As a Clinical Medical Assistant you will be trained to help the physician carry out procedures, care for patients, perform basic lab tests and administer medications. With special additional emphasis on Phlebotomy technique, you will bring additional value to your future employer. The Clinical Medical Assistant works in a physician's office or a clinic setting.
After successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify parts of the human body.
- Describe the basic function of each body system.
- Utilize medical terminology in written and verbal communication.
- Define medical terminology found in medical records.
- Define medical conditions, diseases, and disorders commonly treated.
- Perform the procedures for rooming a patient.
- Obtain the vital signs of a patient.
- Perform basic wound care.
- Demonstrate proper positioning and draping for patient procedures.
- Demonstrate first aid for disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- Locate information regarding medications.
- Demonstrate the administration of oral and injectable medications.
- Instruct patient in preventative health practices.
- Assist physician with examinations.
- Demonstrate minor specimen testing and recording of results.
- Conduct effective EKG/ECG testing and perform preliminary interpretation of readings.
- Demonstrate skill in goal-setting, organization, note-taking, and test-taking.
- Use communication strategies associated with quality patient service.
- Contrast and demonstrate effective communication skills.
Perform phlebotomy-specific skills including:
- universal precautions – safety protocols, infection control
- arterial, intravenous (IV) & special collections procedures
- specimen collection, processing, and handling
- laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control)
- blood collection systems, review of medical asepsis and hand washing
- blood and blood composition, blood tubes, coagulation,venipuncture protocols, working with a training arm
- anatomy of hand, leg & foot – arteries and veins
- heel puncture, protocol, practice, syringe draws
- blood banks and blood typing, lab departments and personnel
- training arm practice and other clinical lab exercises
- live venipunctures & skin punctures, syringe practice (students will practice on each other)
Student Prerequisites
Students should be at least 18 years of age upon program completion. Candidates must also have a high school diploma from an accredited high school or a high school equivalency diploma (GED or HiSET), or be actively enrolled in the final term of earning this completion. Upon completion of the program, most employers will require new employees to complete a CPR for the Healthcare Provider course (BLS) and proof of standard immunizations and TB testing. Employers may also require a criminal background check. Students should also possess competency in basic computer office operations and literacy.
Completion and Certification Exam
Certificate of Completion will be awarded after successful completion of both the course and externship. Upon successful completion of the classroom hours, you will be eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exams, both offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The cost of the certification exams are included with your tuition. Extra fees will apply if you are unable to take the exams with the class as scheduled, or for any subsequent retake.
Class Expectations
This is a college-level, accelerated program. There will be extensive reading and homework to be completed outside of class. Full preparation before class and participation in each discussion, quiz, and lab exercise is required. Attendance and punctuality are graded components of class.If deemed necessary by the instructor, class may occasionally be held in an online forum, such as Zoom. Therefore, online access via computer or tablet (not phone) is also a requirement.
Remote attendance is not made available as an alternative to attending a scheduled live class except in event of emergency and must be approved by instructor a day in advance.
Application and Resume
Click here to print an application or you may pick up a copy in person at the college: 1115 N. Roberts, Room 113. Once your completed application is submitted to our office, you will be notified of acceptance within 3 business days. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Seats are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Information
Because this is a career training and not for college credits or a degree, the program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. If you are unable to pay in full when your application is accepted, you may choose to make a 10% deposit ($365) which is non-refundable and non-transferrable (good only toward the class for which you are registering). This will hold your seat until one week before class. Tuition is due in full one week before the first day of class.
Financial Assistance
You may qualify for Job Service funding. Contact them at 406-447-3200 or at 715 Front Street.
Need more information?
Link to U.S. Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics website
1115 North Roberts - Room 113
Helena, Montana 59601
Monday - Friday; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Program Manager Christy Stergar
406-447-6945
E-mail: Christy.Stergar@HelenaCollege.edu
