UCF Medical Assistant Program: Requirements and Career Path
The demand for medical assistants is projected to increase significantly, making it an opportune time to consider a career in healthcare. A key role in the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities is that of the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). These professionals are vital members of the healthcare team. They ensure the seamless flow of patients through medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Pursuing a UCF Medical Assistant program and subsequently obtaining CMAA certification demonstrates to employers a commitment to high standards and staying current with changes in the field.
What is a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)?
Certified Medical Administrative Assistants (CMAA) are versatile and valuable members of the healthcare team who direct the flow of patients through a medical office. Achieving your certification shows employers that you are well prepared and uphold nationally recognized standards for expected as a CMAA credential holder. Certified candidates are in higher demand than ever, demonstrating to employers that they are committed to high standards and keeping up to date on changes in the field.
Preparing for a Career as a Medical Assistant
Through training, individuals acquire the skills needed for positions working alongside medical providers, performing a broad range of administrative duties. A comprehensive online CMAA course prepares individuals for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) national certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Key Skills and Attributes of a Medical Assistant
Becoming a Clinical Medical Assistant requires the development of specific attributes, qualities, and skills. These include:
- Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is essential for interacting with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
- Knowledge: A solid understanding of medical terminology, procedures, and protocols is crucial.
- Skill: Proficiency in performing clinical and administrative tasks is necessary for efficient patient care.
- Good Health and Hygiene: Maintaining personal health and hygiene is vital for preventing the spread of infection.
- Empathy: Showing compassion and understanding towards patients is essential for building trust and rapport.
- Integrity: Adhering to ethical principles and maintaining patient confidentiality is paramount.
- Positive Attitude: A positive and professional attitude can improve the patient experience and create a more pleasant work environment.
- Ethical Behavior: Compliance with healthcare laws, including HIPAA (privacy and security laws), is mandatory.
Course Requirements and Technical Considerations
To participate effectively in an online CMAA course, certain technical requirements and materials are necessary:
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- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred.
- Instructional Materials: The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.
Curriculum Overview: Key Areas of Study
A comprehensive medical assistant program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Medical Documents, Reports, and the Medical Record: Understanding the importance of accurate and professional documentation in the medical record, including electronic signatures, electronic health records (EHR), and progress notes. Medical assistants are expected to document accurately and professionally in the medical record, so you will explore how the electronic signature works and why it's necessary on medical documents. The lesson will then discuss the electronic health record and the electronic medical record. You will also learn about progress notes and how they are the heart of the medical record.
- Telecommunications, Enhancing the Patient Experience, and Professionalism Attributes: Mastering communication skills, dealing with difficult patients, and understanding how the patient experience influences their perception of the medical office and care received. You'll examine professional attributes such as being responsible, ethical, team-oriented, and to possess strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Computers, Insurance, and Medical Billing and Coding: Understanding the definitions of EMR (electronic medical record) and EHR (electronic health record) and finding out why the terms aren't synonymous. You'll also learn more about the financial features of practice management software.
- Major Body Systems and Pathophysiology: Learning about pathophysiology and exploring the 12 major body systems, including common diseases and injuries that affect the human body.
- The Chief Complaint and Patient History: Learning how to room the patient, record a proper chief complaint (CC), and collect the medical history of the patient (current, past, family, and social history) as related to your role as a clinical medical assistant.
- Recording Vital Signs: Understanding the importance of vital signs and measurements, and the equipment used. Examining the procedures used to take the vital signs and body measurements of patients, which include body temperature, blood pressure, pulse (heart rate), respiratory rate, as well as body measurements such as height and weight.
- The Physical Examination and the Laboratory Testing: Exploring the methods, examination positions, instruments, and supplies used by doctors to examine the body, and the medical assistant's role in preparing the patient for specialty exams. This lesson will also discuss the purposes of laboratory testing, the different types of medical laboratories, and their quality standards.
- Medical Asepsis, Infection Control, and Basic Microbiology: Understanding the steps in the infection cycle and about helpful and pathogenic (infectious) microorganisms, how to prevent transmission of infectious microorganisms, and examples of personal protective equipment (PPE). The lesson will explain the importance of handwashing and the proper way to dispose of biohazard waste. Lastly, you will be introduced to the five areas of a microbiology lab.
- Surgical Asepsis and Sterilization Techniques: Learning about surgical asepsis and the different methods of sterilization such as autoclaving, chemical, gas, and dry heat. The lesson will discuss the importance of a surgical hand scrub in preventing healthcare-associated infections and how preparing the patient's skin with a prepping solution is a crucial step in preventing surgical site infections.
- Basic Guidelines for Administration of Injections and Noninjectable Medications: Focusing on the basic guidelines for the administration of injections and noninjectable medications. You will also examine how to safely administer injectable medications by discussing the parts of a needle, the gauge, how to select the proper needle, and how to determine the volume of medication. You will also learn about the types of medication containers, injection techniques, and administration of oral and inhaled medications. Lastly, this lesson will cover types of medication errors, reporting an error, and preparing an incident report.
- Emergencies and First Aid in the Medical Office: Exploring emergencies in the medical office and first aid. The lesson will discuss the four types of shock and description and cause of each type. You will learn how to recognize symptoms of shock and the procedures on how to treat them immediately. You will also learn about diabetic emergencies, how to recognize the symptoms of insulin shock and diabetic ketoacidosis, and about administering insulin injections.
Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants
A medical assistant's employment opportunities include a variety of healthcare facilities such as urgent care, outpatient clinics, laboratories, nursing facilities, and more. Demand for medical assistants will grow 23 percent through 2024, so there's never been a better time to explore a career in healthcare!
Expert Instructors
The UCF Medical Assistant program boasts experienced and dedicated instructors, including:
- Tammy Stanson, RMA(AMT), CMA(AAMA): A medical professional with over two decades of experience in medical assistant education, instruction, and practice.
- Hilary Khouri: Ten years of experience in the medical field, including front office administration and healthcare consulting.
- LaTisha Cottingham: Over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, with expertise in medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting.
- Carline Dalgleish: Has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years.
- Lydia S. Stewart, RN, BSN: Revenue Cycle Manager at a large regional medical center with 23 years of nursing experience.
- Bunny Reeves: Senior ambulatory surgery coder at the Maimonides Medical Center.
- Stacey O'Brien: More than 10 years of experience in medical coding and reimbursement.
- Meggen Leigh Green: Registered nurse who previously worked as clinical medical assistant for over 10 years at a large pediatric group.
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