Mission

The mission of the Clinical Medical Assisting (CMA) program is to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. Medical assistants with a clinical background can perform various clinical tasks including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an electrocardiogram (EKG), obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients and other related tasks.

Job opportunities are prevalent with physicians' offices, clinics, chiropractic offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities.

This four-month evening program consists of 140 hours of classroom instruction at Penn State Hazleton. Optional individualized clinical practice, up to 160 hours, follows the classroom instruction portion and is coordinated by Condensed Curriculum International (CCI).

Overview

The purpose of the Clinical Medical Assisting program is to prepare students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

  • Clinical responsibilities of the medical office – assisting the physician with patient related care
  • Preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine procedures and diagnostic testing
  • HIPAA, patient confidentiality, legal aspects of healthcare and regulatory patient care issues
  • Recording and taking of vital signs, blood pressures and other patient care items related to the physician office visit
  • Review and administration of medications, allergies and other pharmacology related items
  • Laboratory procedures, phlebotomy and the proper techniques required to collect specimens for laboratory analysis
  • Cardiology and the proper placement of leads when taking a 12 lead EKG

Note: Students who complete this comprehensive course would be prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam.

Education Information

  • Clinical Medical Assistant students must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Students are required to complete 140 hours of classroom instruction
  • Students have the option to complete a 40 hour clinical externship under the coordinator of Condensed Curriculum International (CCI)
  • CCI will provide classroom curriculum and materials
  • Clinical practicum begins immediately after coursework is completed. Students will work with the clinical coordinator to create an individualized experience
  • In addition to facilitating entry-level clinical medical assisting related positions, this course is ideal for students interested in pursuing a future formal Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Nursing (LNP) or a Nursing (RN) program

Disclosures

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Course Topics

The following detailed topics are covered throughout the Clinical Medical Assisting program:

  • Responsibilities of the clinical medical assistant and introduction to healthcare facilities
  • Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, circulation of the heart and blood vessels
  • Care and safety of patients, medical and legal aspects of care, confidentiality and HIPAA laws
  • Effective verbal and non-verbal communication, interpersonal skills and human behavior
  • Aseptic techniques, infection prevention, universal precautions, proper use and disposal of biohazards and sharps
  • Documenting patient medical histories, updating patient medical files, vital signs and documentation
  • Applying sterile dressings, preparing patients for x-rays, performing various injections, administering oral medications, instructing patients on the proper usage of medications
  • Phlebotomy, venipunctures and capillary sampling, collecting specimens and point of care testing
  • Performing 12 leads EKGs and EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave form)

Schedule

Contact the Continuing Education office at 570-450-3110 for more details.

Program Cost

$2,599 - Includes all books and supplies

Registration

Enrollment for the Clinical Medical Assisting program has closed. Please contact the Continuing Education office at 570-450-3110 for information on the start of the next program.

Information Sessions

Learn more about the clinical medical assisting program and other healthcare programs at Penn State Hazleton by attending one of our online information sessions. These sessions provide program overviews and details about entrance requirements, course availability, the registration process, required courses, cost and payment options, and scheduling.

  • There are no information sessions currently scheduled. Please check back as new dates are announced or contact Gina Regula in the Continuing Education Office at 570-450-3110 or [email protected].