Regulatory compliance and institutional legitimacyHelpful instructors, interactive course work, real-life application and seminars.
Online Medical Assistant Program with CCMA Certification Preparation
Earn a nationally accredited CCMA certification and gain real clinical experience in as little as 8-weeks—or learn at your own pace with up to 12 months of access.
- Prepared for CCMA certification exam
- 24/7 Unlimited Access
- Start at Anytime
- No Deadlines or Schedules
- Externship Placement Through our Partner Network
- Pre-med and pre-PA mentorship opportunities
- Job Placement & Employer Connections
10,000+
Students Succesfully Trained
8-Weeks
Fast-Track Completion Option
97%
EXAM PASS RATE. Above national Average
95%
job Placement Within 2 Months
Your Fast Track to a Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA)
Build job-ready clinical skills through a 100% online, self-paced medical assistant training program designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, career changers, and pre-health students.
No waitlists, scheduled start dates, or prior healthcare experience required. Enroll online and receive immediate course access.
- Flexible, Self-Paced Schedule
- Mobile-friendly Platform
- Simulation-based Modules
- Expert Instructors & Dedicated Mentors
- Nationwide Externships
- Career Support
- NHA Exam Prep
- Learn by Doing: At-home Clinical Skills Kit Shipped to Your Home
Direct Pathway to Healthcare
Training → Certification Preparation → Clinical Experience → Job Placement
Advanced eClinical Training is more than an online course — A complete pathway to certification and clinical experience — built and taught by healthcare experts.
You’ll graduate with a nationally accredited certification, clinical experience, and employer access.
1,000+
Clinical Partners Nationwide
160
Verified clinical Externship hours
2,500+
Active Externship Opportunities
TRUSTED BY PRE-HEALTH STUDENTS NATIONWIDE
Medical Assistant Certification Built for Pre-Med and Pre-PA Students
Medical assistant training can provide aspiring physicians and physician assistants with early exposure to patient care, healthcare teams, clinical documentation, and medical-office workflows. ACT’s program is especially suited to pre-med, pre-PA, pre-nursing, and other pre-health students who want to gain:
A COMPETITIVE EDGE
Distinguish yourself from other applicants by showcasing your dedication, skills, and knowledge in healthcare. You are proving your commitment to medicine by working on the front lines.
PATIENT-CARE EXPERIENCE
Gain hands-on patient care experience, interact with medical professionals, and perform clinical tasks in a healthcare setting through opportunities for clinical placements
CLINICAL COMPETENCY
Develop the foundational clinical competencies that can strengthen your preparation for PA school, medical school, and other health-professions programs.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Build essential patient communication and professional skills—including empathy, confidentiality, teamwork, cultural awareness, and navigating difficult conversations—to prepare for patient-facing roles and future health-professions training.
EXPOSURE TO HEALTHCARE SPECIALTIES
Explore healthcare specialties through clinical cases, virtual shadowing, expert-led sessions, and externship—helping you identify your interests and prepare for future health-professions training.
VALUABLE MENTORSHIP AND GUIDANCE
Receive guidance from expert MD/PA advisors who understand pre-health pathways
CAREER-ENHANCING RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY
Throughout your training, you’ll be able to tap into this network for opportunities to learn from your peers and seek out and provide mentorship, advice, and motivation.
VERIFIED DIRECT PATIENT CARE HOURS
Document your externship and clinical competencies through our experiential learning platform. Track verified skills and hours, then add them to your résumé, job or graduate school applications, and professional profiles.
Nationwide Acceptance. Valued Certification.
Employer Partner Network
Through our nationwide network of 1,000+ healthcare partners, students gain direct access to clinical externships, direct employer connections, and fast-tracked hiring pathways.
Choose How You Want to Enroll & Start Today
Invest in your future with the option that works best for you. Pay your tuition in full or choose our flexible 0% interest payment plan.
Your tuition is all-inclusive with no hidden fees, and whichever option you choose, you'll receive instant access to your course so you can start your CCMA journey today.
