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Clinical Medical Assistant Master Certification Program with Clinical Externship


Program includes National Certification & a Clinical Externship Opportunity


The Clinical Medical Assistant Master Profession

The Clinical Medical Assistant Master program is designed to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. Medical assistants with a clinical background perform various clinical tasks including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiogram, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and other related tasks. Job opportunities are prevalent with physician’s offices, clinics, chiropractor’s offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities.

Access to health information is changing the ways doctors care for patients. With the nation’s healthcare system moving to the electronic medical record, numerous employment opportunities exist for medical assistants, health information systems staff, patient registration professionals and other related positions. Healthcare professionals with the ability to understand, update and maintain the electronic health record are in great demand.


The Clinical Medical Assistant Master Program

This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office and prepare students to understand and use electronic records in a medical practice. Instruction includes preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, taking and documenting vital signs, technical aspects of phlebotomy, the 12-lead EKG and the cardiac life cycle. This course reviews the implementation and management of electronic health information using common electronic data interchange systems and maintaining the medical, legal, accreditation and regulatory requirements of the electronic health record.

The purpose of the Clinical Medical Assistant Master program is to prepare students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office and manage electronic health information using common electronic data interchange systems while maintaining the medical, legal, accreditation and regulatory requirements. 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 pressure, and other patient care items related to the physician office visit
  • Review and administration of medications, allergies & 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
  • Importance of the medical record as a legal document
  • The effect of confidential communication laws, the release of information and HIPAA
  • Provides a “real life” EHR experience using Medcan software to perform health information tasks
  • Skills required to use and EHR to manage patient visit information including the examination, assessment notes and treatment plans.
  • Importance of data accuracy, consistency, completeness, and security of information

Clinical Medical Assistant Master Detailed Course Information:

  • Responsibilities of the clinical medical assistant and introduction to healthcare facilities
  • Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, circulation of the heart and blood vessels
  • Care & safety of patients, medical & legal aspects of care, confidentiality and HIPAA
  • 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 lead EKGs and EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave form)
  • Role of the EKG technician
  • Function of the EKG department in a variety of settings (hospital, clinic, office, mobile service)
  • Medical terminology related to electrocardiography
  • Care and safety of patients including medical and legal aspects of patient care
  • Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
  • Electrophysiology, the conduction system of the heart, and the cardiac cycle
  • Circulation of blood through the heart and vessels
  • Lead placement for 12-lead electrocardiography
  • Basic EKG interpretation of normal rhythms and arrhythmias
  • EKG troubleshooting including recognizing artifacts
  • Waves and measurements
  • EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave-form interpretation)
  • Identification of rhythms using the 12-lead EKG
  • Pacemakers
  • Holter monitoring and the echocardiogram
  • The history of Phlebotomy and the roles and responsibilities of a Phlebotomy Technician
  • Laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control,), quality assurance, laboratory law, ethics and regulatory issues
  • Anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system and anatomy of the hand, leg & foot – including arteries and veins
  • Universal precautions – safety protocols, infection control and medical asepsis
  • Specimen collection, processing, handling, documentation and transportation
  • Venipunctures and skin puncture practice, syringe practice, heel puncture, protocol, syringe draws, etc.
  • Overview of various healthcare delivery systems with an emphasis on content and documentation requirements of the health record in various healthcare settings
  • Designed to provide students with “real life” computer experience using Medcin software and performing tasks in health information departments. Tasks include admission procedures, information retention and retrieval, data entry, chart assembly, data collection, abstracting, code sets, and the release of information
  • Structural components of the interactive HER, how it supports communication and continuity of care, clinical standards such as SNOWMED CT, LOINC, and UMLS
  • Importance of the medical record and the effect of confidential communication laws on the release of medical information such as protected health information and HIPAA
  • Tasks include admission procedures, information retention and retrieval, data entry, chart assembly, data collection, code sets, and the release of information

Lesson Checklist

Each lesson has a prescribed, detailed checklist of activities for successful completion of the lesson. This includes lesson objectives, readings, and recommended assignments. Although assignments are optional, the instructor will grade and provide feedback on submitted assignments.

Course Materials:

  • Clinical Medical Assisting: Foundations and Practice
  • EKG Technician Program Standard, Custom Edition Package - Book package includes EKG Technician Program PowerPoint Slides
  • EKG Technician Program Standard Student Workbook
  • EKG Technician Program Advanced, Custom Edition Package - Book package includes EKG Technician Program: Advanced PowerPoint Slides
  • Phlebotomy Handbook: Blood Specimen Collection From Basic to Advanced, 9e
  • Phlebotomy Technician Program Student Workbook, Custom Edition
  • Electronic Health Records text
  • Health Information Technology and Management text

Module/Lesson Structure

The Clinical Medical Assistant Master Program is divided into 18main content modules. Each module contains lesson presentations to view. These lesson presentations are the “lectures” which, along with the textbook readings and resources, will help you learn the material. The lesson presentations address a variety of learning styles and preferences using text, audio, video, etc. Each lesson contains at least one Check Your Understanding interactive self-assessment that will help you gauge your comprehension of that lesson’s content.Many lessons include supplemental resources such as videos, learning activities, and flashcards. Using these additional materials will deepen your understanding of the content.

