What Classes Do You Need to Become a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistant classes cover the clinical and administrative skills used in patient care, including medical terminology, vital signs, phlebotomy, EKGs, and medical office procedures.
Advanced eClinical Training’s Medical Assistant program covers these core areas while preparing students for the NHA CCMA exam.
Here’s what you can expect to learn.
What Classes Are Included in ACT’s Medical Assistant Program?
Advanced eClinical Training’s medical assistant classes cover both the clinical and administrative sides of the role. The program prepares students for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam while building skills used in medical assistant positions.
Medical Terminology
Learn medical vocabulary, abbreviations, prefixes, suffixes, and terminology used in healthcare settings and patient records.
Anatomy and Physiology
Study major body systems, how they function, and how that knowledge applies to patient care.
Patient Care
Learn patient intake, vital signs, exam preparation, and how to assist with common clinical procedures.
Phlebotomy
Learn venipuncture, blood collection, specimen handling, patient identification, and blood-draw safety.
EKG
Learn basic cardiac concepts, electrode placement, EKG procedures, and how to obtain an electrocardiogram.
Pharmacology
Cover medication terminology, common drug classifications, dosage concepts, and medication safety.
Infection Control
Learn standard precautions, PPE, sanitation, sterilization, and practices used to reduce infection risks.
Medical Office Procedures
Cover scheduling, medical records, documentation, office workflows, and other administrative responsibilities.
Patient Communication and Documentation
Learn how to communicate professionally with patients and accurately document information for the healthcare team.
ACT’s program also includes CCMA exam preparation, virtual patient simulations, interactive ECG training, and additional clinical skills training.
Learn more about ACT’s Medical Assistant program, including certification preparation, tuition, and program options.
How Does ACT Prepare Students for the CCMA Exam?
Advanced eClinical Training’s Medical Assistant program includes exam preparation throughout the course to help students get ready for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
Students receive:
- NHA CCMA certification exam: The first exam attempt is included with tuition.
- Six official NHA practice exams: Practice tests help students review exam topics and become familiar with the question format.
- 12 months of NHA study portal access: Students can use additional study materials and resources as they prepare.
- Virtual patient simulations: Interactive scenarios allow students to apply what they learn to patient-care situations.
- Interactive ECG training: Students practice concepts related to EKG procedures and cardiac monitoring.
- BLS training: Basic Life Support training through the American Heart Association is included.
- Instructor and academic support: Students have access to virtual instructor office hours and academic support throughout the program.
Learn more about ACT’s Medical Assistant program and what’s included with enrollment.
Do You Need Prerequisite Classes Before Starting ACT’s Medical Assistant Program?
No, you do not need to complete prerequisite college classes before starting Advanced eClinical Training’s Medical Assistant program. The program teaches the medical knowledge and clinical skills students need as they progress through the coursework.
You do not need to take these subjects separately before enrolling:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Patient care
- Phlebotomy
- EKG
- Pharmacology
These topics are covered as part of ACT’s Medical Assistant curriculum. The program is 100% online and self-paced, with up to 12 months of course and study access.
Does ACT’s Medical Assistant Program Include Hands-On Training?
Yes. Although Advanced eClinical Training’s Medical Assistant program is 100% online, students have several ways to build and practice clinical skills.
Training includes:
- Virtual patient simulations: Work through realistic patient-care scenarios and apply concepts from the course.
- Interactive ECG training: Practice concepts related to electrode placement, EKG procedures, and cardiac monitoring.
- Clinical skills preparation: Learn skills related to vital signs, patient care, phlebotomy, specimen collection, and infection control.
- Optional venipuncture kit: Students who select the CCMA Course + Venipuncture Kit package receive a practice arm with veins and puncture sites, training equipment, instructional materials, and demonstrations for additional at-home practice.
Can ACT Medical Assistant Students Complete an Externship?
Yes. Medical Assistant students may have the option to complete a 160-hour clinical externship through Advanced eClinical Training’s network of 1,000+ healthcare and clinical partners in approved locations.
An externship can give students the opportunity to:
- Gain experience in a clinical environment
- Apply skills learned during online coursework
- Become familiar with clinical workflows and medical assistant responsibilities
- Build experience working around patients and healthcare teams
Externship availability and placement requirements may vary by location.
Pennsylvania students: Pennsylvania residents may not complete an externship, internship, clinical experience, or other hands-on placement within Pennsylvania through ACT programs at this time.
Review ACT’s Pennsylvania Student Enrollment & Externship Placement Disclosure for details.
Learn more about ACT’s externship opportunities and Medical Assistant program.