All-Inclusive Program Tuition
Everything is included — no hidden fees. Choose your package and start immediately.
Pay in full or enroll in an interest-free monthly payment plan
Online medical assistant certification
CCMA Course
Standard Package
$3,100
Or, 100% interest-free monthly payments
Training & Curriculum
- Interactive lessons & 24/7 support
- Expert curriculum built by MDs & PAs
- Virtual patient simulation platform
- Interactive ECG Lab
- Instructor office hours (1-on-1 virtual)
- AI-powered teaching assistant
Certification
- NHA CCMA certification exam
- 6 official NHA practice exams
- NHA study portal (12 months)
- BLS training via AHA
Clinical & Career
- Externship placement nationwide (optional)
- Career coaching & resume prep
- Interview preparation
- Virtual shadowing webinars
- Pre-health community access
- ACT Advanced Certificate & Badge
- Employer matching & network access
- Job Placement
CCMA Course +
Venipuncture Kit
$3,300
Or, 100% interest-free monthly payments
Includes all features of the standard package PLUS:
Kit shipped directly to your home
- Real Medical Equipment: Syringes, needles, lancets
- Dummy Arm with veins & puncture sites
- Step-by-Step Manual: 30+ essential procedures
- Interactive eBook with instructional videos
- Interactive eBook with instructional videos & demonstrations
- Hands-on practice for real-world clinical scenarios
CCMA Course +
Pre-Med / Pre-PA Mentorship
4,500
Or, 100% interest-free monthly payments
Includes all features of the standard package PLUS:
Kit shipped directly to your home
- Free Venipuncture Kit
- Free Medical Terminology Course
- Personalized Reference Letter From Mentor
- 8 Virtual One-On-One Mentorship Sessions
- Post-application support
- Personal statement review & mock interviews
- Strategic application & exam timeline planning
- Rejection analysis & reapplication strategy
- Specialized exam prep resources
- Research, volunteer & clinical advising
Award-Winning Online Medical Assistant Training
standards met: ace-approved training
Recognized by American Council of Education for Meeting High Standards in College-level Clinical Education.
forbes education Awarded best of 2026
Awarded best online certified medical assistant program By Forbes Education in 2025 and 2026.
Learn From Experienced Healthcare Instructors
ACT students are supported by experienced healthcare practitioners who bring clinical knowledge and real-world perspective into the learning experience.
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- One-on-one instructor support
- Virtual office hours
- Interactive case discussions
- Certification-exam preparation sessions
- Personalized feedback
- Guidance as students prepare for certification and clinical experience
- Pre-health mentorship with MD/PA advisors
What's Included in the Online Medical Assistant Training Program
Advanced eClinical Training’s online medical assistant program includes a complete, end-to-end pathway — from training to certification, clinical experience, and job placement.
Train on your schedule, gain verified clinical experience, and move directly toward employment.
Everything You Need to Succeed
- Flexible access: Up to 12 months of unlimited access to course materials and NHA study portal
- CCMA certification prep: Study guides, 6 official practice exams, and competency assessments
- Exam included: NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam covered in tuition
- Expert instruction: Lectures, presentations, virtual seminars, and 1:1 virtual office hours
- 24/7 support: Academic support plus AI-powered tutoring and feedback
- Clinical skills before the clinic. Virtual patient simulations, an interactive ECG lab, and an optional at-home venipuncture kit so you practice the real thing.
- Real-world learning: Case studies, knowledge checks, and applied exercises
- We handle externship placement. No cold-calling facilities — we coordinate hands-on placement through our partner network so your experience is documented and employer-verifiable.
- Career support that's actually built in. Resume help, mock interviews, and direct employer introductions through our healthcare hiring network.
- Certifications: BLS and cardiovascular life support training (American Heart Association)
- Community: Access to live events, seminars, and peer support
More Than Online Medical Assistant Classes
ACT combines structured online coursework with applied clinical learning so students can move beyond memorization and begin developing practical judgment.
- Virtual Patient Simulations: Work through realistic patient encounters, make decisions, and apply course concepts in a controlled online environment.