CMA Module 1 – Introduction to the Clinical Medical Assisting Profession

  • Lesson 1 The Medical Assisting Profession
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 1 (pp. 2-13)
  • Lesson 2 Interpersonal Communication
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 2 (pp. 16-26)
  • Lesson 3 Patient-Centered Care
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 3 (pp. 27-35)
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 4 (pp. 36-46)

CMA Module 2 – The Clinical Environment

  • Lesson 4 The Clinical Environment: Safety and the Patient Encounter
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 5 (pp. 48-59)
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 6 (pp. 60-77)
  • Lesson 5 Medical and Surgical Asepsis
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 7 (pp. 78-94)
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 8 (pp. 95-115)
  • Lesson 6 Pharmacology and Medication Administration
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 9 (pp. 116-146)
  • Lesson 7 Vital Signs
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 10 (pp. 147-175)
  • Lesson 8 Minor Surgery
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 11 (pp. 176-199)

CMA Module 3 – Medical Specialties and Testing

  • Lesson 9 Medical Imaging
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 16 (pp. 306-323)
  • Lesson 10 Pulmonary System and Testing
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 18 (pp. 363-385)
  • Lesson 11 EENT
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 19 (pp. 386-413)
  • Lesson 12 Immunology and Allergies
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 20 (pp. 414-425)
  • Lesson 13 Dermatology
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 21 (pp. 426-445)
  • Lesson 14 Endocrinology
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 22 (pp. 446-456)

CMA Module 4 – Medical Specialties

  • Lesson 15 Emergency Care
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 23 (pp. 458-498)
  • Lesson 16 Gastroenterology and Nutrition
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 24 (pp. 499-528)
  • Lesson 17 Orthopedics and Physical Therapy
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 25 (pp. 529-562)
  • Lesson 18 Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 26 (pp. 563-588)
  • Lesson 19 Pediatrics
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 27 (pp. 589-608)
  • Lesson 20 Neurology
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 28 (pp. 609-626)
  • Lesson 21 Mental Health
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 29 (pp. 627-643)
  • Lesson 22 Oncology
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 30 (pp. 644-654)
  • Lesson 23 Geriatrics
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 31 (pp. 655-665)
  • Lesson 24 Alternative Medicine
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 32 (pp. 668-678)

EKG Module 1

  • Lesson 1 – Coronary Anatomy and Physiology
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 1: pp. 1-12
  • Lesson 2 – Electrophysiology
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 2: pp. 13-34
  • Lesson 3 – A Review of Lead Morphology and Placement
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 3: pp. 35-46
  • Lesson 4 – The Technical Aspects of the EKG
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 4: pp. 47-60

EKG Module 2

  • Lesson 5 – Calculating the Heart Rate
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 5: pp. 61-72
  • Lesson 6 – How to Interpret a Rhythm Strip
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 6: pp. 73-78
  • Lesson 7 – A Review of Rhythms Originating from the Sinus Node
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 7: pp. 79-98
  • Lesson 8 – A Review of Rhythms Originating from the Atria
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 8: pp. 99-119

EKG Module 3

  • Lesson 9 – A Review of Rhythms Originating in the Av Junction
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 9: pp. 121-132
  • Lesson 10 – Rhythms Originating on the Ventricles
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 10: pp. 133-155
  • Lesson 11 – AV Blocks
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 11: pp. 157-176
  • Lesson 12 – Performing Rhythms Practice Strips
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 12: pp. 177-302

EKG Module 4

  • Lesson 13 – A Review of Artificial Pacemakers
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 13: pp. 303-317
  • Lesson 14 – Diagnostic Electrocardiography
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 14: pp. 319-345

EKG Module 5 – Advanced

  • Lesson 15 – How to Interpret a 12-Lead EKG
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 1: pp. 1-36
  • Lesson 16 – Myocardial Infarction
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 2: pp. 37-71
  • Lesson 17 – Cardiac Medications and Electrical Therapy
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 4: pp. 103-109

PHLEBOTOMY Module 1 – Overview and Safety in Phlebotomy Procedures

  • Lesson 1 – Phlebotomy Practice and Quality Management
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 1 (pp. 1-38)
  • Lesson 2 – Communication, Computerization, and Documentation
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 2 (pp. 39-80)
  • Lesson 3 – Professional Ethics, Legal, and Regulatory Issues
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 3 (pp. 81-100)
  • Lesson 4 – Infection Control
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 4 (pp. 101-137)
  • Lesson 5 – Safety and First Aid
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 5 (pp. 138-157)

PHLEBOTOMY Module 2 – Overview of Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology

  • Lesson 6 – Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of Organ Systems
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 6 (pp. 158-173)
  • Lesson 7 – Anatomy and Physiology of Organ Systems
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 6 (pp. 173-206)
  • Lesson 8 – The Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 7 (pp. 207-248)

