There’s no denying the healthcare industry is growing at a rapid pace. As a result, Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMA) are in high demand. Becoming a CCMA will provide you with a unique set of skills that will make you marketable as you explore career opportunities. Towson University Continuing and Professional Studies recently launched Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program that will make preparing for the certification exam a little easier.
What does a CCMA do?
Before you become a CCMA, it’s important to know what they do. Certified Clinical Medical Assistants are important member of doctor’s offices, clinics, urgent care clinics, and hospitals. CCMAs are often the first point of contact with patients and perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks.
Administrative tasks
- Answering phones
- Scheduling appointments
- Greeting patients
- Checking in patients
- Checking out patients
Clinical tasks
- Checking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, height, weight)
- Collect and test patient samples
- Draw blood
- Administer injections
- Perform EKGs
- Assist provider with procedures
How do you prepare to become a CCMA?
First, you should be confident, compassionate, and have a strong desire to help others. After that, it’s a matter of enrolling in a medical assistant program and studying for and passing the CCMA certification exam.
- Enroll in our Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program. TU’s comprehensive CCMA program includes six, three week modules that incorporate in-person clinicals with self-paced learning.
- Complete a required externship. Following the clinical portion of the program, we will match you with a local doctor’s office based on fit and flexibility to complete a required 160 hour externship.
- Take and pass the certification exam. Upon completion of our course, you’ll be prepared to sit for the CCMA certification from the National Healthcareer Association.
- Enjoy your new career.
Are there any benefits to becoming a CCMA?
According to the National Healthcareer Association, 89% of organizations encourage or require their medical assistants to be certified. Becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is a stable and meaningful job that comes with many benefits. Some of the top reasons to become a CCMA include: competitive pay, job stability, increased career opportunities, certification is relatively quick, and, maybe most importantly—your job matters!
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program from Towson University Continuing and Professional Studies is a great start to a fruitful career.
