Have you always adored helping others and have often desired to be hands-on with those in need? If you answered “yes,” then a career as a Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) might be for you!
It is important to learn about this career before deciding whether to pursue it. Some important things to consider are:
- How much education is required
- What a Clinical Medical Assistant training program includes
- Which courses you will need to take
- What are your state’s requirements
All of this information is essential, but luckily for you, we have created a comprehensive guide on how to become a Clinical Medical Assistant.
Take The First Step in Your Career Journey Today!
What Clinical Medical Assistants Do
A Clinical Medical Assistant is an Allied Health professional that supports the work of physicians and other healthcare professionals. A CMA’s day can include tending to patient care and medical office operational needs. This job is very hands-on, and where there is a need, the clinical assistant is there to assist in all tasks.
CMAs are an integral part of a medical facility and are viewed as the backbone of the facility. Clinical Medical Assistant job duties may include:
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Taking and recording patient vital signs
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Entering patient information into medical records
- Preparing blood samples for laboratory testing
- Administering medication
- And more!
Finding a Clinical Medical Assistant Program
Education is a must for this field! To become a Clinical Medical Assistant, the first step is to enroll in an accredited Clinical Medical Assistant program. It is important to ensure that the program’s curriculum and timeline are achievable for you when researching a program.
Regardless of the program you choose, clinical medical courses should align with a Clinical Medical Assistant’s duties and responsibilities. These courses will lay down the foundation for future study of obtaining a certification. Many CMA training programs will also provide training and externships to build clinical expertise.
The CMA program you enroll in should offer these medical courses:
- Anatomy, physiology, and pathology of body systems
- Patient care and communication
- Clinical techniques
- Examining room procedures
- Medical lab procedures
- Medical terminology and compliance
- Pharmacology
- Administrative Procedures
Depending on your state, you can usually complete a Clinical Medical Assistant program within 9 to 15 months. It is also important to note that most programs will require potential students to have a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll.
Build Your Clinical Medical Experience with An Externship
Getting to know the ins and outs of Clinical Medical Assistant studies and learning from experienced medical experts is a crucial part of Clinical Medical Assistant training.
During your externship, you will get to practice the skills you’ve been developing in the classroom at an actual clinic or hospital. Under supervision, you will practice performing the job duties under the guidance of an experienced medical assistant.
This experience can help you feel empowered to take the certification exam, ace job interviews, and have you walking with confidence during graduation.
Apply and Study for the Certification Exam
Some states require CMAs to pass an examination and become certified, so make sure to find out the requirements for your state. In Louisiana and Mississippi, you can work as a Medical Assistant without becoming certified. To compete in the market, many Medical Assistants become certified, since employers generally prefer certified candidates.
Once you complete training through an accredited CMA program, you are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. Use the link below to learn more about what is required to become a Certified Medical Assistant:
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to study for your certification exam. The AAMA website provides several resources to help you study for the exam including:
Your Clinical Medical Assistant training is an essential part of your path to becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant because it prepares you for the exam.
Make Your Dreams A Reality and Enroll in A Clinical Medical Program at Blue Cliff College!
Have you been searching for “clinical medical programs near me” if so, you are in luck! Blue Cliff College’s Clinical Medical Assistant program is a great choice if you live in Alexandria, LA, Lafayette, LA, Metairie, LA, or Gulfport, MS or plan to relocate to one of these cities.
The Clinical Medical Assistant program at Blue Cliff College prepares students by helping them obtain knowledge of the field and skills needed to succeed. Our program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in a variety of positions including:
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Office Administrator
- Medical Technician
- Cardiac Technician
Clinical Medical Assistant students at Blue Cliff College receive training in patient care, general study, as well as administrative and clinical duties. You can complete the curriculum, gain hands-on experience, and fulfill your dream of becoming a Clinical Medical Assistant in as little as nine months!
Learn More About Clinical Medical Assistant at Blue Cliff College!
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