Clinical Medical Assistant Program
Clinical Medical Assistants (CMA) are crucial in patient care, preparing patients for exams, and performing tasks like measuring vital signs, conducting EKGs, assisting in minor procedures, and collecting lab samples. They also maintain patient medical histories and educate patients about health and wellness.
Our collaboration with the Academy of Allied Health Careers (AAHC) now offers you the chance to train as a CMA while engaging in the medical missionary work at Wildwood, a place where learning, networking, and active participation form a core part of the experience.
“The CMA training offered me an invaluable learning experience, full of hands-on activities. The highlight was working alongside providers at the lifestyle center, deepening my understanding of the lifestyle practices we advocate. This experience has equipped me to interact with patients more effectively, following Christ’s method.”
Gianella Burgos, CMA graduate
Upcoming Session
September 30, 2024
Useful Employment
Starts September 30, 2024
CMA Classes
Starts November 25, 2024
Clinicals
Starts February 12, 2025
What Will You Learn
Useful Employment
- Participate in one of the industries within the institution and learn the values of earnest work, responsibility, and caregiving.
Student Life
- Engaging in campus events and activities designed to promote growth in both spiritual and physical aspects.
Bible and Health
- Take classes that explore the divine plan for humanity’s restoration, while gaining an understanding of the role of medical missionary work in the last days.
Clinical Medical Assistant
- Students will learn to complete the tasks associated with being a Clinical Medical Assistant.
Clinical Medical Assistant Prepares You To
Concentrate on a specific healthcare specialty like cardiology, family medicine, lifestyle medicine and more.
Take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam.
Secure employment at a healthcare institution, where you will have the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge in a professional setting.
Explore the possibility of a career in healthcare, such as nursing or medicine, where you can make a significant impact on individual lives and communities.
Course Curriculum
CPR
Basic Medical Office Administration
Perform Taking of Patient History
Assist with Physical Examinations
Medical Documentation & Recording
Electrocardiograms
Nutrition
Perform Venipunctures & Injections
Catheterizations
Patient Education
Infection Control & Universal Precautions
Medical Vocabulary
Medical Terminology
Knowledge of CLIA and OSHA Guidelines
Pediatric Care
Sterilization and Disinfection
Digestive Systems
Integumentary Systems
Prenatal Care
Gynecology
Abbreviations & Symbols
Intro Anatomy & Physiology
Radiology
Urinalysis
Prescription Writing
God's Plan of Restoration*
Instructed by a Wildwood Teacher
Pharmacology
Reproductive Health
Minor Office Surgery
Medical Microbiology
Prepare Patients & Examination Rooms
Phlebotomy & Hematology
Blood Chemistry & Serology
Clinical Laboratory
Emergency Medical Procedures
Knowledge of Medications & Drug Calculations
Effective communication with patient, family and other members of the healthcare team
Medical Missionary Work*
Instructed by a Wildwood Teacher
The Clinical Medical Assistant program is conducted in partnership with the Academy of Allied Health Careers. All listed classes are instructed by qualified educators employed by the Academy. These sessions take place at the Academy’s Downtown Chattanooga facility. Satisfactory completion of all classes is required for students who wish to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification examination.
How it works?
1. Useful Employment
- Students are required to fulfill a 40-hour volunteer commitment per week for 8 weeks, a necessary component to subsidize their room and board costs for the duration of the program. This commitment amounts to roughly 394 hours across the 25-week program. Additionally, we believe this experience is invaluable for students, as it promotes both physical and mental well-being. The specific department in which a student will be placed will depend on the current needs of the institution. If a student is unable to follow this path, consider the alternative option provided here.
2. CMA Classes
- The Clinical Medical Assistant Program comprises 529 contact hours, divided into 309 hours of classroom instruction and 220 hours of clinical practice. The classroom sessions are scheduled from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. These sessions are hosted at the Academy of Allied Health Careers in downtown Chattanooga. Students will be provided transportation to and from the Academy for their classes. A plant-based lunch will be prepared to take, allowing them to eat during their lunch break while at the academy.
