Medical Assistant
Program FAQs

Will I receive a Certificate of Completion from an accredited university?

Yes! When you complete the program, you'll earn a Certificate of Completion from the regionally accredited SMU Continuing and Professional Education. The Medical Assistant curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current healthcare industry standards, helping you build the clinical and administrative skills employers value while preparing for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

How long does the Medical Assistant program take to complete?

The Medical Assistant program is 100% self-paced, so you can progress on your own schedule. While completion times vary, many students finish within 3–6 months. You'll have up to 12 months to complete the program.

What makes SMU Continuing and Professional Education's Medical Assistant program different?

SMU Continuing and Professional Education offers a flexible way to prepare for a medical assistant career without putting your life on hold. The online Medical Assistant program combines the credibility of a regionally accredited university with the flexibility of self-paced learning. You'll develop the clinical and administrative skills employers are looking for, prepare for the CCMA exam, get career and externship placement support, and earn a Certificate of Completion from SMU Continuing and Professional Education — all on a timeline that works for you.

Do I need any prior experience in this field to get started?

Our Medical Assistant program is designed for beginners, so you don't need previous healthcare experience to get started. The curriculum is designed to help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for your next career opportunity.

What are the requirements for enrolling in the Medical Assistant program?

The Medical Assistant program is designed for beginners and does not require prior healthcare experience. There are no prerequisites or application requirements to enroll. Students should be prepared to complete coursework online and review any program-specific requirements before enrolling.

Are course materials included, or will I need to purchase textbooks or supplies?

All required digital course materials are included with your tuition at no additional cost. You'll have access to the online lessons, learning resources, quizzes, and other materials needed to complete your program and prepare for the certification exam. There are no required textbooks to purchase, so you can get started right away without worrying about unexpected costs.

Will this prepare me for the CCMA exam — even if I'm new to healthcare?

Yes! SMU Continuing and Professional Education's Medical Assistant program is designed to help you build the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for the CCMA exam — even if you're just starting your healthcare journey.

• Beginner-friendly: No prior experience required
• Career-focused: Learn the clinical and administrative skills medical assistants use every day
• Step by step: Build your knowledge and confidence through guided online coursework
• Practice along the way: Reinforce your learning with quizzes, assessments, and hands-on learning opportunities
• Certification preparation: Complete a curriculum designed to prepare you for the CCMA exam

Our goal is to help you feel confident, prepared for certification, and ready to begin your career as a medical assistant.

What are the virtual simulations, and how do they work?

Virtual clinical simulations are immersive, interactive learning experiences that let you practice essential medical assisting skills in a realistic healthcare environment before entering clinical training. Rather than simply watching demonstrations or reading about procedures, you'll actively complete clinical tasks while building the knowledge and confidence needed for patient care.

Throughout the simulations, you'll practice skills such as taking vital signs, infection control, venipuncture, medication administration, patient preparation, specimen collection, clinical documentation, and other common medical office procedures. You'll receive performance feedback as you progress and can repeat simulations as many times as needed to build confidence and master each skill.

Are certification exam vouchers included in the cost of the program?

Yes, your voucher for the CCMA exam is included with tuition at no additional cost.

That means if you pursue the CCMA credential, you won't have to pay extra for the exam needed to earn your credential — you can focus on completing your training and preparing for certification.

If you choose to pursue an additional certification, you’ll be responsible for any associated exam fees. Exam preparation materials are available and provided for the CCMA exam only.

What's the difference between this program and the CCMA exam?

The Medical Assistant program provides the education and training, while the CCMA is a nationally recognized credential awarded after you pass the exam.

This program is designed to prepare you for the CCMA exam through:

• 100% online, self-paced coursework
• Curriculum aligned with industry standards and certification exam objectives
• A Certificate of Completion from SMU Continuing and Professional Education
• Interactive learning materials and certification exam preparation
• Career resources, with eligible students able to receive externship placement support or job opportunity assistance after program completion

The goal is to help you build the knowledge and skills needed to confidently pursue CCMA credential and prepare for an entry-level medical assistant career.

Can I complete the Medical Assistant program while working full-time?

Yes! SMU Continuing and Professional Education's Medical Assistant program is built for busy adults. Whether you're working full-time, caring for your family, or balancing other responsibilities, you can complete your coursework on a schedule that works for you.

Because the program is self-paced, you can study when it's most convenient and move through the material at your own pace. While many students complete the program in 3–6 months, you'll have up to 12 months to finish your training. This flexibility makes it easier to prepare for the CCMA exam and a new healthcare career — without putting the rest of your life on hold.

What kind of support is included?

You'll have support throughout your learning journey. From your first lesson to your job search, we're here to help you succeed.

Learner Support: Get help with course content, assignments, and navigating the online learning platform whenever you need it.

Career Support: Receive guidance on resumes, interviews, and job readiness as you prepare to pursue opportunities in healthcare.

Does the Medical Assistant program include career support?

Yes. Eligible students have access to career resources, including resume assistance, interview preparation, and job search support. Students may also be eligible for externship placement support to gain hands-on experience. While employment and externship placement cannot be guaranteed, the career support team is available to help you prepare for the next step in your career.