- Interactive ECG Training: Practice ECG lead-placement concepts, patient preparation, workflow, and foundational electrocardiography knowledge.
- At-Home Skills Practice: Use your included clinical kit during guided educational activities covering vital signs, blood-pressure measurement, phlebotomy concepts, injection preparation, infection control, and equipment safety.
- Clinical Case Studies: Analyze realistic healthcare situations and connect anatomy, pharmacology, documentation, safety, and patient communication.
- Live Virtual Shadowing: Learn from practicing healthcare professionals through instructor-led sessions, clinical demonstrations, discussions, and exam-preparation activities.
- Optional Clinical Externship: Eligible graduates may request coordination for an optional 160-hour externship through ACT’s healthcare partner network in approved locations.
What You Will Learn
When you enroll in our online medical assistant program, you’ll have access to a planned curriculum designed by experts that goes beyond foundational knowledge and focuses on developing your patient care and clinical skills. By the time you complete this course, you’ll know how to:
Anatomy & Physiology
Understand human anatomy, body systems, and the principles of disease. Learn about body functions and what happens when disease occurs.
Pharmacology
Administer medications safely and understand the principles of pharmacology, drug classifications, and medication safety protocols.
Vital Signs
Take vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, and help with certain treatments and procedures.
Medical Administration
Learn administrative duties including scheduling, medical records management, insurance processing, and front office operations.
Healthcare Compliance
Comply with healthcare regulations and the laws that govern medical practice, including HIPAA, patient rights, and ethical standards.
Patient Care
Interact with patients in a way that puts their welfare first. Learn patient-centered care, cultural competency, and therapeutic communication.
ECG Testing
Perform electrocardiograms and run other cardiopulmonary tests. Understand cardiac anatomy, ECG interpretation basics.
Clinical Documentation
Maintain accurate patient records, document clinical findings, and ensure proper medical charting practices.
Medical Terminology
Comply with healthcare regulations and the laws that govern medical practice, including HIPAA, patient rights, and ethical standards.
Laboratory Procedures
Properly collect, handle, and process specimens for diagnostic testing. Master phlebotomy, urinalysis, and laboratory safety.
Clinical Procedures
Master essential clinical procedures including injections, wound care, sterilization, and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
Professional Resources
Develop professional skills including resume writing, interview techniques, workplace professionalism, and career advancement strategies.
Career Assistance
Career Support to Help You Move Forward
Advanced eClinical Training provides career-focused support designed to help students transition into healthcare roles quickly and confidently.
Career services include:
- Resume development and review
- Interview preparation and mock interviews
- Individualized job-search guidance
- Access to a nationwide healthcare job board
- Employer matching and introductions where available
- Guidance on presenting certification and clinical experience
- Continued career-resource access after graduation
- Externship-to-employment pathways where available
The goal is not just program completion — it’s real career outcomes.
Whether you’re planning to enter the workforce immediately or continue your education, we provide the tools, guidance, and support to help you move forward with confidence.
Nationally Accredited Certification
Students who complete the program are prepared to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association.
Why this matters:
- Recognized by employers across the United States
- Demonstrates job-ready clinical competency
- Strengthens applications for healthcare jobs and pre-health pathways
Career Services
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.
Clinical Externship Placements
We offer opportunities for clinical externship placements in healthcare facilities nationwide. Our network of partner healthcare facilities includes hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers, making it possible to place you in a clinical facility that matches your interests and career aspirations.
Advanced eClinical Training's Key Credentials
Approvals, Accreditations & Recognition
Advanced eClinical Training (ACT) is a licensed and approved private postsecondary career school, offering workforce-aligned healthcare training programs that prepare students for nationally accredited certifications.
Nationally Recognized Training
Advanced eClinical Training is recognized by leading national certification organizations as an approved provider of healthcare training. This ensures the program meets nationally recognized training standards.
PA Student & Externship Disclosure
Medical Assistant Career and Employment Outlook
Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative work, including collecting patient histories, measuring vital signs, assisting with examinations, scheduling appointments, preparing specimens, and documenting information in medical records.