3. Clinicals
- Completion of clinical hours is a prerequisite for taking the national examination, and these hours will differ depending on the assigned clinical specialty. Most clinical rotations typically last for 6 weeks or continue until the required minimum of 220 hours is achieved. Students will be allocated to a clinic in the Chattanooga area, with transportation arranged to and from their assigned clinic. Please be aware that the Academy of Allied Health Careers cannot assure clinical placement for students who decide against vaccination.
4. National Examination
- The Academy of Allied Health Careers will organize the scheduling of the national exam, typically set to occur immediately following the completion of clinical hours. For students to be eligible for CMA certification, they must fulfill 309 classroom hours and 220 clinical hours. Subsequently, achieving a passing score on the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam is essential for certification.
Costs
Fees
- Application Fee $100 (non-refundable)
- Books Fee $140
- Materials Fee $135
- Tuition $4500 $3500
- Technology Fee $150
Additional Costs
- CPR Certification $25.00
- Student Liability Insurance $45.00
- Student ID Badge $15.00
- National Certification Exam $165.00
Required Textbook / Workbook:
– Bonewit-West, K. (2023) Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants. 11th Edition. Elsevier. St. Louis, Missouri. ISBN: 978-0-323-75858-1
– Bonewit-West, K. (2023) Study Guide for Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants. 11th Edition, Elsevier. St. Louis, Missouri. ISBN: 978-0-323-75882-6
Additional Supplies:
A current Medical Dictionary is strongly suggested for class and can be obtained from any bookstore for approximately $10. Students will need general school supplies such as: binders, notebook, paper, pens, pencils, erasers, and highlighters. Students are required to purchase a minimum of two pair of scrubs that must always be worn during clinicals. These are approximately $50.00 per pair and can be purchased at any uniform or retail store. Students are also required to purchase a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff by the second (2nd) week of class; these are approximately $45.00 for the kit. A student name badge is part of student uniform and is required for clinicals. Uniforms will be worn six to ten (6-10) weeks after class begins. Students are encouraged to purchase a lab jacket, approximately $25.00; and any additional uniforms you may feel necessary for class/clinicals. Liability insurance is required for each student before student is placed in clinicals. The student may also incur expenses related to specific agency requirements for immunizations, TB skin test (x-rays if required), respiratory fit test, background checks, and drug screens. At completion of course (including ALL clinical hours), students will take the Certification exam. Students are encouraged to purchase any additional uniforms you may feel necessary for class/clinicals, (color based on clinical assignment).
Cancellation / Withdrawal / Refund Policy:
In compliance with the regulations set by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), The Academy of Allied Health Careers employs enrollment contracts/agreements. The Academy adheres to a cancellation and settlement policy that allows for a full refund of all payments made by a student, should the student choose to cancel the enrollment agreement or contract within 72 hours, equivalent to 3 business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays), after the contract has been signed by the prospective student. Read more here
Basic physical and mental requirements
- Capacity to lift/move up to 35% of recommended body weight (about 50 pounds).
- Motor skills to move independently in client areas and workspaces.
- Visual sharpness for client observation, medication administration, and monitor reading.
- Auditory clarity for hearing instructions, alarms, and various body sounds.
- Proficiency in speaking, writing, and understanding English for safety.
- Professional communication skills to build rapport with clients and colleagues.
Wildwood Prerequisites
- You must have completed your secondary education before coming to Wildwood
- The minimum age is 18 years old
- The applicant must also be well familiarized with the English language
- Open to sharing accommodations with a roommate
- Possesses strong work ethics
- Actively involved in the Seventh-day Adventist Church
- Concurs with and adheres to the guidelines and principles outlined in the student handbook.
AAHC Prerequisites
- Attend a Career Overview session to gain information: programs offered and expectations
- Interview with Academy staff
- Complete entrance assessment (basic reading and math skills). Note: Results are used for advisement purposes only. No passing score identified.
- Submit the following:
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Two written references (one personal, one professional)
- A copy of a government approved photo ID (examples may include driver’s license or state-issued ID)
- Completed Program Application/Enrollment Agreement
Basic physical and mental requirements
- Capacity to lift/move up to 35% of recommended body weight (about 50 pounds).
- Motor skills to move independently in client areas and workspaces.
- Visual sharpness for client observation, medication administration, and monitor reading.
- Auditory clarity for hearing instructions, alarms, and various body sounds.
- Proficiency in speaking, writing, and understanding English for safety.
- Professional communication skills to build rapport with clients and colleagues.
