About this program

Get the skills you need to start a career as a Clinical Medical Assistant. Our CMA program includes a 140-hour certificate course with an optional 160-hour clinical externship. Choose between hybrid and online formats.

CMA Certificate Program

Certification

Get Prepared

Hybrid Class

In Downtown SF and Online

Online Class

Self-Paced, Start Anytime

CMA working with doctor online
Choose the Format That Fits Your Schedule

Hybrid and Online Courses

You can complete the Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program in the format that works best for you. Choose a hybrid option that combines online coursework with in-person training in downtown San Francisco, or complete the program fully online. Both options help you build the clinical and administrative skills needed to work in medical offices and healthcare settings.

About the CMA Online Certificate Program

You will train to help physicians with clinical duties in a medical office. Topics include:

  • Preparing patients for exams and treatments
  • Taking and recording vital signs
  • Phlebotomy and specimen collection
  • Administering medications and injections
  • Performing EKGs and analyzing results
  • Assisting with minor surgeries and infection control
  • Understanding medical terminology, anatomy, ethics and legal guidelines
  • Communicating effectively with patients and healthcare teams

You will be prepared to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. The externship is recommended but not required.

Hybrid Course
Cost: $2,599
Length: 2.5 to 3 months
Registration Opens: Fall: Mid-July | Spring: Early January | Summer: Mid-April

Online Course
Cost: $2,599, payment plans available
Length: 4 to 6 months (6 months access with possible 3-month extension)
Registration: Anytime

CalJOBS
SFSU is an eligible training provider.

CalJOBS

Payment Plan
For online courses, Health Ed Today offer 3-, 6- and 10-month payment plans.

Payment Plan

Certification
After completing this program, you will be eligible to take leading national certifications that can support entry-level employment in this growing field:

  • National Workforce Career Association (NWCA)
    Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC)
  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
    Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

This training can prepare you for entry-level CMA positions and is also a good step toward future studies in Certified Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Registered Nursing (RN) programs.

If you plan to work outside California, check your state’s certification requirements to make sure this program meets them.

CMA Employment
With your CMA training, you can apply for positions in physician offices, clinics, chiropractic offices and outpatient facilities.

The CMA Profession
Clinical medical assistants help healthcare offices run smoothly. You may take patient histories, record vital signs, prepare patients for exams, assist during procedures and explain treatment instructions. You may also collect and process lab specimens, perform basic lab tests, draw blood, administer medications, take electrocardiograms and change dressings.

There are no prerequisites for this course, and you may register without a high school diploma. However, you will need a high school diploma or GED in order to take the national certification exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Additionally, our partners are unable to provide externship placements to students under 18 years old. 

You may choose to take part in an optional volunteer externship with a local organization in your field to gain hands-on experience. Externship sites may require additional documentation such as health records, immunizations, drug screening or background checks. After completing your program, you can contact the Health Ed Today Externship Coordinator at mentor@healthedtoday.com to arrange placement.

This certificate is offered in partnership with Health Ed Today.

Health Ed Today.

Contact

Clinical Medical Assistant in scrubs, holding a tablet

Online Classes

To learn more and to enroll visit Health Ed Today or call:
(877) 261-1484

Health Ed Today

Hybrid Classes

In-depth information and career counseling:
(877) 261-1484

San Francisco Location:
CCSF Chinatown/North Beach Center
808 Kearny Street (at Washington Street)
San Francisco, CA 94108

General Inquiries

Contact health programs at cpagehealthceu@sfsu.edu.
Baseemah Rahman
Program Specialist
(415) 405-4226

 

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