The Clinical Medical Assistant with Gastroenterology and Nutrition Specialization program prepares learners to support patients and providers in specialty and general healthcare settings focused on digestive health and nutritional care. Designed for one of the fastest‑growing roles in healthcare, the program builds strong clinical skills in patient care, diagnostics, phlebotomy, and cardiac monitoring while emphasizing gastroenterology and nutrition‑related practice environments.
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: Gastroenterology and Nutrition
• The basic anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system
• Diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal system
• Nutritional related disorders
• The six nutrients of the body and their functions
• Food guidance tools
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 completion of this program, the learner will be able to:
Prepare patients for examinations, procedures, and diagnostic testing in gastroenterology and nutrition settings
Collect cultures and laboratory specimens while following universal precautions
Perform phlebotomy and assist with basic laboratory testing
Instruct patients on treatment plans, medications, and dietary guidelines
Obtain and document vital signs and maintain accurate medical histories
Perform electrocardiograms using specialized equipment to monitor cardiac function
Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice, and patient‑centered care
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be eligible to sit for the NHA national certification exam to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
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.