Upcoming Session
September 30, 2024
Drive change in healthcare by becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, all while engaging in and understanding the profound call of medical missionary work.
“Every soul […] should be filled with the true medical missionary spirit” – Ellen White
Frequently asked questions
What is a Clinical Medical Assistant?
CMAs support physicians and nurse practitioners in patient care, primarily preparing patients for examination. Their duties include taking vital signs, conducting EKGs, assisting with minor procedures, collecting lab specimens, and maintaining patient medical histories. They also play a key role in patient health education.
Do I Need Prior Work Experience?
No prior work experience is required, just a solid commitment to work ethics, that “labor was appointed as a blessing” at creation and “the exercise most beneficial to the youth will be found in useful employment.” See Chapter 24—Manual Training of the book Education
Are There Any Prerequisites?
This program is governed by the Wildwood Student Handbook, and all students are expected to adhere to the guidelines stated therein. For more details, please see here.
Is Certification Required for Clinical Medical Assistants?
Many CMA positions may require medical assistant certification due to the specialized skills and commitment the role demands.
Which Medical Assistant Certification Will the Program Prepare Me For?
Graduates of the Academy of Allied Health Careers will be equipped to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam, a nationally-recognized certification.
How Long Does the Certification Exam Take?
The CCMA certification exam has 150 multiple choice questions with a three-hour time limit.
What Are the Potential Workplaces for Medical Assistants?
Certified clinical medical assistants can be found working in diverse environments such as:
- Physician Offices
- Hospitals
- Surgery Centers
- Health Clinics
- Outpatient Facilities
- Academic Institutions like Colleges and Universities
- Diagnostic Laboratories
Additionally, there are opportunities for PRN and part-time positions in medical assisting.
How Much Does a Certified Medical Assistant Make?
In the United States, the average salary for a certified medical assistant is $40,485 per year, or approximately $17.50 per hour.
Are There Any Prerequisites?
This program is governed by the Wildwood Student Handbook, and all students are expected to adhere to the guidelines stated therein. For more details, please see here.
Where will my volunteer service take place at Wildwood?
These are some examples of departments a student can volunteer at:
- Housekeeping
- Wildwood Natural Food Market
- Campus Maintenance
- Lifestyle Maintenance
- Diet Kitchen
- Student Cafeteria
- Farm / Grounds
- Construction.
Is this program available to international students?
No, the school cannot issue a vocational visa (M1) for this program. It is an academic program available only to U.S. residents or citizens.
What if I'm unable to participate in the Useful Employment component of the program?
We hold the view that the hands-on training at Wildwood is particularly beneficial, specially for young people. However, if you’re unable to participate in this manual training, you have the option to pay $1950, which will cover the cost of room and board.
Are there activities for students during the 25-week program?
Students in this program participate in activities such as morning worship, weekly church services and its programs like AY programs, outreach initiatives, and various spiritual and social gatherings. Additionally, seasonal activities like campouts and hikes are planned depending on the time of year.
What is the maximum number of students per program?
The capacity for each program varies, influenced by enrollments from other programs. Typically, we can accommodate about 10 students in the CMA Program. However, the actual class size may be larger, as Wildwood students will be joining the CMA classes alongside other AAHC students, leading to a class composition of approximately 17 to 25 students.
What is the deadline and method for paying for the program?
Sure, here’s a rewritten version:
A $100 application fee is required upon submission of your application. Additionally, a deposit, which is 10% of the total tuition, must be paid after acceptance and before your arrival on campus. Both of these payments are non-refundable.
The remaining balance is due the day after your arrival at Wildwood.
Payments can be made online, by phone, or in person.”
Am I eligible for a refund if I decide to withdraw?
Regrettably, the application deposit and the 10% tuition fee post-acceptance are non-refundable.
For the remaining tuition, refunds are available under these conditions: If requested within 30 days from the start of the course, a 50% refund can be issued. No refunds will be provided for requests made after this 30-day period.
“Every son and daughter of God is called to be a missionary; we are called to the service of God and our fellow men; and to fit us for this service should be the object of our education.”
– ELLEN WHITE, MINISTRY OF HEALING, PAGE 395 –
Clinical Medical Assistant
Ready to become a CMA? Apply for the CMA Program today.
