Medical Assistant

Hours: 292 / Access Length: 12 Months / Delivery: Online, Self-Paced
Retail Price: $2,620.00

Course Overview:

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and skills required for success as a medical assistant in today’s health care environment. You will explore both administrative and clinical responsibilities, gaining a broad understanding of how medical assistants support providers, patients, and office operations. Topics include professional communication, patient reception, scheduling systems, and the use of electronic health records for accurate documentation and efficient workflow. You will also examine financial and business functions of the medical office, including billing, insurance claims, coding, and collection processes. These skills prepare you to interact effectively with patients, providers, and third-party payors. In addition, you will learn about professional development opportunities, employment readiness, and the importance of ongoing education in a rapidly changing field. By the end of this course, you will understand the multifaceted role of the medical assistant and how administrative efficiency and clinical competence work together to enhance patient care. This foundation prepares you for further training, certification, and entry into a health care career where adaptability, accuracy, and interpersonal skills are essential.

ProTrain has integrated SimTutor’s SIMTICS simulations into its online Medical Assistant course. Students can practice real-world medical scenarios in a safe environment, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through immediate feedback and reflection, students gain confidence and are better prepared for their future careers.

This course prepares the student to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA) national certification exam.

Students will:

• Identify the key concepts, terminology, and foundational knowledge required for success in the subject area.
• Describe the historical background and development of the field.
• Explain the role and responsibilities of professionals working within this discipline.
• Demonstrate knowledge of relevant laws, standards, or ethical principles connected to practice.
• Apply learned concepts to real-world case studies and scenarios.
• Analyze processes, procedures, or systems related to the course content.
• Differentiate between various tools, methods, or techniques used in professional practice.
• Communicate effectively using discipline-specific vocabulary and documentation.
• Evaluate challenges and propose solutions within the scope of the field.
• Prepare for continued professional growth through further study, credentialing, or practical application.

Course Outline:

Lesson 1: The Health Care System

In this lesson, you will trace the development of managed care, follow the flow of ambulatory services, and review the roles and requirements of health care professionals. You will also examine medical office structures, specialties, and practice types, while considering patient-centered care and comparing complementary and traditional treatment approaches.

Lesson 2: The Professional Medical Assistant

In this lesson, you will examine the history of medical assisting and the process of program accreditation. You will learn about professional credentials, traits, and workplace expectations, along with time management and scope of practice. The lesson also reviews administrative and clinical responsibilities, professional organizations, and the diverse employment opportunities available in this field.

Lesson 3: Ethics and Law for the Medical Office

In this lesson, you will study the relationship between law and ethics in health care and how they shape the responsibilities of medical assistants. You will learn about patient rights, professional duties, and responses to ethical challenges, while also reviewing legal concepts such as contracts, liability, and regulations. The lesson covers HIPAA, reporting requirements, and state and federal laws that guide medical practice.

Lesson 4: Interacting With Patients

In this lesson, you will develop an understanding of the skills needed to communicate clearly and respectfully with patients by understanding verbal, nonverbal, and cultural differences. You will learn the components of active listening, boundary setting, and empathy to strengthen patient relationships. The lesson also addresses meeting patient needs, handling emotional responses, and supporting individuals across diverse backgrounds and experiences in health care.

Lesson 5: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

In this lesson, you will build a foundation for understanding how the human body is organized and functions. You will examine the relationship between anatomy and physiology, explore cells, tissues, and organ systems, and learn how homeostasis is maintained. The lesson also introduces anatomic terminology, body cavities, and cellular processes essential to health and medical practice.

Lesson 6: Integumentary System

In this lesson, you will explore how the skin and its supporting structures protect the body and contribute to overall health. You will study the roles of hair, nails, and glands, the factors that influence skin color, and the impact of aging.

Lesson 7: Skeletal System

In this lesson, you will learn how the skeletal system supports and protects the body while enabling movement. You will review bone structure, growth, and classification, as well as the organization of the axial and appendicular skeletons. The lesson also examines joints, age-related changes, and common conditions that can affect bones and connective structures.

