Southwest Tennessee Community College Medical Assistant Program

One of the biggest advantages of this program is its self-paced structure. Students can begin the course at any time through open enrollment and are allowed up to 12 months to finish. That’s particularly helpful for those balancing work, family, or other obligations.

While the course is entirely online, it’s far from passive. Students receive interactive learning materials, instructor guidance, and support from a student advising team. A CPR certification component and an optional unpaid clinical experience are also included, offering opportunities to apply learning in practical environments. Keep in mind that clinical placements are not guaranteed, but assistance is provided to help secure them.

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The program culminates in eligibility to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). A voucher covering the exam fee is included in the cost of the course, saving students several hundred dollars. Students also have the chance to become CPR certified and build the knowledge needed to enter the workforce with confidence.

It’s important to note that state requirements vary, so students are encouraged to check with their state’s medical board to ensure this course meets local employment standards—especially those planning to work in Washington state, where additional documentation may be required.

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The total cost of the program is $3,095, which includes access to the online coursework, exam voucher, and required instructional materials. Students receive physical textbooks for the CCMA portion, and a digital textbook for medical terminology. No extra fees are required for books or software unless you request an extension beyond the 12-month timeframe.

This program is not eligible for federal financial aid, such as FAFSA or Pell Grants. However, some students may be able to secure funding through state or local workforce development programs, like WIOA. Prospective students should verify eligibility and funding limitations—particularly if they intend to use the test-out option for medical terminology.

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There are no prerequisites for enrolling in the program. Anyone with access to a computer and internet connection can sign up and begin the training. However, to sit for the CCMA exam through NHA, you must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED.

Students planning to participate in the optional clinical experience must also maintain a current account balance and complete the coursework before applying.

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The training is designed to prepare students for the real-world demands of the medical field. Topics include:

• Patient history intake and vital sign measurement
• Infection control, medical asepsis, and phlebotomy
• Office administration tasks like billing, scheduling, and medical coding
• Medical law, ethics, and professionalism
• Emergency procedures, mental health awareness, and medication administration
• Nutrition, specialty procedures, and minor surgeries
• EHR systems and practice management tools

This balance of clinical and administrative knowledge reflects the dual-role nature of most medical assistant positions today.

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Students benefit from instruction by experienced healthcare professionals, including medical assistant educators, coders, and office managers with decades of industry experience. Instructors bring a variety of backgrounds—ranging from urgent care to billing and documentation consulting—giving students a well-rounded perspective.

The Medical Terminology portion of the course is taught by a team of instructors, each with specific expertise in anatomy, pathophysiology, and healthcare communication.

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Although the course is designed for independent study, it includes helpful support options. A student advising team is available to assist with administrative needs, while the learning platform features a structured course outline, instructor feedback, and quiz-based assessments.

The system requirements are relatively minimal, with compatibility for Windows, macOS, and Chromebooks. Students will need reliable internet access, email capabilities, and Microsoft Word or equivalent tools.

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For those with a background in healthcare or anatomy, the program includes two optional “test-out” exams for the Medical Terminology section. Scoring 80% or higher allows students to skip that portion of the course. However, this feature is not available for everyone—students funded through WIOA or other third-party programs should check with their funding representative before attempting to use the test-out option.

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