The Clinical Medical Assistant: Dermatology Specialization program prepares learners to support physicians and healthcare providers in both general medical and dermatology-focused settings. Offered by our accredited school partners, the program builds strong clinical medical assisting skills while emphasizing patient care and procedures commonly encountered in dermatology practices.
Module 1: Healthcare Fundamentals
• The History of Healthcare
• Healthcare Etiquette
• Professional Situations and Applications
Module 2: Communication in Healthcare
• Healthcare Teams
• Team Success
• Champions
Module 3: Medical Documentation and Record Keeping: HIPAA
• Use and Disclosure
• Real Life Scenarios
• HIPAA Laws, Policies, and Requirements
Module 4: OSHA Infection Control Compliance
• Introduction to Infection Control
• Personal Protection
• Protection of the Office Environment
• Instruments, Specialized Equipment & Laboratory Specimens
• Infectious Patients & Healthcare Workers
• Waste Management Plan
• Chemical Disinfection
• Heat Sterilization
• Exposure Control
• General Safety Standards
• Employee Training
• OSHA'S Required Records
Module 5: Medical Terminology
• Word Structure
• Prefix, Root Word, and Suffix
• Organization of the Body
• Diagnostic Testing and Radiology
Module 6: Anatomy & Physiology
• Anatomy and Physiology Basics
• Musculoskeletal, Integumentary, and Respiratory Systems
• Digestive, Reproductive, and Urinary Systems
• Blood and the Cardiovascular System
• Lymphatic, Immune, and Endocrine Systems
• Nervous and Sensory Systems
Module 7: Administrative Responsibilities
• The Health Record
• Reception and Daily Operations
Module 8: Billing and Reimbursement
• Billing and Reimbursement
• Health Insurance Basics
• Claims
• Accounts, Collections, and Banking
Module 9: Basic Clinical Procedures
• Vital Signs
• Physical Examination
• Assisting with Minor Surgery
Module 10: Advanced Clinical Procedures
• Patient Coaching with Health Promotion
• Patient Coaching with Nutrition
• Pharmacology Basics
• Administering Medication
• Cardiopulmonary Procedures
• Medical Emergencies
Module 11: Medical Laboratory
• Assisting in the Clinical Laboratory
• Analysis of Urine
• Blood Collection
• Analysis of Blood
• Microbiology and Immunology
Module 12: Dermatology
• Medical assistants in the dermatology setting
• Anatomy and physiology of the Integumentary system
• Types of dermatitis and skin disorders
Module 13: Cardiovascular System
• Heart Structure
• Blood Flow
• Heart's Conduction System
• EKG Terminology
• EKG Waves and Segments
• EKG Intervals
Module 14: EKG Supplies and Equipment
• Thermal EKG Paper
• Electrodes
• Electrocardiograph Settings and Calibration
• Biopolar Leads
• Augmented Leads
• Chest Leads
Module 15: EKG Procedure
• Patient Prep
• Applying Electrodes and Lead Wires
• Running the EKG Tracing
• Troubleshooting Artifact
• Evaluating an EKG Tracing
• Identifying an Abnormal Rhythm
• Finishing the EKG
Module 16: EKG Testing
• Exercise Stress Test
• Nuclear Stress Test
• Holter Monitor
• Cardiac Event Recorder
• Implantable Loop Recorder
• Transtelephonic Monitoring
• Portable Handheld EKG Monitors
Module 17: Venipuncture Equipment and Safety
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Tourniquets
• Antiseptics
• Evacuated Collection Tubes
• Post-exposure Needle stick Follow-Up
Module 18: Needles and Supplies in Phlebotomy
• Multisample Needles
• Needle Holders
• Syringes
• Winged Infusion Sets (Butterfly Assembly)
Module 19: Venipuncture
• Patient Prep
• Preparing Venipuncture
• Performing Venipuncture
• Completing Venipuncture
• Complications with Venipuncture
Module 20: Capillary Puncture
• Equipment
• Site Selection
• Patient Prep
• Collecting the Specimen
Module 21: Specimen Handling
• Chain of Custody
• Capillary Puncture Specimen Handling
Upon successful completion of the program, the learner will be able to:
Perform safe and effective blood collection, including venipuncture and specimen handling
Obtain, record, and monitor vital signs and patient information during office visits
Assist with medication administration, minor clinical procedures, and dermatologic treatments
Prepare patients for examinations, diagnostic testing, and routine procedures
Apply proper techniques for EKG setup and 12‑lead placement
Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and disease processes
Apply HIPAA regulations, medical ethics, and legal standards in patient care environments
Performs clinical and administrative duties under the supervision of physicians, including taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, assisting with procedures, maintaining medical records, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.