Lesson 8: Muscular System

In this lesson, you will study the structure and function of muscle tissue and how skeletal muscles contract to produce movement. You will see how energy and oxygen influence muscle performance, learn the major muscles of the body, and common disorders that impact this system.

Lesson 9: Nervous System

In this lesson, you will explore how the nervous system is organized to control and coordinate body functions. It covers the roles of neurons, neuroglia, and nerve pathways, as well as the brain, spinal cord, and cranial nerves. You’ll learn autonomic functions and disorders that can disrupt neural activity.

Lesson 10: The Senses

In this lesson, you will learn how the body gathers and interprets information through general and special senses. You will review receptors for touch, taste, smell, vision, and hearing, along with the structures that make these processes possible. The lesson addresses balance, normal sensory functions, and common disorders affecting the senses.

Lesson 11: Endocrine System

In this lesson, you will review how the endocrine system works in coordination with the nervous system to regulate essential body processes. You’ll study how hormones are produced, classified, and delivered to target tissues, and examine their impact on growth, metabolism, reproduction, and homeostasis. Finally, you’ll cover common disorders that affect the endocrine system and their implications for health.

Lesson 12: Circulatory System

In this lesson, you will explore how the heart, blood, and vessels work together to sustain life. You will trace blood flow, study the cardiac cycle, and learn how blood components and the lymphatic system support immunity and overall health. The lesson also considers aging, defense mechanisms, and common disorders affecting circulation.

Lesson 13: Respiratory System

In this lesson, you will study the structures of the upper and lower respiratory tracts and how they function in breathing. You will learn the mechanics of inhalation and exhalation, the distinction between external and internal respiration, and how the brain regulates this process. You will review factors influencing breathing and respiratory disorders.

Lesson 14: Digestive System

In this lesson, you will study how the digestive tract and accessory organs break down food and supply the body with nutrients. You will look at the roles of the oral cavity, stomach, intestines, and glands in digestion and absorption, while also reviewing conditions that may interfere with normal digestive function.

Lesson 15: Urinary System

In this lesson, you will study how the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra work together to remove waste and regulate fluid balance. You will review the steps of urine formation, examine the role of hormones in kidney function, and learn how this system contributes to maintaining overall stability in the body.

Lesson 16: Reproductive System

In this lesson, you will examine the structures and functions of the male and female reproductive systems, including gamete formation, hormonal regulation, and reproductive cycles. You will follow the processes of fertilization, prenatal development, and birth, while also learning about lactation and stages of postnatal growth.

Lesson 17: Medical Asepsis and the OSHA Standard

In this lesson, you review how infection develops, what conditions allow microorganisms to thrive, and the role of aseptic practices in breaking the cycle of disease. You will also study OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, requirements for handling medical waste, and the major risks posed by bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.

Lesson 18: Sterilization and Disinfection

In this lesson, you will learn how instruments and equipment are cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized to prevent the spread of infection. You will review the Hazard Communication Standard, the use of safety data sheets, and the role of sanitization and disinfection. The lesson also examines autoclave operation, sterilization indicators, alternative methods, and proper handling of sterile supplies.

Lesson 19: Vital Signs

In this lesson, you will study how vital signs reflect a patient’s overall health and the body’s ability to maintain balance. You will learn how temperature, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure are measured and interpreted. The lesson also explores factors that influence these readings and the clinical importance of recognizing abnormal results.

Lesson 20: The Physical Examination

In this lesson, you will learn how the physical examination is organized and the role of the medical assistant in supporting both the patient and the provider. You will review preparation of the examining room, methods for measuring weight and height, and principles of body mechanics, positioning, and draping. The lesson also covers examination techniques and professional responsibilities during the visit.

Lesson 21: Eye and Ear Assessment and Procedures

In this lesson, you will study common conditions that affect vision and hearing, along with the methods used to assess sensory function. The lesson covers visual acuity testing, color vision assessment, and the use of the Snellen chart. The lesson also introduces hearing evaluations, causes of hearing loss, and procedures such as irrigations and instillations for both eyes and ears.

