certified medical assistant

MEDICAL ASSISTANTS PERFORM A VARIETY OF DUTIES TO ASSIST HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS INCLUDING ROOMING PATIENTS, TAKING VITAL SIGNS, SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS, AND SUCCINCTLY CONVEYING IDEAS AND INFORMATION TO PATIENTS AND THE PROVIDERS. PEOPLE WHO WORK IN THIS FIELD SHOULD BE GOOD LISTENERS, BE ABLE TO HANDLE STRESS, BE ADAPTABLE, AND EXCEL AT THINKING CLEARLY AND ACTING ON THE FLY

OVERVIEW

Students perform administrative and clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, performing EKGs and administering medications as directed by a physician. Clinical medical assistants learn clinical procedures to support other healthcare workers and patients in a variety of medical settings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of materials. Listening, understanding and relaying information and ideas presented through spoken words and written documents.

SKILLS

Students in Clinical Medical Assistant are trained in the following subject areas:

• Preparing treatment rooms for patient examinations, and keeping the rooms clean, neat and orderly.

• Interviewing patients to obtain medical information and measuring their vital signs, blood pressure, weight, and height.

• Assisting physicians during patient exams and minor surgical procedures as permitted.

• Recording patients’ medical information using an Electronic Health Record (EHR) including patient allergies, medications, history, vitals, and test results.

• Using emergency first aid, CPR/BLS

CAREER OPTIONS

Program graduates test with the NHA to become Certified Clinical Medical Assistants.  Some students are eligible for other certifications from the NHA including CPT – Certified Phlebotomy Technicians and CET – Certified Electrocardiogram Technicians. There are full-time and part-time opportunities available in many areas ranging from private clinics, urgent cares, emergency departments, laboratories and other healthcare facilities. 

REQUIREMENTS

Before entering the program, students must:

• Complete all required activity in the Career Preparation Period, including Career Exploration and Career Success/Workplace Skills.

• Meet basic academic requirements in math and reading.

● Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

● The ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and correctly.

To complete a student must:

• Have completed High School Diploma or GED.

• Attained a Driver License.

• For trade completion and employment purposes, student must pass a criminal background check.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM

Students attend classes Monday through Friday. On average students can complete the CMA program within 12 to 15 months depending on the student's academic levels (math & reading and High School Diploma/GED status). Program meets Washington requirements for licensing including 720 classroom hours and a minimum of 160 clinical hours.

CREDENTIALS

As a Job Corps student, you will have the opportunity to earn credentials in your training area that may lead to greater employment opportunities, higher wages, and promotions.

EXPECTATIONS

While on the job, you will be expected to display the following traits at all times:

• Attention to detail

• Concern for others

• Dependability

• Following directions

• Integrity

• Stress tolerance

• HIPAA Compliant

CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW

$41K National average earning potential for this career

Average Entry Wage: $18.00 to $22.00 per hour.