Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Training at UWF

Demand for medical assistants is growing faster than most any other occupation. Begin a career as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and have an impact on the lives of others.

Prepare for the National Healthcareer Association’s CMA certification exam and be ready for an entry-level position in just four months. Certified clinical medical assistants (CCMAs) combine clinical and procedural knowledge to aid office operations and patient procedures. CCMAs work directly with patients and support the work of doctors and healthcare professionals in hospitals, physicians’ offices and other healthcare facilities.

What a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Does

As a CCMA, you will perform general patient care and administrative responsibilities including:

• Taking patient vital signs
• Assisting providers with exams and procedures
• Administering injections or medications
• Performing EKG, phlebotomy and other essential laboratory procedures
• Checking patients in and out upon arrival and departure
• Updating and maintaining electronic health records (EHR)
• Answering phone calls and questions

UWF CCMA Certification Training Course

The UWF CCMA certification training course will equip you with the knowledge and experience necessary to pass the NHA certification exam. You will learn ethical behavior in a medical setting, therapeutic communication, the importance of a first impression, maintaining a safe office environment, medical terminology and clinical procedures.

This 16-week hybrid program includes online instruction, live labs and clinical experience led by current medical practitioners. In addition to 96 hours in the classroom and homework study time, you are eligible to complete an 80 clock-hour externship, which serves as working experience and a reference for future employment. To date, students from the University of West Florida have achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the Certified Medical Assistant examination.

Course Details

Here are the key details for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant course:

Prerequisites for the course include:

• A high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• No felony or misdemeanor related to the sale of drugs. Traffic violations and any other issues must be cleared up before the externship. This is the sole responsibility of each student
• A history of vaccinations is periodically required to work in the externship
• Commitment to the rigorous 16-week course schedule

Benefits of Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant

• Gain skills quickly in a growing field
• Potential for career growth—after becoming certified, you will have opportunities to further specialize or continue to work towards a degree
• Train at an accredited University with experienced instructors
• No degree application required

After completion of the class portion of the program, our Class Coordinator will assist in helping with your placement in a local Family Practice office to gain hands-on experience vital for your success. The location of the office and the times you work will be based on where and when you can work. Once you complete the externship, you will receive your certificate of completion from the University of West Florida, Division of Continuing Education.

Payment Plans

Payment plans are available for select certificate programs. Students who wish to enroll in the Expanded Function Dental Assistant, Electronic Health Record Specialist, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant or Medical Billing and Coding programs may choose to utilize a payment plan. Payment plan terms vary by program. Contact our Student Support Center for more information on program-specific payment plans.