Undergraduate Certificate
Clinical Medical Assistant
A 12-month blended certificate for advanced direct patient care, diagnostics, and clinical readiness.
12 Months
Three continuous semesters
36 Credits
Didactic, lab, and externship credits
Blended
Online and on-campus learning
160 Hours
Supervised clinical externship
Program Overview
Clinical Precision in Practice
The 12-Month Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate Program prepares students for the clinical direct-care spectrum of allied health. Students build advanced patient-care, diagnostic, phlebotomy, medication administration, minor surgical assisting, and emergency triage skills for outpatient clinics, emergency centers, specialty networks, and institutional healthcare facilities.
Blended online and on-campus instruction combines didactic learning with intensive clinical skills lab practice and a supervised 160-hour externship. Graduates are prepared for rapid entry into the clinical workforce and national credentialing pathways.
Program Snapshot
- Credential: Undergraduate Certificate
- Duration: 12 months
- Format: Blended online/on-campus
- Total: 36 semester credit hours
- Clinical externship: 160 hours
Learning Outcomes
- Execute advanced clinical diagnostics: Administer 12-lead ECGs, vital sign evaluations, spirometry, capillary and venous phlebotomy, and point-of-care lab testing.
- Administer medications safely: Calculate correct dosages and perform parenteral and non-parenteral medication administration using the 8 Rights of Medication Administration.
- Assist in surgical and specialty procedures: Maintain sterile fields, prepare minor surgical trays, assist with outpatient procedures, perform wound care, and manage suture removal.
- Enforce aseptic control and OSHA compliance: Apply CDC infection-control measures, sterilization procedures, universal precautions, and biohazardous waste protocols.
- Navigate medico-legal and crisis protocols: Apply HIPAA, patient rights, informed consent, therapeutic communication, emergency triage, and CPR/BLS response.
Curriculum
Three-Semester Course Plan
The program spans Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters for a total of 36 credits, including a 160-hour clinical externship.
Semester 1
Anatomy, Clinical Foundations & Asepsis
12 credits
- CMA 101 — Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Clinical Pathology — 3 credits
- CMA 103 — Clinical Patient Intake, Vital Signs, and Infection Control — 3 credits
- CMA 105 — Clinical Medico-Legal Ethics and Patient Advocacy — 3 credits
- CMA 107 — Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection Fundamentals — 3 credits
Semester 2
Advanced Clinical Diagnostics & Surgery
15 credits
- CMA 201 — Clinical Pharmacology and Medication Administration Lab — 4 credits
- CMA 203 — Diagnostic Testing, Point-of-Care Lab & ECG — 4 credits
- CMA 205 — Specialty Assisting and Minor Office Surgery Lab — 4 credits
- CMA 207 — Emergency Medical Response and Triage Procedures — 3 credits
Semester 3
Clinical Preparation & Externship
9 credits
- CMA 301 — Clinical EHR Documentation and Workflow Management — 3 credits
- CMA 303 — National CCMA / CMA Board Exam Preparation Seminar — 2 credits
- CMA 305 — Clinical Medical Assistant Externship (160 Hours) — 4 credits
Admissions Requirements
- Educational background: High school diploma or GED equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Prerequisites: High school Biology or Anatomy & Physiology, or a passing score on the institutional placement exam.
- Background clearance: Criminal background check and 10-panel drug screening before clinical lab and externship placement.
- Immunization verification: Hepatitis B series with titer, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and annual tuberculosis clearance.
Professional Certification
Graduates are prepared to pursue nationally recognized clinical credentials, including:
- CCMA (NHA) — Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- CMA (AAMA) — Certified Medical Assistant
- CPT (NHA/NCPT) — Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- CET (NHA) — Certified EKG Technician
Tuition & Aid
Program Investment
Flat-rate pricing covers didactic coursework, hands-on clinical lab kits, phlebotomy supplies, and EHR software access.
Direct Institutional Costs
- Tuition: $450 per credit × 36 credits — $16,200
- Institutional Program Fee — $1,200
- Clinical Lab & Phlebotomy Supplies Fee — $880
- Clinical EHR & Simulation License Fee — $320
Total Direct Institutional Costs: $18,600
Estimated Indirect Costs
- Textbooks & clinical manuals — $450
- Uniforms & diagnostic equipment — $250
- Background check & drug screening — $120
- Immunizations / physical exam — $200–$400
- CCMA / CMA national exam fee — $155–$160
Total Estimated Indirect Costs: $1,175–$1,380
Grand Total Estimated Program Investment: $19,775–$19,980
Financial Aid & Payment Options
- Institutional monthly payment plans: Interest-free installments spread across the 12-month program.
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): State workforce development grants for eligible allied health candidates.
- Veterans’ educational benefits: GI Bill® and VA educational funding streams.
- Private student financing: Specialized loan partnerships for short-term clinical certificate programs.
Start Your Clinical Path
Review the complete program plan, confirm your admissions requirements, and take the next step toward clinical medical assisting.