Lesson 22: Physical Agents to Promote Tissue Healing

In this lesson, you will explore how heat and cold therapies aid recovery and when each should be applied. You will also learn about the use of casts, splints, and braces in supporting injured areas, along with the safe application of ambulatory aids such as crutches, canes, and walkers to help maintain mobility.

Lesson 23: Gynecologic and Prenatal Care

In this lesson, you will study the purposes and procedures of gynecologic and prenatal examinations. You will review breast and pelvic assessments, cervical cancer screening, and common gynecologic infections. The lesson also introduces prenatal records, laboratory testing, and monitoring methods used throughout pregnancy, emphasizing the role of medical assistants in supporting patient education and coordinated care.

Lesson 24: The Pediatric Examination

In this lesson, you will learn about the components of well-child and sick-child visits and the importance of building rapport with young patients. You will review growth measurements, blood pressure evaluation, and immunization guidelines, as well as the collection of pediatric specimens. The lesson also covers newborn screening tests and their role in identifying conditions early in life.

Lesson 25: Minor Office Surgery

In this lesson, you will explore the principles of surgical asepsis and the role of the medical assistant in supporting minor procedures. You will review wound types, phases of healing, and methods of wound closure such as sutures, staples, and adhesives. The lesson also covers common office-based surgeries and the use of bandages to protect and support recovery.

Lesson 26: Administration of Medication

In this lesson, you will study how medications are classified, prescribed, and administered, along with the factors that influence their effects on the body. You will review drug forms, routes of administration, and safety standards for controlled substances. The lesson also introduces oral, parenteral, and specialized testing procedures.

Lesson 27: Cardiopulmonary Procedures

In this lesson, you will learn how electrocardiography and pulmonary function testing are used to evaluate heart and lung health. It covers the components of an ECG, the purpose of Holter monitoring, and common cardiac dysrhythmias. The lesson also provides an overview of spirometry, asthma management, and home oxygen therapy, emphasizing accurate testing, patient preparation, and safe use of equipment.

Lesson 28: Specialty Tests and Procedures

In this lesson, you will examine diagnostic methods used to detect and monitor serious health conditions. You will learn about colorectal, prostate, and testicular cancer screenings, along with the preparation and procedures for sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. The lesson also introduces radiology and advanced imaging techniques, along with their role in diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing patient care.

Lesson 29: Specialty Tests and Procedures

This lessons covers how laboratory testing supports diagnosis and treatment by providing critical information about the body’s condition. You will review the functions of a physician’s office laboratory, laboratory requests and reports, and patient preparation requirements. You’ll see how specimen collection, CLIA-waived testing, and safety practices ensure accurate results and protect both staff and patients.

Lesson 30: Urinalysis

In this lesson, you will explore how the urinary system functions and how urine provides valuable information about a patient’s health. You will learn the purposes of different collection methods, the components of a routine urinalysis, and the factors that may alter results. The lesson also introduces urine pregnancy testing and its role in clinical practice.

Lesson 31: Phlebotomy

In this lesson, you will study the principles of blood collection and the techniques used to obtain specimens safely and accurately. It covers venipuncture methods, the purpose of different collection tubes, and the order of draw. The lesson also provides and overview of safety precautions, common complications, and situations where skin puncture is preferred for specimen collection.

Lesson 32: Hematology

In this lesson, you will learn about the composition and function of blood and how laboratory testing provides insight into a patient’s health. You will study red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets, as well as the role of complete blood counts and coagulation tests in diagnosing disorders. The lesson also introduces common hematologic conditions and their clinical significance.

Lesson 33: Blood Chemistry and Immunologic Testing

In this lesson, you will examine how blood chemistry testing is used to evaluate organ function, regulate diabetes care, and assess cardiovascular health. You will also review the role of quality control in ensuring accurate results and learn how immunologic testing assists in detecting infections, immune disorders, and compatibility for blood transfusion.