Can You Take Medical Assistant Classes Online With ACT?
Yes. Advanced eClinical Training’s Medical Assistant program is 100% online and self-paced, allowing students to complete their coursework from home on their own schedule.
- 100% online coursework
- Self-paced format
- Complete in as little as 8 weeks
- Up to 12 months of course and study access
This format can make it easier to fit medical assistant training around work, school, or other responsibilities while still preparing for the NHA CCMA exam.
How Much Does ACT’s Medical Assistant Program Cost?
Advanced eClinical Training’s Medical Assistant program packages currently start at $3,100.
Tuition includes:
- Online, self-paced coursework
- NHA CCMA certification exam
- Six official NHA practice exams
- BLS training
- Virtual patient simulations and interactive ECG training
- Academic and career support
- Optional externship placement
ACT also offers 0% interest monthly payment plans.
For a full breakdown of tuition, package options, and potential additional expenses, read How Much Do Medical Assistant Programs Cost?.
What Happens After You Complete Your Medical Assistant Classes?
After completing your medical assistant classes with Advanced eClinical Training, the next steps typically involve certification, optional clinical experience, and preparing for employment.
- Complete your training: Finish the required coursework and clinical-skills preparation.
- Prepare for the CCMA exam: Use ACT’s exam-prep resources, including six official NHA practice exams and access to the NHA study portal.
- Take the NHA CCMA exam: The first CCMA exam attempt is included with ACT tuition.
- Complete an optional externship: Eligible students may have the opportunity to complete a 160-hour clinical externship through ACT’s partner network in approved locations.
- Pursue medical assistant opportunities: Use ACT’s resume, interview, and employer-matching resources as you begin your job search.
Important: Completing the program or earning the CCMA certification does not guarantee employment. Job opportunities and hiring requirements vary by employer and location.
Learn more about ACT’s Medical Assistant program and the support available to students.
Start Your Medical Assistant Training With Advanced eClinical Training
Advanced eClinical Training offers a 100% online, self-paced Medical Assistant program that can be completed in as little as 8 weeks and prepares students for the NHA CCMA exam.
Here’s a look at ACT’s reported outcomes alongside the national outlook for medical assistants:
| Medical Assistant Training & Career Stats | Current Information |
|---|---|
| ACT CCMA exam pass rate* | 97% |
| ACT job placement within 2 months* | 95% |
| ACT program completion | As little as 8 weeks |
| ACT healthcare and clinical partner network | 1,000+ partners |
| U.S. median medical assistant pay | $45,690 per year |
| Projected U.S. employment growth | 13% from 2025–2035 |
| Projected U.S. medical assistant openings | About 109,700 per year |
The national salary and employment figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Medical Assistants Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Ready to take the next step? Explore ACT’s Medical Assistant Program to review the curriculum, tuition, certification preparation, and enrollment options.
FAQs About Medical Assistant Classes
Medical assistant training typically covers medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care, vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG, pharmacology, infection control, and medical office procedures. Exact coursework varies by program.
ACT’s Medical Assistant program covers medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, pharmacology, infection control, and administrative skills such as medical records, documentation, and patient communication.
Yes. ACT’s Medical Assistant program includes phlebotomy training covering venipuncture, blood collection, specimen handling, patient identification, and blood-draw safety. An optional venipuncture kit is also available for additional at-home practice.
Yes. ACT students learn EKG concepts and procedures, including basic cardiac concepts and electrode placement. The program also includes interactive ECG training.
Yes. ACT’s Medical Assistant program is 100% online and self-paced, allowing students to complete their coursework from home on their own schedule.
ACT does not require students to complete prerequisite college classes such as anatomy or medical terminology before beginning the Medical Assistant program. These subjects are included in the curriculum.
ACT’s Medical Assistant program can be completed in as little as 8 weeks. Because the program is self-paced, students can move through the coursework at their own pace and have up to 12 months of course and study access.
Yes. ACT’s program prepares students for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. Tuition includes the first exam attempt, six official NHA practice exams, 12 months of NHA study portal access, and additional exam-preparation resources.
Learn From Expert MD, PA, DNP & RN Instructors
Learn from experienced physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and registered nurses who bring clinical expertise and real-world healthcare experience into your training.
ACT instructors provide personalized support to help you master clinical concepts, prepare for CCMA certification, and build confidence for real patient care.
- One-on-One Instructor Support
- Live Virtual Office Hours
- Interactive Clinical Case Discussions
- CCMA Certification Exam Preparation
- Personalized Feedback & Academic Guidance
- Clinical Skills & Externship Readiness
- Pre-Health Mentorship with MD & PA Advisors