PHLEBOTOMY Module 3 – Phlebotomy Specimen Collection Procedures

  • Lesson 9 – Blood Collection Equipment
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 8 (pp. 249-280)
  • Lesson 10 – Preanalytical Complications Causing Medical Errors in Blood Collection
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 9 (pp. 281-300)
  • Lesson 11 – Venipuncture Procedures
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 10 (pp. 301-362)
  • Lesson 12 – Capillary Blood Specimens
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 11 (pp. 363-382)
  • Lesson 13 – Specimen Handling, Transportation, and Processing
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 12 (pp. 383-404)

PHLEBOTOMY Module 4 – Point-of-Care Testing and Special Procedures

  • Lesson 14 – Pediatric and Geriatric Procedures
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 13 (pp. 405-443)
  • Lesson 15 – Point-of-Care Collections
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 14 (pp. 444-464)
  • Lesson 16 – Arterial, Intravenous (IV), and Special Collection Procedures
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 15 (pp. 465-499)
  • Lesson 17 – Urinalysis, Body Fluids, and Other Specimens
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 16 (pp. 500-522)
  • Lesson 18 – Drug Use, Forensic Toxicology, Workplace Testing, Sports Medicine and Related Areas
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 17 (pp. 523-544)

Module 1 – Healthcare Information and Systems

  • Lesson 1 – Healthcare Facilities and Professionals
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 1 (pp. 1-21)
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 2 (pp. 22-41)
  • Lesson 2 – Accreditation, Regulation, and HIPAA
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 3 (pp. 42-73)
  • Lesson 3 – Fundamentals of Information Systems and Healthcare Records
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 4 (pp. 74-95)
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 5 (pp. 98-126)
  • Lesson 4 – Comparison of Paper and Electronic Records
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 6 (pp. 127-151)
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 7 (pp. 152-181)
  • Lesson 5 – Additional Health Information Systems
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 8 (pp. 182-204)

Module 2 – Administrative Medical Assisting

  • Lesson 6 – Healthcare Coding and Reimbursement
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 9 (pp. 207- 236)
  • Lesson 7 – Healthcare Transactions and Billing
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 10 (pp. 237- 259)
  • Lesson 8 – Statistics, Research, and Quality Management
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 11 (pp. 260- 282)
    • Health Information Technology and Management - Chapter 12 (pp. 283- 300)
  • Lesson 9 – Electronic Health Records: An Overview
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 1 (pp. 1-34

Module 3 – An Introduction to Medical Record Software

  • Lesson 10 – Functional EHR Systems
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records – Chapter 2 (pp. 35-76)
  • Lesson 11 – Learning Medical Record Software
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 3 (pp. 77-117)
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 4 (pp. 118-151)

Module 4 – Using Medical Record Software

  • Lesson 12 – Data Entry at the Point of Care
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 5 (pp. 152-195)
  • Lesson 13 – Understanding Electronic Orders
    • Reading Assignments:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 6 (pp. 196-253)
  • Lesson 14 – Problem Lists, Results Management, and Trending
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 7 (pp. 261-300)
  • Lesson 15 – Data Entry Using Flow Sheets and Anatomical Drawings
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 8 (pp. 301-341)

Module 5 – Using the EHR

  • Lesson 16 – Using the EHR to Improve Patient Health
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 9 (pp. 342-374)
  • Lesson 17 – Privacy and Security of Health Records
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 10 (pp. 375-416)
  • Lesson 18 – Using the Internet to Expedite Patient Care
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 11 (pp. 417-463)
  • Lesson 19 – EHR Coding and Reimbursement
    • Reading Assignment:
    • Electronic Health Records - Chapter 12 (pp. 464-518)

Note: This program can be completed in 6 months. However, students will have online access to this program for a 24-month period.

Education and National Certifications

  • Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
  • There are several National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:
    • National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam
    • American Society of Phlebotomy Technician (ASPT) Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exam
    • National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exam
    • National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam
    • American Medical Technologist (AMT) Medical Assistant (RMA) Exam
    • National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) exam
  • Note: In order to apply for the AMT RMA exam, students must have their official transcript from the University showing graduation from an MA program. MA program must have a minimum of 720 hours of instruction and include an externship of a minimum of 160 hours.
  • 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 (LPN) or a Nursing (RN) program.

National Certification

Upon successful completion of this Auburn University Clinical Medical Assistant Master program, students would be eligible to sit for the Clinical Medical Assistant national certification exam as well as other EKG, Phlebotomy Technician and Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management exams.Students who complete this program are encouraged to complete the externship option with their program. Students who complete this program can and do sit for the national certification exam and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so. Auburn University works with each student to complete the exam application and register the student to take their national certification exam.

Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement of this program, once students complete the Clinical Medical Assistant Master program,they have the ability to participate in a clinical externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a Clinical Medical Assistant with Electronic Records Management. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in a hospital, physicians’ practice, clinic and/or with other healthcare organizations. All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed in a healthcare organization near their location. Auburn University works with national healthcare organizations and has the ability to place students in clinical externship opportunities nationwide.

Note: No refunds can be issued after the start date published in your Financial Award document.