PRE-HEALTH CERTIFICATIONS
Clinical Skill Building for Pre-PA Students
Earn the clinical hours you need for physician assistant (PA) school with our online pre-PA certificate courses.
ABOUT OUR PRE-PA PROGRAMS
Get Certified While Accruing Direct Patient Care Hours
While there isn’t a single, universal number, some PA programs require or strongly recommend applicants to obtain a minimum number of clinical hours with a focus on providing direct patient care prior to admission into the program. Our pre-PA certificate programs are designed to help prospective PA students earn the credentials needed to land an entry-level healthcare role while also earning clinical hours during an externship.
After successful completion of your course, you’ll be eligible to sit for a nationally recognized certification exam. Once in hand, your new credentials qualify you for healthcare positions so you can continue to earn the clinical hours you need for PA school.
Online & self-paced learning
Weeks to complete
States where certifications are recognized
Stand out with ACT
When you enroll in our pre-PA certificate courses, you’ll:
- Receive opportunities for placement in a clinical externship
- Earn a nationally recognized certification in as little as 6–8 weeks
- Prepare for PA school by building a solid foundation of knowledge
- Master vital patient care skills to complement your medical training
- Add critical hands-on experience to your resume
OUR PRE-PA PROGRAMS
Choose the Pathway That’s Right for You
At ACT, we offer 3 online certificate courses for pre-PA students. Each of these self-paced programs offers the opportunity to become certified in as little as 6–8 weeks, meaning that you can start earning clinical hours for your PA school application as soon as possible.
Medical Assistant Certification Program (CCMA)
Medical assistants aid physicians in a wide variety of clinical settings — from cardiology to primary health. Get the knowledge and practical skills needed to follow this pathway and earn your CCMA certification with modules such as:
- Laboratory and diagnostic techniques
- Cardiopulmonary testing, electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), and other tests
- Monitoring and recording vital signs
- Patient-centered communication and patient education
Patient Care Technician Certification Program (CPCT)
As a patient care technician you’ll collaborate with nurses, medical staff, and physicians to complete care tasks like monitoring and catheter care. Our CPCT certification course prepares you for this role by expanding your practical knowledge in areas such as:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Disease process
- Patient comfort
Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program (CPT)
In your role as a phlebotomy technician, you’ll be responsible for taking blood draws and returning them to the laboratory — an essential step in confirming diagnoses. This certificate course helps you prepare by teaching the following:
- Infection control practices
- Venipuncture techniques
- Basic laboratory procedures
- Point-of-care testing
Our Advantage
Why Choose Advanced eClinical Training?
ACT’s pre-PA training programs are designed to fit into your life and support your journey to an impactful healthcare career.
Flexible, Self-Paced Online Learning
Learn on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials, allowing you to balance training with your personal and professional commitments.
Start Anytime with Instant Access
Skip the traditional academic calendar. At ACT, you can start your training as soon as you’re ready, with all course materials available immediately.
Career-Focused Curriculum
Every course is designed with your future career in mind, ensuring you gain the skills and credentials that employers value most in the healthcare industry.
Nationwide Clinical Placements
Gain real-world experience through our extensive network of clinical partners, offering diverse placements across the country that prepare you for a variety of healthcare settings.
Robust Career Services
From personalized career counseling and resume workshops to exclusive job boards and virtual career fairs, our dedicated team is with you every step of the way—from training to launching your career.
Expert Instructors and Mentors
Learn from experienced professionals and seasoned educators who provide personalized guidance, industry insights, and ongoing mentorship to help you achieve your goals.
Affordable Tuition with No Hidden Fees
Our transparent pricing ensures that your tuition covers everything you need—no surprises or extra costs. We offer various payment options and financial aid opportunities, making quality education accessible and affordable.
Simulation-Based Training
Engage in simulations that closely mimic actual patient cases, enabling you to practice decision-making and clinical skills in a safe setting.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
Graduates earn certifications that are widely recognized by healthcare employers, boosting your credibility and opening doors to exciting career opportunities.
Above-Average Pass Rates
Our approach has resulted in above-average pass rates for our graduates. We continuously monitor exam performance and refine our curriculum to ensure that you receive the best preparation possible.
National Exam Fee Included
We cover the cost of your national exam, ensuring you’re fully prepared to earn industry-recognized certifications.
Career Assistance
We’re Here to Help You Take the Next Step
Your career in healthcare is just getting started, and no matter what step you take next — whether you choose to continue your education or enter the workforce — we have resources available to help you put your best foot forward.
Graduate Application Assistance
Need help with your graduate or medical school application? We have a network of current healthcare professionals and med school students who have been in your place and are ready to provide advice and mentorship as you go through the application process.
Job Search Assistance
We can help you with your job search, too. In addition to a job board that features open healthcare roles across the country, our Career Center offers assistance with resume writing, review, and interview prep
Letter of Evaluation
When you take part in our Pre-Physician Assistant Mentorship program, you’ll receive a letter of evaluation from your mentor that can be used as part of your medical school application or in support of a job application.
FAQs
What Is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)?
A certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) is a healthcare professional with advanced training who fulfills both clinical and administrative tasks in hospitals and other healthcare settings. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) reports medical assistants are one of the fastest-growing occupations in the healthcare industry. A CCMA is usually found working in outpatient clinics and private doctor’s offices.
What is a certified patient care tech (PCT)?
Certified patient care technicians are healthcare professionals who have completed specialized training and passed a certification exam that validates their ability to assist nurses and doctors in providing direct patient care.
What is a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT)?
A certified phlebotomy technician (CPT) is an entry-level role for the technical side of medicine. These healthcare professionals are responsible for taking blood draws and returning them to the laboratory for testing.
How long do I have to complete ACT’s pre-PA certification courses?
You have 12 months from the date you enroll to complete your course.
Ready to Start Your Career in Healthcare?
Applying to physician assistant school is just the first step — our pre-PA training programs can help you build the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to achieve your goals.
