clinical medical assistant
Health SciencesAre you interested in providing direct patient care and supporting healthcare teams?

The Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate program offers hands-on training in clinical procedures, patient interaction, and healthcare support skills. This program prepares you for a rewarding career as a medical assistant, helping improve patient experiences and supporting medical professionals in a variety of healthcare environments.

Clinical externships are completed off-campus at area healthcare facilities under the supervision of physicians and medical staff. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) examination through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

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What Can You Do with a Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate?

With this certificate, you can work as a medical assistant in various healthcare settings, performing clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with examinations, preparing patients for procedures, and supporting administrative functions like scheduling and record-keeping. This certification opens the door to a vital role in healthcare delivery, providing essential patient care and support services that help clinics and medical offices run smoothly.
The demand for medical assistants is projected to grow rapidly as healthcare services expand and clinics, hospitals, and physician offices seek qualified support staff. Graduates can find employment in outpatient care, clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices. The field offers competitive wages, job stability, and opportunities for career advancement in healthcare support and clinical roles.

Suggested Curriculum

The courses below are recommended as part of your program of study. Please work with your Academic Advisor to select the courses that are right for you and your educational goals.
  • MA 101 Patient Care Techniques
    with a grade of C or higher.

  • MA 102 Functional Anatomy and Physiology
    with a grade of C or higher.

  • MA 103 Healthcare Law and Ethics
    with a grade of C or higher.

  • MA 111 Clinical Assisting and Pharmacology
    with a grade of C or higher.

  • MA 112 Administrative Procedures/EMR
    with a grade of C or higher.

  • MA 121 Medical Laboratory Procedures
    with a grade of C or higher.

  • MA 122 Medical Billing and Insurance Processing
    with a grade of C or higher.

  • MA 123 Diagnostic and Specialty Procedures
    with a grade of C or higher.

  • MA 131 Professional Development
    with a grade of C or higher.

  • MA 132 Externship
    with a grade of C or higher.


  • Median salary in 2024 for medical assistants is $21 per hour, $43,680 annual  
  • Employment (2024) 811,000
  • Projected to grow at a rate of 15% over the next ten years which is much faster than other professions job growth. 

All students accepted into the Clinical Medical Assisting program must complete a criminal background check through Castlebranch as a condition of admission into the program. Students with a history of felonies or multiple misdemeanors may not be accepted. Students shall be responsible for the required fees related to the criminal background check.

If a student鈥檚 criminal background check presents a positive personal history, the Dean of Allied Health and Emergency Services and/or the Vice President of Academic Affairs will review the findings to determine if the information would exclude the student from participating in the clinical experiences required in the program and thus exclude the student from being admitted into the dental assisting program.  Disqualifying offenses defined in Section 955.160 of the Health Care Worker Background Check Act is used to determine offenses that would prohibit admission into the program.  Details of disqualifying offenses can be found at

. If the student believes that the information is in error, they may obtain a fingerprint background check, at his/her own expense, to refute or confirm the initial findings.

Felony convictions may adversely affect their ability to sit for certification exams and to receive employment as a clinical medical assistant.

NHA will review the documentation related to each offense, and make a case-by-case determination in consultation with legal counsel as to the candidate鈥檚 eligibility to test, to earn certification or recertify.

Please note some medical facilities may require an additional criminal background check.  Cost of all criminal background checks will be at the student鈥檚 expense.  


All students accepted into the Clinical Medical Assisting program must complete a physical examination and demonstrate proof of immunizations and/or immunity.  The physical examination must be completed on provided forms. Your physician must thoroughly complete the form.

The physical examination must include the following:

  • Evidence of completion of Hepatitis B immunization (series of three vaccines) or a signed waiver. If unable to verify the dates of the 3 vaccines, Hepatitis antibody titer to assess for immune status can be ordered by the provider. This titer should be at least 12 months after the Hepatitis vaccine dose #3.
  • QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test (QFT-G) completed within 12 months of admission.
  • M.M.R. vaccination (2 doses required at least one month apart)  or  Titer indicating immunity

One of the above must be met.

Tetanus or booster within a 10-year period. If never immunized - 2 doses of TD, 4-8 weeks apart - Third dose 6-12 months later.

The cost of the physical exam and immunizations will be at the student鈥檚 expense.  

If a student has chosen not to be vaccinated due to medical, religious or cultural reasons they will be asked to sign an acknowledgement that they are aware that an off-campus learning facility may not accept the student without proof of immunizations. The program will not guarantee an alternate placement if a student is rejected from a clinical site. Documentation from a medical facility and/or clergy will be required if vaccines have not been completed. All other components of the required physical including the TB test must be completed.


In-District Cost


  • 2 sets of scrubs - $100
  • Texts for all Medical Assisting Courses and CCMA NHA exam  - $607
  • Physical Exam and Immunizations
    Cost for physical exam and immunization can vary considerably depending on healthcare coverage. - $200
  • Tuition - $5,568
  • Lab fees - $2,400

Total: $8,875

Out of District Cost


  • 2 sets of scrubs - $100
    Texts for all Medical Assisting Courses and CCMA NHA exam  - $607
  • Physical Exam and Immunizations
    Cost for physical exam and immunization can vary considerably depending on healthcare coverage. - $200
  • Tuition - 12,456
  • Lab fees - $2,400

Total: 15,763 


Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a 91重口 advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.


Faculty Contact Information

Margaret Murphy

Program Coordinator
Email: mmurphy19@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-7929

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