University of Central Missouri Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate

UCM’s program has a thoughtfully structured schedule suitable for busy adults. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, plus eight Saturdays running from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This schedule makes the program highly accessible for students who have daytime jobs or other personal obligations.

Classes blend lectures with practical skills training, providing essential hands-on experience. This balanced format ensures you not only understand theory but also become comfortable performing actual medical procedures that are critical in the workplace.

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The Clinical Medical Assistant curriculum covers a wide array of skills necessary for effective healthcare support. Key areas include:

• Preparing patients for medical exams and treatments.
• Conducting common laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.
• Proper phlebotomy techniques (blood drawing and specimen handling).
• Medication administration and pharmacological concepts.
• Recording accurate patient vital signs.
• Cardiology essentials, including correct lead placement for EKGs.
• Professional behaviors, medical ethics, and legal responsibilities in healthcare.

Through these targeted lessons, you’ll learn exactly what’s expected in medical offices and clinics, making you immediately valuable to employers upon graduation.

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After completing the initial 170 hours of classroom and lab instruction, you’ll advance to the clinical externship component. The externship provides real-world experience within local healthcare facilities, allowing you to practice your newly acquired skills under supervision. This is a critical step, helping bridge classroom learning with workplace realities.

For externship placement, students must first pass a thorough background check and drug screening, emphasizing the professional standards expected in healthcare environments.

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Before enrolling, ensure you meet these specific criteria for externship eligibility:

• Successfully complete the first 170-hour portion of classroom and lab training.
• Pass a comprehensive background check.
• Pass a drug screening.

These prerequisites reflect the professional standards of the healthcare field, ensuring candidates are prepared for responsibilities in clinical settings.

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An important aspect of UCM’s program is its focus on certification. Upon successful program completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Medical Assistant examination. Achieving this nationally recognized certification significantly boosts your employability and demonstrates your competence to potential employers.

While the certificate itself is industry-recognized, it’s important to know that this training does not count towards college credit or degrees, nor is it eligible for federal financial aid.

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The tuition cost for the Clinical Medical Assistant program at UCM is $3,995. This total covers all coursework, lab instruction, and the externship component. Compared to other regional programs, UCM provides solid value considering the intensive, hands-on training provided.

However, prospective students should note the lack of eligibility for federal financial aid due to the non-degree nature of this certificate. If financial assistance is essential for you, investigate other financing options or scholarship opportunities that may be available directly from the school or external sources.

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Medical assisting is a rapidly growing field, projected to expand by approximately 23%, resulting in about 138,000 new jobs nationwide by 2024. UCM’s program directly addresses this increasing demand by producing qualified, competent medical assistants ready for immediate employment. Graduates typically find positions in medical offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, specialty care centers, and diagnostic laboratories.

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The program is housed at UCM’s Lee’s Summit campus, located at 1101 NW Innovation Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. UCM is recognized for affordability, offering quality educational opportunities at costs below state and national averages. Fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), UCM is consistently recognized for excellence by prestigious organizations such as U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.

With a high percentage (94%) of undergraduate students receiving financial assistance, UCM demonstrates its commitment to accessible, quality education. However, remember that this particular certificate program does not qualify for federal financial aid, underscoring the importance of personal financial planning.

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Strengths:

• Flexible evening and weekend schedule ideal for working adults.
• Short duration (approximately four months) allows quick entry into healthcare.
• Competitive tuition cost of $3,995, affordable compared to many similar programs.
• Strong emphasis on hands-on skills and real-world externship experience.
• Eligibility for a widely recognized national certification upon completion.

Considerations:

• Lack of federal financial aid eligibility may limit accessibility for some students.
• Intensive schedule (weekends and evenings) may require significant personal commitment.
• Certificate program does not transfer toward a degree, limiting further academic progression if desired later.

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