Association (NHA).
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must submit:
· Official High school diploma or equivalency transcripts
· Government-issued photo identification
Externship Requirements
Students enrolled in the Comprehensive Medical Assistant program have additional admissions requirements that vary depending on the site at which the extern is placed. These requirements must be met two weeks before the students scheduled externship start date and include:
● Complete Immunization Record or Titers
● National Background Check
● Resume
● Negative Drug Screen
● PPD Screening
Tue/Thu Comprehensive Medical Assistant Program 9 AM to 5 PM (+4 week Externship)
Start Date |
---|
March 25, 2024 |
Tue/Thu Comprehensive Medical Assistant Program 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (+4 week Externship)
Start Date |
---|
Coming Soon! |
Transfer Credits from Within the Institution
The following courses may be challenged or transferred from within Bell-Brown Medical Institute pending approval from the Academic Dean.
CMA 101: Introduction to Healthcare
Students that have successfully completed CMA 101 within the past five years will be awarded 48 contact hours to transfer into the Comprehensive Medical Assistant program.
CMA 102: Clinical Medical Assistant I
Students that have successfully completed CMA 101 within the past five years will be awarded 48 contact hours to transfer into the Comprehensive Medical Assistant program.
CMA 103: Clinical Medical Assistant II
Students that have successfully completed CMA 101 within the past five years will be awarded 48 contact hours to transfer into the Comprehensive Medical Assistant program.
LPD 101: Leadership and Professional Development (formally known as Capstone I and II)
Students that have completed LPD 101 (or CAP 101 and 102) within the past 2 years will be awarded 16 contact hours to transfer into the Comprehensive Medical Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, and Phlebotomy programs.
CMA 107: Comprehensive Medical Assistant Externship
Students that has completed CMA 105 Clinical Medical Assisting externship within the past 2 years will be awarded 80 contact hours to transfer into CMA 107 Comprehensive Medical Assistant externship course. An additional 80 hours must be completed to successful complete this course.
A maximum of 240 contact hours may be awarded to students who meet the above requirements
Graduation Requirements
Student’s are required to complete the following courses with 70% or higher and pass all clinical competencies on a pass/fail system. The following courses are required to successfully complete the program:
CMA 101: Introduction to Healthcare: 24 Instructional, 24 Lab = 48 Total
CMA 102: Clinical Medical Assisting I: 24 Instructional, 24 Lab = 48 Total
CMA 103: Clinical Medical Assisting II: 24 Instructional, 24 Lab = 48 Total
CMA 104: Medical Terminology: : 40 Instructional, 8 Lab = 48 Total
AMA 101: Medical Administrative Procedures: 34 Instructional, 6 Lab = 40 Total
AMA 102: Medical Coding and Billing: 34 Instructional, 6 Lab = 40 Total
AMA 103: Electronic Medical Records: 34 Instructional, 6 Lab = 40 Total
LPD 101 Leadership and Professional Development : = 6 Instructional, 10 Lab: 16 Total
CMA 107: Externship: 160 Clinical Hours
Total Program Hours: 488 Clock Hours
Performance Requirements
All performance requirements are evaluated on a pass/fail system. Students must pass with 100% accuracy in order to satisfy the requirement. Students who fail any of their performance requirements will have an opportunity to be remediated and re-evaluated to demonstrate proficient skills with a maximum of three separate attempts.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in all performance requirements at the end of each course within their program. Performance requirements for this program :
- Fowler’s and Semi Fowler’s Positioning
- Recumbent Positioning
- Lithotomy Positioning
- Horizontal and Doral Recumbent Positioning
- Sim’s Positioning
- Prone Positioning
- Knee-Chest Positioning
- Assist Provider with Patient Exam
- Coach Patients on in Health Maintenance, Disease Prevention, and Following the Treatment Plan
- Obtain an Oral Temperature Using a Digital Thermometer
- Obtain an Apical Pulse
- Assess a Patient’s Radial Pulse and Respiratory Rate
- Determine a Patient’s Blood Pressure
