The Medical Assistant Certificate Pathway at National Louis University (NLU) in Tampa offers an accelerated 7-month training designed to quickly equip students for entry-level positions as certified medical assistants. The curriculum combines online instruction, monthly hands-on skills labs, and a required externship, totaling $7,200 with potential scholarship opportunities.
Students complete 24 weeks of medical assistant coursework, followed by a 160-hour externship, providing practical experience at local healthcare facilities. Graduates earn a certificate and qualify to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Program Overview & Structure
NLU’s Medical Assistant Certificate Pathway is a primarily online program focused on flexibility, practical skills, and personalized support. Most coursework is completed virtually, accompanied by monthly in-person skills labs held at NLU’s Tampa campus. Each lab is small—typically 8-10 students—allowing for personalized guidance and feedback.
After coursework, students participate in a 4-6 week externship (160 hours). This practical experience is critical, enabling participants to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. The externships are arranged with local hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices, providing diverse opportunities and potential professional connections.
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Cost and Financial Considerations
Tuition for the entire Medical Assistant Certificate Pathway is clearly stated at $7,200. Students should note that a scholarship of up to $1,000 may be available, potentially reducing costs. Financial aid is also accessible to qualified students who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
What You’ll Learn: Skills & Knowledge Areas
The program covers critical areas essential for medical assisting roles:
Clinical Skills:
- Infection prevention techniques (asepsis and sterilization).
- Drawing blood (phlebotomy).
- Administering immunizations and medications.
- Measuring vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and weight.
- Conducting electrocardiograms (EKG).
Administrative Tasks:
- Handling medical billing, insurance, and bookkeeping.
- Scheduling appointments and managing patient communication.
- Maintaining medical records and navigating electronic health records (EHR).
Medical Law and Ethics:
- Understanding and following HIPAA regulations.
- Learning patient rights and ethical medical practices.
Anatomy and Physiology:
- Understanding body systems, particularly circulatory.
- Learning medical terminology relevant to practice.
Communication and Professional Skills:
- Interpersonal skills with patients and healthcare teams.
- Effective verbal and written communication in clinical environments.
Certification & Career Prospects
Graduates earn eligibility to sit for the CCMA certification exam through the NHA. Obtaining this credential is beneficial for securing employment, as certified assistants often have better job prospects.
Medical assisting positions are rapidly growing and offer stable, rewarding careers. In Tampa, entry-level medical assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $43,000 annually. Jobs are widely available in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, doctors’ offices, and insurance companies.
Who is the Ideal Student?
NLU seeks motivated, service-oriented individuals who enjoy caring for others and desire a healthcare career. Ideal students:
- Can dedicate 18-20 hours per week for coursework.
- Appreciate both independent online learning and face-to-face interactions.
- Thrive in small-group settings and value personalized instruction.
- Are excited by hands-on skills practice and practical healthcare experience.
- Want to use certification as a stepping stone toward further education or career advancement.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for this Medical Assistant Certificate, students must:
- Complete an online application at NLU.
- Have a high school diploma with at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Successfully interview with the Admissions Committee.
Program Policies & Expectations
NLU emphasizes professionalism, ethical conduct, and integrity. Students must maintain high standards of behavior consistent with healthcare workplace expectations. Additionally, affiliated externship providers often require background checks and drug screenings at the student’s expense. Unsuccessful screenings may limit externship participation, potentially impacting program completion.
For graduation, students must:
- Complete 30 quarter hours at NLU.
- Achieve at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Successfully finish all coursework with grades of “C” or better.
- Complete the 160-hour clinical externship.
- Take the CCMA certification exam (passing the exam is not required for graduation).
Course Highlights
Core courses ensure a comprehensive education:
- CAR 204: Professional identity and career development skills.
- MEDA 101: Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology relevant to medical assisting.
- MEDA 110 & MEDA 115: Administrative and clinical medical assisting skills.
- MEDA 130: Advanced clinical medical assisting procedures.
MEDA 140: Clinical externship experience in healthcare facilities.
Online and Flexible Learning
NLU’s Medical Assistant Certificate is mainly delivered online, featuring live video sessions, interactive coursework, and personalized coaching. Monthly on-site labs in Tampa ensure students build critical hands-on skills. Active participation and engagement in all aspects of coursework, including virtual classes, online discussions, assignments, and labs, are mandatory.
Financial Aid and Support
Students seeking financial support can access a range of financial aid options, including federal grants, student loans, and institutional scholarships. NLU’s financial aid office guides students through FAFSA completion, helping maximize financial assistance opportunities.
Additionally, NLU provides structured payment plans to help manage tuition expenses, offering a variety of flexible solutions to meet diverse student financial situations.
Advantages of NLU’s Program
NLU has a strong reputation, offering education with over 135 years of experience. Their Accelerate U Medical Assistant program uniquely blends online convenience with essential practical experiences.
Students gain eligibility for nationally recognized certification and potential direct employment opportunities with partner healthcare institutions. Moreover, earned college credits from this certificate may transfer towards future bachelor’s degrees, encouraging long-term academic and professional advancement.
Who Should Consider This School
NLU’s Medical Assistant Pathway is an excellent choice for individuals seeking an accelerated, affordable path to medical assisting careers. It particularly suits motivated adults who appreciate online learning combined with hands-on experiences. If you want an entry point into healthcare that provides practical skills, certification opportunities, and career placement connections within a supportive educational framework, this program merits serious consideration.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | $7,200 (with a $1,000 scholarship available) |
| Duration: | 7 months (24 weeks training + 4–6 week externship) |
| Class Schedules: | Flexible schedule; online coursework + monthly in-person skills labs |
| Online Classes?: | Yes, primarily online with in-person labs and externship |
| Requirements: | High school diploma (2.0 GPA), application, interview, possible background check and drug screen for externship |
| Address: | 6550 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33634 |
| Phone: | 1-800-366-6581 |
| Website: | https://nl.edu/accelerateu/medical-assistant-pathway-tampa/ |
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