CCMA Detailed Examination Outline

Examination Overview

• Exam Type: NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Test Plan

• Total Items: 150 scored items / 30 pretest items

• Exam Duration: 3 hours

• Job Analysis: Based on a 2022 job analysis

Examination Domains and Structure

1. Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science (15 Items)

   • Health Care Systems and Settings

   • Medical Terminology

   • Basic Pharmacology

   • Nutrition

   • Psychology

2. Anatomy and Physiology (8 Items)

   • Body Structures and Organ Systems

   • Pathophysiology and Disease Processes

3. Clinical Patient Care (84 Items)

   • A. Patient Intake and Vitals (14 Items)

   • B. General Patient Care (28 Items)

   • C. Infection Control and Safety (15 Items)

   • D. Point of Care Testing and Laboratory Procedures (9 Items)

   • E. Phlebotomy (12 Items)

   • F. EKG and Cardiovascular Testing (6 Items)

4. Patient Care Coordination and Education (12 Items)

5. Administrative Assisting (12 Items)

6. Communication and Customer Service (12 Items)

7. Medical Law and Ethics (7 Items)

Key Details of Each Domain

Domain 1: Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science (15 Items)

• Tasks: Understand healthcare roles, terminology, and basic pharmacological principles.

• Key Knowledge Statements:

  • Health Care Systems: Roles of medical assistants and providers, certifications required.

  • Medical Terminology: Abbreviations and medical word building.

  • Basic Pharmacology: Drug classifications, side effects, and dosage calculations.

  • Nutrition: Dietary needs and guidelines.

  • Psychology: Awareness of mental health issues and developmental stages.

Domain 2: Anatomy and Physiology (8 Items)

• Tasks: Comprehend body structures and functions.

• Key Knowledge Statements:

  • Body Systems: Structure and function of major organ systems.

  • Disease Processes: Understanding signs, symptoms, and etiology of common diseases.

Domain 3: Clinical Patient Care (84 Items)

• Tasks: Provide patient care including vitals, general care, and emergency responses.

• Key Areas:

  • Patient Intake and Vitals (14 Items): Includes safety, identification, and vital signs measurement.

  • General Patient Care (28 Items): Preparing rooms, administering medications, and assisting surgeries.

  • Infection Control (15 Items): Guidelines for infection prevention.

  • Lab Procedures (9 Items): Includes specimen collection and testing.

  • Phlebotomy (12 Items): Blood collection procedures.

  • EKG (6 Items): Preparing for and conducting EKG tests.

Domain 4: Patient Care Coordination and Education (12 Items)

• Tasks: Coordinate patient care and provide education.

• Key Knowledge Statements:

  • Documentation of preventative maintenance and screenings.

  • Community resources for patient care.

  • Encourage patient compliance and coordinate with providers.

Domain 5: Administrative Assisting (12 Items)

• Tasks: Manage office operations and patient appointments.

• Key Knowledge Statements:

  • Scheduling and monitoring appointments.

  • Documentation for billing and insurance.

  • Understanding of financial eligibility and coding processes.

Domain 6: Communication and Customer Service (12 Items)

• Tasks: Demonstrate effective communication and customer service skills.

• Key Knowledge Statements:

  • Recognizing diversity in patient interactions.

  • Effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques.

  • Handling difficult situations and improving patient satisfaction.

Domain 7: Medical Law and Ethics (7 Items)

• Tasks: Adhere to legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.

• Key Knowledge Statements:

  • Patient consent laws and maintenance of confidential records.

  • Understanding of legal responsibilities related to patient care and reporting abuses.

This outline serves as a comprehensive guide for preparation for the CCMA exam, emphasizing key areas of knowledge and tasks that a candidate must be proficient in to succeed.