Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) & Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist

Become A Certified Medical Assistant And 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 repository 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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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.

Clinical Medical Assistant and EHR Specialist FAQs

How does a Clinical Medical Assistant's work involve Electronic Health Records?

Electronic Health Records (EHR) act as portable records of a patient’s healthcare experience. According to the NHA, certified medical assistants can enter information into EHR systems. In many cases, medical assistants who take on this responsibility help doctors see and treat patients more efficiently and may help reduce errors in medical procedures and their documentation.

Is certification important for a Clinical Medical Assistant?

While certification requirements vary by location and organization, earning a certification such as the CCMA can help designate a prospective medical assistant as a serious professional. The NHA also notes that many healthcare organizations now require certification for career paths that lead to a promotion or emerging roles such as health coach, patient navigator or patient care coordinator.

What does an Electronic Health Records Specialist's work involve?

While a medical assistant works directly with healthcare professionals and patients, the EHR Specialist is focused on the electronic documentation of the patient’s care and condition. EHR Specialist job activities might include:

  • Auditing patient records for compliance with government or insurance requirements
  • Abstracting clinical information for reporting purposes
  • Performing basic coding for reimbursement claims
  • Processing Release of Information (ROI) requests for medical records
  • Reviewing patient records for completion and accuracy
  • Collecting patient information for demographic and insurance reports
  • Discussing patient information with physicians and insurance professionals

Is Electronic Health Records Specialists a good career for remote work?

Because electronic records are held and updated online, EHR Specialist is considered an option for a remote or home-based career. ZipRecruiter.com reports that most employers will require that remote team members have strong, secure internet connections and most will require certification.

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

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Curriculum

Medical Terminology

Introduction to Medical Terminology

The Musculoskeletal System

The Cardiovascular System

The Lymphatic and Immune Systems

The Respiratory System

The Digestive System

The Urinary System

The Nervous System

The Special Senses, The Eyes and Ears

The Integumentary System

The Endocrine System

The Reproductive System

Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology

 

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant

Becoming a Medical Assistant

Managing Stress and Improving Communication

Law, Ethics, and Healthcare

Improving your Medical Office

Computers in the Ambulatory Care Setting

Telecommunications and Patient Scheduling

Enhancing the Patient Experience

Managing Medical Records

Written Communication

Working with Medical Documents

Medical Billing and Coding: An Overview

Daily Financial Practices

The Administrative Medical Assistant as Office Manager

Major Body Systems

Pathophysiology

Pharmacology

Nutrition and Special Diets

The Chief Complaint and Patient History

Recording Vital Signs

The Physical Examination

Specialty Exams and Procedures

Medical Asepsis and Infection Control

Surgical Asepsis and Sterilization Techniques

Surgical Instruments

Assisting with Minor Office Surgeries

Introduction to The Medical Laboratory

Basic Microbiology

Introduction to Phlebotomy

Basic Hematology

Electrocardiogram

Administering Noninjectable Medications

Basic Guidelines for Administration Of Injections

Diagnostic Imaging

Rehabilitation and Treatment Modalities

First Aid Techniques

Emergencies in The Medical Office

 

Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist

An Overview of EHR And CEHRS

Steps To EHR Implementation

The EHR Framework

HIPAA Requirements And EHR Systems

The EHR And Record Content

Patient Visit Management

Problem, Medication, And Allergy Lists

Examination/Assessment Notes, Graphics, And Charts

Treatment Plans, Orders, And Results

Medication Orders and Administration

Patient Communications

Coding, Billing, And Practice Reports

Research, Registries, And Reportable Events

Personal Health Records and Continuing Care Records