Major Content Areas:
* Administrative and Clerical Skills: This section tests your understanding of medical office procedures, including scheduling appointments, managing patient records (both paper and electronic), handling insurance claims and billing, managing patient accounts, and maintaining office supplies. Knowledge of medical terminology is crucial here.
* Clinical Skills: This is a significant portion of the exam and covers a wide array of procedures and techniques. Expect questions on:
* Vital Signs: Taking and interpreting blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and pain levels.
* Medical Assisting Procedures: Preparing patients for examinations, assisting the physician during procedures, and performing basic lab tests (e.g., venipuncture, electrocardiograms (ECGs), urine tests).
* Phlebotomy: Proper technique, safety precautions, and handling of blood samples.
* Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG): Proper lead placement, interpretation of basic rhythms, and troubleshooting equipment.
* Sterilization and Infection Control: Understanding and applying infection control protocols, sterilization methods, and safety measures.
* Pharmacology: Basic understanding of medications, dosage calculations, and medication administration routes. (Note: This is generally less in-depth than for a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) AAMA exam).
* Patient Care: Providing basic patient education, communicating effectively with patients, and following physician instructions.
* Medical Equipment: Understanding the operation and maintenance of various medical instruments and equipment.
* Legal and Ethical Considerations: This section tests your knowledge of HIPAA regulations, patient confidentiality, and other legal and ethical aspects of medical practice. Understanding medical malpractice and professional conduct is also crucial.
In short: The NHA CCMA exam assesses your ability to perform both administrative and clinical tasks in a medical setting. It's a practical exam designed to ensure candidates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to work safely and effectively as a clinical medical assistant. The emphasis is on applied knowledge rather than highly specialized medical procedures.
To best prepare, review the official NHA CCMA exam content outline and utilize reputable study materials, practice exams, and potentially a review course specifically designed for this certification.