- Measure a Patient’s Height and Weight
- Coach a Patient on the Basics of the Glycemic Index
- Use Standard Precautions to Remove Contaminated Gloves and Discard
- Perform Aseptic Hand wash
- Select Appropriate PPE and Demonstrate Proper Disposal of Biohazardous Material
- Manage a Difficult Patient
- Care for a Patient Who has Fainted or is in Shock
- Care for a Patient with Seizure Activity
- Control Bleeding
- Care for a Patient with a Diabetic Emergency
- Using an Automated External Defibrillator
- Perform Adult Rescue Breathing
- Perform Pediatric and Infant CPR
- Prepare a Prescription for the Provider’s Signature
- Obtain a 12-Lead EKG
- Assist with the Examination of a Female Patient and Obtain a Smear for a Pap Test
- Teach the Patient Breast Self-Examination
- Document Immunizations
- Measure the Circumference of an Infant’s Head
- Measure an Infant’s Length and Weight
- Teach a Patient Crutch Walking and a Swing-through Gait
- Mini-Mental Examination (Worksheet)
- Perform a Blood Glucose Reading and Document
- Teach a Patient to Use a Peak Flow Meter
- Administer a Nebulizer Treatment
- Perform Pulse Oximetry
- Understand the Sensorimotor Changes in the Elderly
- Measure Visual Acuity with a Snellen Eye Chart
- Instruct and Prepare Patient for Ear Irrigation
- Collect a Specimen for Throat Culture
- Instruct a Patient in the Collection of a Fecal Specimen
- Telephone Screening of a Gastrointestinal Complaint
- Collect a Venous Sample Using the Vacuum Tube Method
- Collect a Venous Sample Using the Syringe Method
- Obtain a Venous Sample Using a Safety Winged Butterfly Needle
- Obtain a Capillary Blood Sample by Fingertip Puncture
- Perform a Microhematocrit Test
- Separate Serum into a Separate Container
- Separate Plasma into a Plasma Container
- Identify Surgical Instruments
- Wrap Instruments and Supplies for Sterilization in an Autoclave
- Operate the Autoclave
- Perform a Surgical Hand Scrub
- Prepare a Sterile Field
- Put on Sterile Gloves
- Remove Sutures
- Apply an Elastic Support Bandage Using a Spiral Turn
- Instruct a Patient on the Collection of a 24-hour Urine Specimen
- Instruct a Patient on the Collection of a Clean-Catch Midstream Urine Specimen
- Assess Urine for Color and Turbidity: Physical Test
- Test Urine with Chemical Reagent Strips
- Prepare Urine Specimen for Microscopic Exam
- Instruct Patients on the Collection of Fecal Specimens
- Obtain a Throat Swab*
- Use a Microscope and Perform Routine Maintenance on Clinical Equipment
- Apply the Patients Bill of Rights in Choice of Treatment, Consent for Treatment, and Refusal of Treatment
- Respond to Issues of Confidentiality
- Technology and Written Communication
- Compose a Business Letter
- Telephone Techniques
- Scheduling Appointments and Patient Processing
- Daily Administrative Operations in the Ambulatory Care Facility
- Electronic Medical Records
- Medical Coding and Billing
National Certifications
Students that successfully complete this The Comprehensive Medical Assistant program will have the opportunity to take certification examinations with the National Health Career Association and the American Red Cross. The first attempt at these exams is at no cost to the graduate. Additional attempts will be at the student’s expense.
Students that complete CMA 101 and CMA 103 courses successfully will receive their certification with the American Red Cross in:
- Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider CPR
- Bloodborne Pathogen Training Certification
The NHA certifications exams that graduates are eligible to take for the Comprehensive Medical Assistant program is the:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and the
- Certified Electronic Medical Records Specialist (CERHRS)
NHA practice exams are supplied to the graduate at no-cost through the NHA website. In order to qualify to sit for the initial exam, graduates must pass at least two (2) practice exams with a 70% or higher. Once this has been achieved by the graduate, the exam(s) can be scheduled by logging into the student NHA account. A maximum of one (1) national certification exam can be taken in a one-week period. Additional certification exam attempts must be scheduled a week apart from each other. The graduate is responsible for contacting the Campus Director to ensure the practice test requirements are met and to schedule the date and time of the exam(s).