Median annual wage: $45,690
Projected employment growth: 15% from 2025–2035
Get Certified. Gain Experience. Get Hired.
Advanced eClinical Training provides a complete, structured pathway from online training to employment — combining every step students need into one program, so nothing falls through the crack
Step 1: Accelerated Online Training
Complete your full medical assistant training curriculum in as little as 8 weeks — or take your time up to 12 months. 100% online, fully self-paced, with 24/7 access from any device.
- Immediate start — no waitlists or approval periods
- Expert-designed curriculum
- Interactive modules with video, simulations & quizzes
- Virtual patient simulation platform with ECG lab
- One-on-one instructor office hours
- 24/7 academic support throughout the program
Advanced eClinical Training's Simulation-based clinical training prepares you for real patient care before your externship begins, helping you build knowledge, comfort, and readiness in a structured way.
Step 2: CCMA Certification Preparation
Prepare for and pass the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) — the gold standard in allied health credentialing. The exam fee is included in your tuition.
- NHA-aligned curriculum covering all exam domains
- 6 official NHA practice exams included
- Comprehensive study guides and competency assessments
- CCMA exam fee included — no extra cost
- NHA study portal access for 12 months
- Instructor-led exam prep sessions
97% of students pass CCMA exam on 1st attempt.
Above the National Average
Step 3: Nationwide Clinical Externship
Students have the option to participate in a guaranteed externship placement through our nationwide network of 1,000+ healthcare partners. No searching, no cold-calling facilities — we place you directly.
- 160 hours of verified, hands-on clinical experience
- Placements at clinics, hospitals & outpatient facilities
- 1,000+ partner facilities across all 50 states
- Train with Concentra, Kaiser, HCA, Mayo Clinic & more
- Supervised by licensed clinical professionals
- Documented & verified for your employment applications
Real experience that matters: This externship is designed to help bridge the gap between online learning and real clinical work, giving you verified experience that employers can recognize and trust.
Step 4: Job Placement & Employer Connections
Career support is built into the program — not an afterthought. Your dedicated career coach works with you to connect with employers, prepare your applications, and land your first role.
- Personalized career coaching sessions
- CCMA-specific resume development
- Mock interviews & detailed feedback
- Direct employer matching by location & specialty
- Access to private nationwide job board
- Lifetime career services access after graduation
95% of students secure employment within 2 months of program completion.
Designed for real outcomes: 95% of Advanced eClinical Training graduates secure employment within 2 months of program completion, making this pathway especially valuable for students who want to move into healthcare quickly.
Everything You Need to Start Your Healthcare Career
What Our Students Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Can You Become a Medical Assistant Fully Online?
Yes, you can become a medical assistant through a fully online program—if it includes structured training, clinical skill development, and real-world experience. For stronger outcomes, students should look for programs that also include clinical skill development and externship placement support; ACT’s model is fully online and self-paced, with simulation-based learning and externship support in its program materials. High-quality programs like Advanced eClinical Training (ACT) combine:- Interactive online coursework and virtual patient simulations
- Instructor-led training and academic support
- Coordinated in-person externship placements for hands-on clinical experience
- National certification exam prep and aligned skills training
- NHA-aligned CCMA certification preparation
- Simulation-based clinical training
- Externship placement support through 1,000+ clinical partners
- Career coaching, job matching, and employer connections
What is the Best Online Medical Assistant Program?
The best online medical assistant programs combine certification preparation, clinical skills training, and real-world experience. Advanced eClinical Training (ACT) is designed as a complete career pathway—offering:- A 97% CCMA certification pass rate
- Externship placement across 1,000+ clinical partners
- Structured career coaching and job placement support
- NHA-aligned CCMA certification preparation
- Simulation-based clinical training
- Externship placement support through 1,000+ clinical partners
- Career coaching, job matching, and employer connections
Who is the online medical assistant program designed for?
