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Foundations of Medical Ethics for Medical Assistants
Course Overview
NOTE: This is an online course and is also available for purchase as a print version via the AAMA online store. This is also available for purchase through the Foundations of Medical Law and Medical Ethics for Medical Assistants Bundle.

This course explores ethical principles and professional responsibilities in health care, including informed consent, confidentiality, cultural competence, and emerging technologies. Through real-world case studies and the AAMA Code of Ethics, learners will examine ethical dilemmas and develop strategies for ethical decision-making.
Course Information
Course Description
Ethical decision-making is a fundamental responsibility of every medical assistant and plays a vital role in providing safe, patient-centered care. This course explores the foundations of medical ethics, including the relationship between ethics, morals, and law; the historical development of medical ethics; and the ethical principles that guide healthcare decision-making. Learners will examine ethical issues involving patient autonomy, confidentiality, informed consent, diversity and cultural competence, professional conduct, emerging healthcare technologies, and organizational ethics.

The course also addresses common ethical dilemmas encountered in clinical practice and provides practical guidance for applying the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Code of Ethics in real-world situations. Through case studies and applied examples, learners will strengthen their ability to navigate complex ethical challenges while supporting patient rights, professional integrity, and equitable care.

Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to:
  • Define key concepts related to ethics, morals, professional ethics, and medical ethics.
  • Explain the four fundamental ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.
  • Recognize ethical challenges related to informed consent, confidentiality, diversity, and patient rights.
  • Apply the AAMA Code of Ethics when addressing ethical situations in medical assisting practice.
  • Discuss ethical considerations associated with emerging healthcare technologies, organizational ethics, and professional conduct.
Content Overview
Content Overview
This course will explore:
  • Morals and ethics
  • The evolution of medical ethics, scientific medicine, and bioethics
  • Diversity, cultural competence, and communication
  • Ethical dilemmas in healthcare surrounding informed consent, confidentiality, end-of-life care, and more
  • Professional ethics for medical assistants and other health care professionals
  • Organizational ethics
  • Personal vs. professional ethics and moral conflicts
  • Ethical issues in emerging technologies
  • Composition and functions of Health Ethics Committees 
  • Case studies based on the AAMA Code of Ethics

Learners will have 90 days to complete the course and pass the posttest. 
Course Contributors
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
 Developed this educational program to provide medical assistants with foundational knowledge of ethical principles, professional responsibilities, and ethical decision-making in healthcare practice.
Intended Audience
This course is designed for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, allied health professionals, medical assisting students, and ambulatory care team members. Learners will gain practical skills for addressing ethical concerns, supporting patient rights, communicating across diverse populations, and applying professional ethical standards in everyday clinical and administrative practice.
Retake Information
Please note that retakes for this online course require repurchase.
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Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Expires 90 days after start
Cost:
Member: $67.50
Nonmember: $135.00
CEU Offered:
15 Gen/Adm CEUs
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