Stepful offers a fully online Medical Assistant program that takes only 4 months to complete, designed specifically for students looking for flexible learning. The program leads directly to Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). After completing online coursework, students gain hands-on experience through 80 clinical hours at a healthcare facility. Stepful also provides personalized coaching and job placement support, emphasizing student success and employment readiness.
Program Overview and Format
Stepful’s Medical Assistant program is entirely online, providing students with flexibility to fit their learning around work or family responsibilities. This program runs for four months and culminates with an optional in-person clinical externship lasting 80 hours. These clinical placements help students gain valuable, real-world experience.
The classes are held online through Zoom, making this program highly accessible. Students can choose between morning and evening sessions, which suits individuals who need flexibility in their schedules. The program has defined start dates, and each class fills on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is encouraged.
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Curriculum and Learning Goals
The curriculum covers critical topics necessary to work effectively as a medical assistant, focusing on both clinical skills and administrative responsibilities. The training progresses through structured phases:
- Weeks 1-4: Foundational knowledge including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and an introduction to healthcare systems.
- Weeks 5-8: Clinical skills training, such as infection control, EKG administration, phlebotomy (drawing blood), and patient care coordination.
- Weeks 9-13: Training on administrative tasks, medical law, ethics, and customer service.
- Weeks 14-17: Focused preparation for the NHA certification exam, along with support to find and complete a clinical externship and job placement.
This structured approach helps ensure students learn thoroughly and systematically.
Certification and Outcomes
Upon completing the program, students are prepared to take the NHA’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. Stepful boasts an impressive 87% CCMA pass rate, which exceeds the national average by 10 percentage points. This speaks well to the effectiveness of the training provided.
Students are also offered ongoing support after graduation. Stepful’s staff helps with resume preparation, interview practice, and job placement, enhancing graduates’ employment prospects significantly.
Cost and Financial Information
Tuition at Stepful includes full access to the online learning environment, instructor-led virtual classes, clinical externship arrangements, exam preparation resources, personalized coaching, and career placement support. An added benefit is that there’s no need to purchase additional textbooks or study materials.
Students have payment flexibility—tuition can be paid upfront or through installment plans. Partial scholarships are also available, and applicants should contact the admissions team directly to inquire about eligibility.
If students find the program doesn’t suit them after enrolling, Stepful offers a full tuition refund if they withdraw within the first two weeks.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the following straightforward requirements:
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Stable internet connection
- Government-issued ID
These basic requirements make the program accessible to most prospective students who want a quick yet thorough training in medical assisting.
Program Flexibility and Class Schedule
One of the significant advantages of the Stepful program is its flexible scheduling. Students have the option of enrolling in morning or evening classes to best fit their personal or professional schedules. Online sessions are interactive, instructor-led, and conducted via Zoom, enabling convenient access from anywhere.
Clinical Experience and Externships
Although the coursework is completed online, practical experience is a key part of the program. Students complete 80 hours of clinical externship in person. Stepful partners with over 6,000 clinics nationwide, significantly boosting the chances of students finding a convenient and suitable externship location.
It’s important for students to note that to receive externship placement assistance, they must have weekday daytime availability (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Career and Job Placement Assistance
Stepful strongly emphasizes student success after graduation. Graduates who pass their certification exams and complete externships receive personalized job placement assistance. Stepful’s career coaches support students in:
- Writing effective resumes
- Preparing for job interviews
- Identifying suitable healthcare job opportunities locally
This structured support sets Stepful apart from many other online training providers.
Student and Instructor Support
The online nature of Stepful’s program doesn’t limit the support students receive. Each student has access to dedicated instructors, career coaches, and peers who provide ongoing assistance throughout the program. This community-based learning environment enhances student engagement and overall success.
Program Outcomes and Job Market
Medical assisting is an in-demand career path, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual salary of around $42,000 as of May 2023. Job opportunities for medical assistants are projected to increase steadily, meaning program graduates will enter a strong job market.
Stepful’s reputation and robust support system give students significant advantages in securing employment upon certification.
Additional Considerations
Prospective students should carefully consider the online learning format. While this flexibility is excellent for independent learners, students needing extensive in-person guidance or those who struggle with self-paced online studies may find it challenging. Also, students should be aware of the weekday availability requirement for externship placement assistance, as this could impact individuals with restrictive work schedules.
Who Should Consider This School?
Stepful’s Medical Assistant program is ideal for highly motivated individuals looking for a rapid, flexible entry into healthcare. Its short duration (4 months) and online delivery make it perfect for those balancing work, family, or other commitments. Prospective students comfortable with independent online study and seeking comprehensive career support and certification readiness will greatly benefit from Stepful’s approach. The program’s strong emphasis on job readiness and practical clinical experience makes it a smart choice for students eager to quickly transition into a medical assisting career.
Category | Details |
Cost: | Not publicly listed; includes online classes, exam prep, clinical placement, and career support |
Duration: | 4 months (plus 80 clinical hours) |
Class Schedules: | Morning and evening options; part-time, live Zoom classes |
Online Classes?: | Yes, 100% online coursework followed by in-person externship |
Requirements: | – High school diploma or GED – Government-issued ID – Stable internet connection |
Address: | Online program |
Phone: | (332) 334-8285 |
Email: | [email protected] |
Website: | https://www.stepful.com/program/tennessee-medical-assistant-certification-program |
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