This program is built for individuals who want a direct, structured pathway into healthcare—whether for immediate employment or long-term career advancement. Ideal for:- Pre-med, pre-PA, and pre-nursing students seeking meaningful clinical experience for competitive applications
- Career changers looking to transition into the healthcare field quickly and confidently
- Students preparing for CCMA certification and nationally recognized credentials
- Individuals seeking a fast, flexible, and job-focused online medical assistant program
- Military personnel and spouses pursuing portable, career-ready training
- High school graduates and entry-level learners starting their healthcare journey
- Immediate job entry through certification, clinical training, and career placement support
- Long-term healthcare career advancement for students pursuing medical, nursing, or physician assistant programs
What Does a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Do?
Medical assistants are an integral part of the medical team and contribute to the flow of patient care through a wide range of duties, including obtaining detailed patient history, obtaining vital signs, administering point of care testing, medications, injections, and vaccinations.
A certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) can also assist with clinical procedures, including minor surgical in-office interventions that require sterile protocol. Furthermore, they prepare patients for X-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, conduct wound care, change dressings, collect specimens, order proper laboratory studies, etc. CCMAs also facilitate communication between the patient and other healthcare professionals.
Where can I work as a CCMA?
CCMAs work in a wide variety of medical settings, including at hospitals and clinics, outpatient facilities, diagnostic testing centers, nursing homes, and hospice providers.
What is the National Healthcareer Association?
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a leading professional certification organization for healthcare workers in the United States. Today, the organization is the largest allied health certification agency in the country and has awarded over 1 million nationally accredited certifications.
Since the course is online, how will I develop the necessary patient care skills as a CCMA?
Advanced eClinical Training provides a comprehensive pathway to developing clinical skills through a mix of online tools, hands-on practice, and real-world externships. The key features include:- Virtual Clinical Simulations: Practice real-life patient care in a safe online environment.
- Venipuncture and Injection Kit: Hands-on practice with drawing blood and administering injections at home.
- Skills-Ready Curriculum: Focus on essential patient care skills, including documentation, EKGs, and medication administration.
- Interactive Video Tutorials: Step-by-step tutorials for procedures to enhance understanding.
- Constant Feedback & Support: Ongoing guidance with assessments and progress checks.
- Access to Peer & Professional Networks: Join a supportive community for collaboration and professional growth.This combination ensures you're fully prepared for clinical tasks in real-world healthcare settings.
Where can I take the CCMA national exam?
The national exam, administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), can be taken online through remote proctoring from the comfort of your own home. The Advanced eClinical Training team will assist you with both exam registration and preparation, ensuring you are fully ready for your certification exam.
How long do I have to complete the program?
You have 12 months from the date you enroll to complete this course.
What is the Fastest Way to Become a Medical Assistant?
The fastest way to become a medical assistant is to complete an accelerated, certification-focused training program aligned with the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). High-quality online medical assistant programs—such as Advanced eClinical Training (ACT)—are designed to streamline the entire pathway by combining:- Accelerated online coursework (completed in as little as 6–8 weeks)
- Certification exam preparation aligned with NHA standards
- Clinical skills training through simulation-based learning
- Externship placement pathways for real-world experience
- Eliminating waitlists and semester schedules
- Providing self-paced, start-anytime learning
- Integrating exam prep + clinical training + career support in one system
- Offering externship placement support instead of requiring students to find sites independently
What Skills Do You Learn in a Medical Assistant Program?
Medical assistants need strong communication, compassion, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to manage both patient-facing and administrative tasks. Core job skills include taking vitals, documenting care, handling specimens, following infection-control protocols, and helping patients understand next steps. A high-quality medical assistant program teaches both clinical and administrative competencies required in real healthcare settings. At Advanced eClinical Training (ACT), training is aligned with industry standards and certification requirements, covering: Clinical Skills- Taking vital signs and preparing patients for exams
- Performing EKGs and basic diagnostic procedures
- Assisting with medications and understanding pharmacology fundamentals
- Infection control, safety protocols, and clinical workflows
- Medical terminology and patient interaction
- Documentation and healthcare record management
- HIPAA compliance, healthcare laws, and ethics
How does ACT ensure training quality?
