Medical Assistant Certificate Program
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Program at a Glance
- Develop skills in performing clinical and administrative procedures.
- Prepare for medical assistant certification exams.
- Gain real-world experience through an on-ground clinical experience and externship.
- Learn from professors who are experienced health care professionals.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
1.5 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
58
(39 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Medical Assistant Certificate Overview
Medical assistants work directly with patients and assist in their care and well-being. If you’re interested in pursuing opportunities in this rewarding profession, the medical assistant program can help you develop relevant skills and gain real-world experience.
To help you gain the skills for the medical field, Purdue Global's certificate program combines online medical assistant classes with hands-on experience in onsite clinicals and an externship.
Hands-on medical assistant training in:
- Administering injections
- Taking vital signs
- Recording EKGs
- Assisting in minor surgical procedures
- Obtaining specimens and laboratory testing
- Performing phlebotomy
Online medical assistant coursework in:
- Carrying out basic accounting procedures
- Completing reception duties
- Performing medical billing and coding tasks
- Coordinating patient referrals
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Medical Assistant Certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.CAAHEP.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Practical Experience
Gain real-world experience and build a valuable professional network during a 160-hour externship at a local medical office or ambulatory care setting.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Prepare for Medical Assistant Certification
Upon completion of the program, you may be eligible to sit for the following exams*:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC)
Pass Rates
The exam pass rate for 2020 medical assisting graduates was 87.22%.
Note: Pass rates are for the 2020 outcome year. Calculated rates are from data submitted to the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) annual report.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
Learn from experienced professionals who have attained high levels of achievement in the field. Stay connected with online seminars, discussion boards, and a hands-on clinical experience.
See All Medical Assisting CoursesSample Courses
- Medical Law and Bioethics
- Medical Terminology
- Diseases of the Human Body
- Medical Office Management
- Professionalism in Health Care
Online
- Major Credits58
- Total Credits58
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the Medical Assistant Certificate program, you could pursue positions in settings such as doctor's offices, clinics, and other medical facilities.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for in Medical Assistants:
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Monitoring
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Health Sciences Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.
That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about the online Medical Assistant Certificate and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
Prepare yourself for success with a certificate for medical assisting.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Medical Assistant Certification: Certification and licensing boards in Washington and South Dakota have specific educational requirements for a program to lead to certification as a medical assistant, which is a precondition for employment in those states. This program meets the educational requirements to obtain certification in Washington and South Dakota. Refer to Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.
Residents of all states are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.