The medical industry is more than just doctors and nurses. Various positions serve as conduits on patients’ health care journey.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMA) are critical players in helping patients feel comfortable during doctor appointments. They are the bridge between every patient and their health care professional.
“CMAs’ duties are both clinical and administrative. Often, they explain and clarify the doctor’s recommendations and instructions. This makes them essential healthcare workers,” said Jennifer Aubain, a continuing education coordinator at Lone Star College-Kingwood.
Anyone interested in pursuing this career path is encouraged to enroll in the Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program through LSC-Kingwood’s Continuing Education Department. The next course starts July 12, and students will learn a myriad of duties, including but not limited to:
- Schedule appointments
- Take patient medical histories
- Collect and prepare laboratory specimens
- Remove sutures and change dressings
- Code and fill out insurance forms
- Handle correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping.
The CMA program is seven months long, in which students will attend classes two days per week and complete a clinical component in a medical clinic or doctor’s office. The tuition is $3,411, and additional costs will include textbooks, supplies/uniforms, a background check, immunizations, a CPR card, and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification study guide and exam. Students must have access to a computer/laptop and reliable Internet access.
“Upon successful completion, graduates can work in doctor offices, medical clinics, or any general medical or surgical hospital,” Aubain said.
Clinical medical assistants’ salary ranges typically from $36,200 to $40,700. For more information on the CMA program at LSC-Kingwood, call 281-312-1660, email
Register now for credit classes online through myLoneStar. Classes are offered days, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. For more information or to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/registration. For general information about Lone Star College-Kingwood, call 281.312.1600 or visit www.lonestar.edu/kingwood.
