Medical Assistant Certificate Pathway - Tampa

About the Medical Assistant Pathway

The Accelerate U (AU) Medical Assistant training pathway is a mostly online certificate program that will prepare you to work as a Medical Assistant, aiding doctors, nurses, and patients in healthcare facilities. The certificate is offered at the NLU Tampa campus in Tampa, Florida. The seven-month program includes online, highly-supportive training (led by an instructor and a coach), monthly in-person 8-10 person "Skills Labs" onsite at the Accelerate U training facility where learners practice their hands-on clinical skills, and a four to six-week field-based externship with an AU employer partner.

You’ll earn a nationally-recognized certification and college credit you can apply toward a bachelor's degree. Best of all, you'll receive primary consideration for open Medical Assistant positions with our healthcare partners.

Program Length: 7 months (24 weeks of medical assistant training and a 4-6 week (160-hour) externship

Degree Type: Certificate including a CCMA Credential through the National Health Careers Association (NHA)

Class Format: Primarily online (including live sessions with instructors/coaches) + monthly in-person "Skills Labs" and an in-person externship

Cost: $7,500

There is a $1000 scholarship available for new Florida learners in the program.

What You'll Learn

The Accelerate U Medical Assistant program builds on the nation’s best practices in medical training. Over the course of the experience, you’ll develop the clinical and administrative skills necessary to launch your career as a Medical Assistant. You will gain essential medical and science knowledge, join a network of others in the healthcare field, and you’ll build your clinical skills through a balance of online, remote and in-person learning activities. Topics you'll cover include:

Clinical Skills

Asepsis; phlebotomy (i.e. drawing blood); sterilization techniques; administering immunizations; checking vitals such as pulse, temperature, blood pressure and weight; administering an electrocardiogram (i.e. EKG); pharmacology.

Administrative Duties

Medical billing and insurance; financial bookkeeping; banking procedures; phone etiquette and directing calls; scheduling appointments; medical records and chart management.

Medical Law and Ethics

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); American Medical Association (AMA) Patient Bill of Rights; Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ‘88).

Anatomy and Physiology

Body systems and levels of organizations; circulatory system; anatomy of the arm (arteries and veins); medical terminology and abbreviations.

Communication and Teamwork

Patient care and relations; interpersonal skills; written and verbal skills; roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals; collaboration; cultural competence in healthcare.