Lesson 34: Medical Microbiology

In this lesson, you will learn how microorganisms are classified and linked to infectious diseases, as well as the ways pathogens spread through the body and community. You will understand how to  use a microscope, review safe specimen collection, and study diagnostic methods such as rapid tests, cultures, and sensitivity procedures that guide treatment decisions.

Lesson 35: Nutrition

In this lesson, you will explore the nutrients essential for life and how they fuel and regulate the body. You will learn the differences between macronutrients and micronutrients, how to interpret food labels, and the principles behind dietary guidelines. You will also review therapeutic approaches that use nutrition to manage health conditions.

Lesson 36: Emergency Preparedness and Protective Practices

In this lesson, you will learn how medical offices prepare for and respond to emergencies, from natural and man-made disasters to fire and evacuation situations. You will study the structure of emergency action plans, the psychological effects of crises, and the role of employee training. The lesson also emphasizes safety measures that protect both patients and staff.

Lesson 37: Emergency Medical Procedures and First Aid

In this lesson, you will study how to recognize and respond to urgent medical situations. You will learn the purpose of first aid and the role of the EMS system, along with OSHA standards for emergency care. The lesson covers a wide range of conditions, including respiratory distress, shock, injuries, burns, poisoning, seizures, and diabetic complications.

Lesson 38: The Medical Record

In this lesson, you will compare paper-based and electronic records to see how each organizes patient information. You will review administrative details such as consent forms and privacy notices, explore how health histories and progress notes are documented, and understand how laboratory results and diagnostic reports are stored and used in patient care.

Lesson 39: Patient Reception

In this lesson, you will learn how to prepare the medical office for daily operations and manage the steps involved in opening and closing procedures. You will review how to greet patients, collect required information, verify insurance coverage, and maintain confidentiality while also providing new patients with clear information about office policies and available resources.

Lesson 40: Medical Office Computerization

In this lesson, you will explore the essential concepts of computer systems and how they support the daily functions of a medical office. You will learn about hardware, software, and the data processing cycle, along with proper equipment care and ergonomics. The lesson also covers telehealth, audit trails, data security, and backup methods that ensure reliable and efficient electronic operations.

Lesson 41: Telephone Techniques

In this lesson, you will learn how professional telephone skills contribute to patient satisfaction and effective office communication. You will review call screening, message taking, and handling of urgent or difficult situations. The lesson also explains how to manage different types of phone systems and outlines best practices for making outgoing calls in a medical setting.

Lesson 42: Scheduling Appointments

In this lesson, you will explore how effective scheduling keeps the medical office organized and ensures patients receive timely care. You will compare manual and computerized systems, examine different scheduling formats, and learn how to prioritize appointments based on patient needs.

Lesson 43: Medical Record Management

In this lesson, you will learn how both electronic and paper-based systems are organized and maintained in a medical office. You will review the efficiencies gained through EHR use, the importance of safeguarding patient information, and the supplies and procedures required for paper records. Different filing methods and guidelines for record retention are also addressed.

Lesson 44: Written Communications and Mail

In this lesson, you will study the different forms of written communication used in the medical office, from formal business letters to memoranda, email, and secure messaging. You will understand formatting, proofreading, and proper addressing standards, along with the handling of incoming and outgoing mail. The lesson also covers postal services, delivery options, and methods for preparing envelopes and labels.

Lesson 45: Managing Practice Finances

In this lesson, you will learn how financial operations are organized and maintained in a medical practice. You’ll review how computerized accounting systems track patient accounts, charges, and payments, and understand the roles of ledgers, day sheets, and financial reports. The lesson covers methods for handling accounts receivable and payable, processing different forms of payment, and preparing deposits.

Lesson 46: Medical Coding

In this lesson, you will learn why coding systems were developed and how they are organized for use in health care. The lesson explains CPT and HCPCS codes for procedures and ICD-10-CM codes for diagnoses, along with the principles that guide accurate code selection and the consequences of coding errors.

