At Cumberland Valley School District, we believe in providing our students with the resources they need to succeed in their future careers. Because of this, Cumberland Valley will fund at least 50% of your Emerge Prepared program, normally ranging from $2,500 to $4,000, through a generous educational fund.
What does a Medical Assistant do?
Medical assistants often find themselves working in fast-paced environments, helping to ensure that patient care and office operations run as smoothly as possible. From processing intake to recording vital signs, their daily schedule is always made up of many essential tasks.
After successfully completing the Medical Assistant program, students will be prepared to provide direct patient care, assist with procedures, prep exam rooms, and manage laboratory tests and samples. Their workplace responsibilities will vary with the location and specialization of the medical facilities where they are employed.
Where do they work?
Medical assistants work alongside physicians in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and chiropractors’ offices.
Requirements
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- eBooks: Medical Office Procedures and Administration & Clinical Medical Assisting
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Clinical Requirement
There is no clinical requirement by the certifying body for this program’s certification exam; however, Harrisburg University highly recommends that students gain some experience through job shadowing prior to obtaining a job in the field. As an approved program in the UPMC Pathway, students enrolled in this program may complete a clinical component in a UPMC site. Students will also be eligible for career positions in UPMC sites.
Medical Assistant
Outcomes
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
Skills Learned
Upon completion of this training, you’ll be able to:
- Understanding basic human anatomy and utilizing medical terminology in order to effectively communicate in a healthcare facility
- Comprehending the use of diagnosis and procedure codes as they relate to electronic health records
- Recognizing the importance of infection control and environmental safety in general, specialty, and surgical practices
- Understanding specimen collection techniques, cardiopulmonary testing, pharmacology and medication administration
- Administering medications and assist with minor procedures
- Recording vital signs, taking medical histories, and preparing patients and rooms for examinations
- Handling laboratory specimens and providing patient education
- Complying with HIPAA/HITECH, OSHA and CMS and other healthcare regulations and laws as they apply to patient information
Courses
Professionalism in Allied Health |
Medical Office Procedures and Administration |
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology |
Clinical Medical Assisting |
Medical Assistant Job Possibilities
HIDDEN
Medical Office Assistant
HIDDEN
Clinical Medical Assistant
HIDDEN
Doctor's Assistant
Certification Information
Upon completion of your medical assistant training, you are eligible to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exams, issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
CCMA
Certified Clinical
Medical Assistant
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification can help you stand out in the world of medical assistants and allows you to join the workforce with an advantage.
CMAA
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certificate helps you gain the skills to provide administrative support in a medical setting. Demonstrate your expertise in the field and become qualified for a number of administrative duties, as well as direct contact with patients in clinical settings.
Issuing Authority
Medical Assistant Enrollment
- Students who wish to enroll in an online certificate program must connect first with their school's guidance counselor to get approval. Please contact Mrs. Miller at 717.506.3401 or admiller@cvschools.org to get started.
- Students must then receive parent consent via a signed copy of the Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling in a program (available through the guidance office).
- The students' guidance counselor will work directly with Harrisburg University to enroll them for the program.
- Emerge Prepared programs are fully funded through a generous educational fund so no payment is collected from the student.
- Upon enrolling, students will be paired with a Student Success Advisor who will act as a coach and mentor throughout the program.
If students need additional funding source, we offer many convenient options.
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Pay for your training with an education loan through Sallie Mae or Meritize.
Complete the course registration process to reserve your seat using one of these options.
PROGRAM COMPARISONS
EMERGE PREPARED | similar Community College Program | |
|---|---|---|
Program & Tuition Cost | $4,000 | Up to $20,000 |
Exam Fees, Books & Materials | Included | Up to $750 |
Schedule Flexibility | On-demand 24/7 | Set class schedule |
Travel Requirements | None: 100% online | On-campus classrooms |
Student Support | Personal Advisors: text, call and email access | Professors: scheduled office hours |
Career Coaching | Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers | Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit |
Content Delivery | 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning | Professor lectures |
Meet Your Training Specialist!
Your Workforce Training Specialist will help you understand your program, help with clinical placement, and answer any questions you have! Get in touch with your Workforce Training Specialist to learn more about your program, Harrisburg University, and how to start achieving your career goals.
To begin the enrollment process, please contact Mrs. Miller at 717.506.3401 or admiller@cvschools.org to get started.
FAQ
Students have access to complete program materials for two years. But most students finish their courses sooner.
Note: Some programs require a clinical component beyond the online coursework which extends the program length.
Certified medical assistants deal with the public directly, so they need to be dependable, great communicators, active listeners, and efficient problem solvers. Since certified medical assistants handle numerous clients' personal health records throughout the day, they should also be well organized and able to multitask effectively with attention to details.
Most full-time certified medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. Some work part time, evenings, or weekends.
Certified medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks under the direct supervision of a physician. Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under a collaboration agreement with a physician, who may or may not be on-site.
The duties of a medical assistant vary from one practice to the next and may be limited by state laws. Responsibilities vary from office to office, depending on location, size, and specialty. Administrative duties may include the following: answering phone calls, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, scheduling appointments, billing, and more. Clinical duties may include the following: taking medical histories, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, explaining treatment procedures to patients, drawing blood, taking electrocardiograms, and more.
Medical assistants are the most versatile allied health professionals. They are cross-trained to perform clinical and administrative responsibilities.