Clinical Medical Assistant

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In today’s economy, there are career fields that offer stability and opportunity. If you are seeking a new career, consider becoming a Clinical Medical Assistant. The U.S. Bureau of Labor projects a 29 percent growth in this career field by 2022. Prairie State College’s (PSC) Clinical Medical Assistant healthcare vocational certificate course provides students with the necessary training and tools needed to perform patient clinical skills in various medical office settings.

Certification
Upon successful completion of the Clinical Medical Assistant healthcare vocational certificate course, students may be eligible to sit for the National Heathcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national exam.

ABOUT THE CURRICULUM

Students will review important topics, including pharmacology, proper use and administration of medications, taking and documenting vital signs, and cardiology including proper lead placements. Students will be taught professional workplace behavior, ethics, and the legal aspects of healthcare. The program consists of 150 hours of classroom lecture.

The program is divided into three sections:

Clinical Medical Assisting
This section provides students with the knowledge and skills related to the medical office duties of the medical assistant. The chapters on electrocardiogram (EKG) and phlebotomy concepts are not covered in this section.

EKG
This section explores the specific knowledge and skills related to cardiovascular anatomy and physiology and performance of a 12-lead EKG test. Students learn how to accurately place leads on the patient, run the EKG machine, perform basic measurements using the EKG strip, and identify normal tracings of the heart’s electrical activity, as well as identify common dysrhythmias.

Lab Services and Phlebotomy
This section provides the students with the knowledge and skills related to collecting specimens for lab services including hematology, urinology, and other tests performed on body fluids. Students learn to perform a venipuncture procedure on adult, pediatric, and geriatric patients.

Experiential learning opportunities may be available for students who successfully complete the Clinical Medical Assistant healthcare vocational certificate course. Students must also consent to a thorough background check, drug screening, and meet other requirements.

Refer to the current course schedule for course dates and times or visit prairiestate.edu/noncredit,.

For more information: wdceprofessions@prairiestate.edu or call 708-709-2957

WIOA APPROVED COURSE

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) has helped many individuals obtain new job skills and training to make them more employable. If you meet the eligibility requirements and funding is available, WIOA may help pay for your tuition, books, and other fees associated with college courses. The Clinical Medical Assistant Program is approved for WIOA funding for eligible individuals. For more information on WIOA, call (708) 709-7975.