Lesson 47: Medical Insurance

In this lesson, you will review the development of health insurance in the United States and the major ways coverage is obtained. You will compare traditional and managed care plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other government programs. The lesson also explains how patient information is collected, eligibility verified, and insurance claims processed in compliance with plan requirements.

Lesson 48: Billing and Collections

In this lesson, you will learn how billing and collection processes are managed in a medical office. The content explains how patient statements are generated, how to handle issues such as returned checks and overpayments, and how aging reports guide follow-up. You will also see how collection systems are developed and shaped by legal requirements.

Lesson 49: The Medical Assistant as Office Manager

In this lesson, you will explore the responsibilities involved in managing the daily operations of a medical office. Topics include maintaining equipment and supplies, ensuring safety for patients and staff, and supporting payroll obligations. You will also review how medical assistants contribute to teamwork, staff training, scheduling, community referrals, and risk management within the office setting.

Lesson 50: Obtaining Employment

In this lesson, you will learn how to locate potential employers and prepare the materials needed to apply for a position. You will study the differences between résumés, cover letters, and applications, and practice strategies for presenting yourself in interviews while building habits that support long-term career success.

SIMTICS Virtual Hands-On Labs:

• Administer Intradermal Injections
• Administer Intramuscular Injections
• Administer Nebulizer Treatment and Assess Peak Flow
• Administer Subcutaneous Injections
• Assist with Minor Surgical Procedures
• Assist with Pap Smear
• Communication
• Disinfection and Sterilization in the Outpatient Setting 1
• Disinfection and Sterilization in the Outpatient Setting 2
• Electronic Health Records
• Ethics
• Hand Hygiene (Soap & Water; Sanitizer)
• Handling Medical Emergencies
• Irrigate the Ear and Instill Ear Medication
• Irrigate the Eye and Instill Eye Medication
• Isolation Room PPE Protocol
• Obtain Adult Vital Signs
• Obtain Pediatric Vital Signs
• Obtain Swabs for Culture
• Patient History
• Patient Positioning
• Pediatric Assessment (Infant)
• Perform Capillary Puncture and Hematology Testing
• Perform ECG and Interpret
• Perform Mono Test
• Perform Rapid Strep Test
• Perform Skin Prep for Minor Surgical Procedures
• Perform Suture Removal
• Perform Urinalysis
• Perform Venipuncture
• Prepare for Minor Surgical Procedures
• Teamwork
• Time Management

All necessary course materials are included.

Certification(s):

This course prepares the student to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA) national certification exam.

System Requirements:

Internet Connectivity Requirements:

• Cable, Fiber, DSL, or LEO Satellite (i.e. Starlink) internet with speeds of at least 10mb/sec download and 5mb/sec upload are recommended for the best experience.

NOTE: While cellular hotspots may allow access to our courses, users may experience connectivity issues by trying to access our learning management system.  This is due to the potential high download and upload latency of cellular connections.   Therefore, it is not recommended that students use a cellular hotspot as their primary way of accessing their courses.

Hardware Requirements:

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 4 GB or higher
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher.  1920x1080 resolution is recommended for the best experience.
• Speakers / Headphones
• Microphone for Webinar or Live Online sessions.

Operating System Requirements:

• Windows 7 or higher.
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• Latest Chrome OS
• Latest Linux Distributions
  

NOTE: While we understand that our courses can be viewed on Android and iPhone devices, we do not recommend the use of these devices for our courses. The size of these devices do not provide a good learning environment for students taking online or live online based courses.

Web Browser Requirements:

• Latest Google Chrome is recommended for the best experience.
• Latest Mozilla FireFox
• Latest Microsoft Edge
• Latest Apple Safari

Basic Software Requirements (These are recommendations of software to use):

• Office suite software (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice)
• PDF reader program (Adobe Reader, FoxIt)
• Courses may require other software that is described in the above course outline.