Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Certificate

Cost and Length

Hybrid Course

Cost: $2,599
Length: 2.5 to 3 months
Registration Opens:

• Fall: Mid-July
• Spring: Early January
• Summer: Mid-April

Online Course

Cost: $2,599, payment plans available
Length: Up to 9 months (6 months access with possible 3-month extension)
Registration: Anytime

CalJOBS

SFSU is an eligible training provider.

Payment Plan

For online courses, Health Ed Today offers 3-, 6- and 10-month payment plans.

Certification

After completing this program, you will be eligible to take leading national certifications that can support entry-level employment in this growing field:

• National Workforce Career Association (NWCA)
  Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC)
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
  Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

This training can prepare you for entry-level CMA positions and is also a good step toward future studies in Certified Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Registered Nursing (RN) programs.

If you plan to work outside California, check your state’s certification requirements to make sure this program meets them.

CMA Employment

With your CMA training, you can apply for positions in physician offices, clinics, chiropractic offices and outpatient facilities.

The CMA Profession

Clinical medical assistants help healthcare offices run smoothly. You may take patient histories, record vital signs, prepare patients for exams, assist during procedures and explain treatment instructions. You may also collect and process lab specimens, perform basic lab tests, draw blood, administer medications, take electrocardiograms and change dressings.

Educational Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course, and you may register without a high school diploma. However, you will need a high school diploma or GED in order to take the national certification exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Additionally, our partners are unable to provide externship placements to students under 18 years old. 

Externship

After completing this program, you may choose to participate in an optional volunteer externship with a local organization in this field to gain hands-on experience. An Externship Coordinator will contact you during your online program to arrange placement. Externship sites may require additional documentation such as health records, immunizations, drug screening or background checks.