Become a Certified Medical Assistant and Electronic Health Records Specialist

Clinical medical assistants are among the most valued professionals in the healthcare environment, helping facilitate patient care and managing logistical and documentation. In today’s technology-centered healthcare system, clinical medical assistants need to use Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems as the central information repositories for patient care. This 100% online course will prepare you to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) and CEHR (Certified Electronic Health Records) certification exams.

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Disclaimer
Career Training courses are not eligible for VA or GI Bill® funding. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Job Outlook for Clinical Medical Assistant and Electronic Health Records Specialists

Certified Clinical Medical Assistants are among the most in-demand medical professionals. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates the need for 154,900 new medical assistants in the American health care system between now and 2028. This represents job growth over five times the rate expected for all jobs.

Medical Records Technicians are expected to encounter similarly bright employment prospects. According to CareerExplorer.com, job opportunities for medical records technicians are expected to grow by 13.5% between now and 2026.

The NHA envisions a new career dynamic in which medical assistants will need to work increasingly closely with Electronic Health Records due to changes in US government regulations. According to PayScale.com, such highly qualified specialists can expect to earn $49,000 per year on average.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  • Gain specialized skills needed to contribute to a healthcare team in an ambulatory setting
  • Learn the principles and practices of ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, patient privacy laws, medical terminology, and clinical procedures
  • Receive a broad overview of the electronic health records (HER) systems
  • Gain hands-on experience using real EHR software
  • Summarize the HIPAA Privacy Rule and HIPAA Security Rule
  • Explain the information contained in various medical records
  • Discuss government and private insurances
  • Identify the functions of the major body systems
  • Demonstrate how to write a chief complaint and obtain a patient history
  • Describe how to measure vital signs
  • Discuss the importance of medical and surgical asepsis
  • Summarize the basic guidelines for the administration of injections
  • Identify the three methods used to perform venipuncture
  • Managing patient visits, arranging follow-up care, and issuing prescriptions
  • Establish the appropriate EHR for a healthcare practice
  • Track of vital information such as patient allergies and medications
  • Communicate with patients and report public health information
  • Prepare to take and pass the NHA’s CCMA and CEHR exams

Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, you will need a high school diploma or GED in order to take the CCMA and CEHRS exams.

Instructors

Nancy Smith

Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. EHR clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. She worked as a medical office manager for ten years, where she recruited and trained all medical assistants. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.

Jennifer Della'Zanna

Jennifer Della'Zanna has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, having worked as a medical transcriptionist, practice administrator, biller, and coding specialist. She writes courses and study guides on the use of technology in health care and regularly contributes to publications about health issues. Della'Zanna is a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders and the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Albright College.

Carline Dalgleish

Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems, a master's degree in Leadership, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management. She is a Registered Health Information Administrator and an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. Dalgleish is the author of an ICD-10 coding system and also owns EHR own consulting firm, AnnGrant Educational Services.

Sharon L. Blackford

Sharon L. Blackford, MA, BA, RMA, has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She has a master’s degree in Organizational Management, a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and has served as a Registered Medical Assistant since 1994. Sharon was an active duty Clinical Specialist in the U.S. Army for 10 years. Sharon later moved to the Gulf Coast to accept a position as the Director of Education of Blue Cliff College and was promoted to Campus Director.

Ready To Start?

This is a self-paced course that can be completed 100% online. Open enrollment means you can start anytime.