/Institutions/Northwestern-Health-Sciences-University/json/2022-2023-University-Catalog/Copy-of-Copy-of-Medical-Assisting-Clinical-Training-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/Northwestern-Health-Sciences-University/json/2022-2023-University-Catalog/Copy-of-Copy-of-Medical-Assisting-Clinical-Training-Handbook.json

Clinical Training Assignment Process

Medical Assisting students who complete all prerequisite in-residence course work, have current immunizations including the Hepatitis B vaccination series, MMR series, Varicella immunization or documented history or chicken pox, current Tetanus immunization and have a current PPD on file, will receive an appropriate Clinical Training placement. See MA Preplacement Checklist included in this handbook for a detailed description of immunization and PPD requirements.

The assignment process takes place during the term preceding the Clinical Training experience.  Placement in a Clinical Training facility will take place as soon as possible after completion of all prerequisites and will be dependent on facility availability.

During Clinical Training, students will be evaluated based on entry-level performance in clinical and administrative areas.  The specific areas are determined by the site supervisor and program director.  The student will receive Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) credits for Clinical Training.  After successful completion of both NWHSU and the Clinical Training phases of education, the student will be eligible to take the AAMA certification examination.

The Clinical Training phase is usually completed in 320 hours.  Occasionally, students may be required to continue performing in a particular area to gain needed efficiency.  The need for increased Clinical Training will be determined by the site supervisor and clinical coordinator.   

All clinical training hours are unpaid. 

NWHSU has many Clinical Training facilities. To ensure selection of a quality Clinical Training site, placement is made only in facilities approved by the University. The Clinical Training site and all arrangements for each student will be made by NWHSU. Students may not contact facilities for placement. Every effort will be made to place students in facilities that can provide the student with the best possible experience. Students will not be placed in a facility that the student works at (or is a patient of). Students who refuse a Clinical Training placement assignment may be terminated from the University.

If a problem arises during Clinical Training, the Clinical Coordinator at NWHSU will be notified immediately by either the student or the Clinical Training site supervisor.  A University representative will investigate and take whatever action is appropriate in the individual situation.  Problem resolution is performed by the University.