Advanced eClinical Training maintains quality through multiple validation layers: state regulatory oversight (NH Department of Education), national certification alignment (NHA, PTCB, AMCA), academic standards (ACE), workforce performance metrics (ETPL/WIOA), and employer partnerships. This multi-system validation ensures ongoing quality and relevance.Does ACT provide clinical experience opportunities?
Yes. Advanced eClinical Training maintains partnerships with healthcare employers and clinical sites across the United States. Students gain access to clinical externship placement opportunities in real healthcare environments, which is essential for applying skills and meeting certification requirements.Is online medical assistant training legitimate?
Online medical assistant training is legitimate when it includes certification alignment, workforce validation, and clinical experience pathways. Advanced eClinical Training integrates all three components: NHA certification preparation, ETPL/WIOA workforce approval, and clinical externship placement opportunities with real healthcare employers.Ready to Start Your Career in Healthcare?
Whether you plan to start working as soon as possible or continue on to medical school, our training programs can help you achieve your goals.
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FAQs
Can you become a medical assistant fully online?
You can complete medical assistant training and prepare for the CCMA certification fully online. Hands-on clinical experience is gained through an optional coordinated externship. Whether a role requires anything beyond certification can depend on the employer and the state.
Is online medical assistant training legitimate?
Yes. ACT is a state-licensed private postsecondary career school, and the CCMA is a nationally recognized credential issued by the NHA, an NCCA-accredited certifying body.
Where can I work as a CCMA?
CCMAs work in clinics, physician offices, hospitals, and outpatient facilities. Specific duties a medical assistant may perform — and any state certification or registration — vary by state and employer.
Does ACT actually help place you in externships at real clinics or hospitals?
Yes, Advanced eClinical Training coordinates externship placement for you rather than leaving you to find a site on your own. With ACT, students who opt into the externship are placed through our partner network of clinics, hospitals, and outpatient facilities, where hours are supervised by licensed professionals and documented for your applications.
Does ACT's online CCMA certification program still include real-world clinical experience?
ACT's CCMA program is 100% online and self-paced (finish in as little as 8 weeks or take up to 12 months), and it pairs that flexibility with an optional coordinated externship for real, supervised clinical hours. he pattern to look for: self-paced coursework for the knowledge, plus a separate, hands-on clinical component for the experience. A program that's online-only with no clinical pathway gives you a credential but not the patient-facing hours employers and pre-health programs care about.
What are the best online clinical certification programs for pre-med and pre-PA students who want real hands-on experience, not just theory?
or pre-med and pre-PA students, the deciding factor isn't the certificate name — it's whether the program delivers genuine, documented patient-facing hours you can later describe in an application. Strong programs combine flexible online coursework with a real, supervised clinical component; weak ones stop at video lessons and a credential. ACT is designed for the first kind: self-paced CCMA training plus an optional coordinated externship with supervised, documented hours, alongside pre-health mentorship options.
What are the best online programs to quickly gain patient-facing experience for future med school applications?
The fastest legitimate route to patient-facing experience combines an accelerated online certification with a hands-on clinical placement — which is the structure ACT's CCMA program uses (training in as little as 8 weeks, plus an optional coordinated externship).
Which online medical assistant certification programs are most respected by employers?
Employers respect the credential and the candidate's demonstrated skills more than the name of the online school. The most widely recognized US medical-assistant credentials are the NHA's CCMA and the AAMA's CMA; ACT prepares you specifically for the NHA CCMA, a nationally recognized certification accepted by employers across the US.
How do I compare online allied health certification providers in terms of quality and accreditation?
Use a consistent checklist: (1) Is the school state-licensed, and is the certification issued by a recognized certifier (e.g., NHA, NCCA-accredited)? Note these are two different things. (2) Does it include a real, supervised clinical component? (3) Is the credentialing exam fee included, or billed later? (4) Are outcome claims backed by stated methodology? (5) Is placement available in your state? On ACT specifically: we're a state-licensed career school preparing you for the NHA CCMA, with the exam fee included and optional coordinated externships.