The Clinical Medical Assistant: Orthopedics and Physical Therapy Specialization program prepares learners to deliver clinical support in orthopedic and rehabilitation settings, combining foundational medical assisting skills with specialized knowledge of musculoskeletal care and physical therapy practices.
This program equips learners with a strong clinical foundation enhanced by orthopedic and physical therapy specialization, preparing them for in-demand roles in rehabilitation centers, orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and outpatient care facilities. Learners gain hands-on, job-ready skills, eligibility to pursue the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credential, and the opportunity to complete an optional externship for real-world clinical experience and career readiness.
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: Orthopedics and Physical Therapy
• Anatomy & Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System
• Diseases and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
• Orthopedic Practice and Procedures
• Physical Therapy Practice and Procedures
Module 12: Cardiovascular System
• Heart Structure
• Blood Flow
• Heart's Conduction System
• EKG Terminology
• EKG Waves and Segments
• EKG Intervals
Module 13: EKG Supplies and Equipment
• Thermal EKG Paper
• Electrodes
• Electrocardiograph Settings and Calibration
• Biopolar Leads
• Augmented Leads
• Chest Leads
Module 14: 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 15: EKG Testing
• Exercise Stress Test
• Nuclear Stress Test
• Holter Monitor
• Cardiac Event Recorder
• Implantable Loop Recorder
• Transtelephonic Monitoring
• Portable Handheld EKG Monitors
Module 16: Venipuncture Equipment and Safety
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Tourniquets
• Antiseptics
• Evacuated Collection Tubes
• Post-exposure Needle stick Follow-Up
Module 17: Venipuncture
• Patient Prep
• Preparing Venipuncture
• Performing Venipuncture
• Completing Venipuncture
• Complications with Venipuncture
Module 18: Capillary Puncture
• Equipment
• Site Selection
• Patient Prep
• Collecting the Specimen
Module 19: Specimen Handling
• Chain of Custody
• Capillary Puncture Specimen Handling
By the end of the program, the learner will be able to:
Perform core clinical procedures including phlebotomy, EKGs, and specimen collection safely and accurately
Assist providers in orthopedic and physical therapy settings with exams, treatments, and minor procedures
Apply foundational knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy, injury types, and rehabilitation principles
Support patient mobility care, positioning, and preparation for physical therapy treatments
Demonstrate proper infection control, aseptic technique, and universal precautions
Record patient histories, vital signs, and therapy progress documentation accurately
Communicate effectively with patients undergoing rehabilitation and orthopedic care
Assist with medication administration and patient education under clinical supervision
Perform 12-lead EKG placement and recognize basic cardiac rhythm patterns
Maintain HIPAA compliance and uphold legal and ethical standards in patient 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.