What is Clinical Assistant Diploma Coursework?
Clinical assistant diploma coursework will train students in simple clinical procedures, lab work, and assisting physicians during routine patient exams. This coursework may include internships that are completed after a student has finished the required course material.
Required Courses:
Many clinical assistant diplomas take nine months to a year to complete if a student is enrolled in the diploma program full-time. Students may also earn additional certificates so they can specialize in certain medical areas. Basic courses required include:
- Medical law
- Records management
- Clinical skills
- Health and safety
Skills Obtained:
The skills obtained from earning a clinical assistant diploma prepare students for working in a clinic or medical office. Other skills include CPR, coding, and preparing medical equipment. Clinical assistants should also know how to talk to patients and relieve their anxiety and fear of being in a doctor's office.
Career Related Information
Reasons to Earn a Clinical Assistant Diploma:
There are areas within this field that students can explore further, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, that include cytotechnology, phlebotomy, and histotechnology. These areas may require students to earn certificates or be trained on the job. Many labs offer training to employees that already have their diploma.
Salary Information:
Those who have a clinical assistant diploma can expect to earn between $38,000 and $54,000 annually.
Economic Outlook and Growth of the Clinical Assistant Field:
Due to advances in medical technology, the clinical assistant field is expected to grow, as more people are needed who know how to perform laboratory procedures using the new technology.
