How much does a certified clinical medical assistant make?
Clinical medical assistants can make an above-average salary and enjoy a prestigious medical career. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median medical assistant salary is $37,190 with an hourly wage of $17.88 per hour.
What is a medical assistant?
According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), medical assistants, otherwise known as clinical medical assistants, typically work alongside physicians in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. As a clinical medical assistant, you will interact directly with patients daily. You will likely be the first person a patient encounters after passing reception and the last person they see before exiting the facility. It will be your job to put them at ease, assure them they will be properly cared for, and leave them with a good impression. To be successful in this job, you will need to learn Electronic Health Record (EHR) software.
What do medical assistants do?
You will be responsible for taking the medical histories and recording patients' vital signs. 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.
Duties can include administrative and clinical tasks such as the following:
- Taking medical histories
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Assisting the physician during examinations
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
- Performing basic laboratory tests
- Instructing patients about medication and special diets
- Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
- Transmitting prescription refills as directed
- Phlebotomy
- Taking electrocardiograms
- Wound care and changing dressings
- Using computer applications
- Answering telephones
- Welcoming patients
- Updating and filing patient medical records
- Coding and filling out insurance forms
- Scheduling appointments
- Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
- Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping
Disclaimer: To qualify for the clinical experience applications process, students must successfully complete the online course content and have account balances up to date (at a minimum). Going through the clinical experience application process does not guarantee a placement. COVID may be affecting the clinical experience process or site availability in your area. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process 2 weeks prior to completing courses.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
Although the exact amount of time can vary, it typically takes nine months to two years to become a medical assistant, depending upon the program and time you have to commit. For example, this course allows you up to 12 months of access to complete the required training.
Are clinical medical assistants in high demand?
The demand for medical assistants is high, making it an excellent time for students to begin their career training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that demand will increase by 18% over the next ten years for this profession, much faster than the average for all occupations in the U.S.
What is the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam?
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.
What are the system requirements for the online certification exam proctoring?
System requirements for NHA certification exam proctoring are:
- Operating system supported: Windows 7 and later; 32bit (x86) and 64bit (x64); macOS and later
- Browsers supported: PSI Secure Lock-Down Browser
- Browser settings: The browser must accept third-party cookies for the duration of the exam ONLY
- Webcam/microphone: Minimum VGA 640 x 480 resolution, enabled built-in or external microphone
- Bandwidth: Minimum 400 kb/s download and upload
- Hardware requirements: 2GB RAM Memory; 1 GB free disk space, minimum 1368x768 screen resolution
You can check the compatibility of your device at: https://home.psiexams.com/static/#/bcheck
Does this course prepare me for a certification?
Yes. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam offered by National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The registration fee for the exam is included with this course.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
Can I register for courses if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the “Contact Us.”