The Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Program prepares students for high-demand healthcare careers performing both clinical and administrative procedures in medical offices, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices. Combining up to 160 hours of interactive classroom and laboratory instruction—plus an optional 120-hour clinical externship—this course equips trainees with the versatile patient care skills, medical record protocols, and laboratory techniques required to pass the national CMA certification exam.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award / Credential | FastForward Workforce Credential |
| Instructional Hours | Up to 160 Hours (Lecture & Hands-On Lab Training) |
| Optional Externship | Up to 120 Hours (Recommended clinical placement) |
| National Certification | Prepares for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam |
| Funding Eligibility | FastForward Eligible (Pays 2/3 of tuition for eligible VA residents) |
| Included Certifications | First Aid & Healthcare Worker CPR Certification (Included) |
| Requirements | Age 18+, Background Check, Drug Screen & CPR for clinical placement |
| Career Coach | Robin Jennings — rjennings@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2899 |
💰 FastForward Financial Assistance Available — Pay Only 1/3 Tuition
Qualifying Virginia residents can receive FastForward state funding, which covers two-thirds of the tuition cost for this high-demand healthcare credential. Contact our FastForward Career Coach to verify your eligibility and register.
What You Will Learn
Clinical Medical Assistants serve on both the front line and back office of patient care. Trainees build comprehensive skills across multiple medical domains:
- Clinical Care & Patient Interaction: Measure vital signs, record medical histories, assist physicians with minor surgical procedures, perform wound dressing, and administer injections.
- Laboratory & Specimen Procedures: Prepare blood draws, collect specimens, conduct basic diagnostic tests, and maintain laboratory quality control.
- Medical Office Administration: Maintain electronic health records (EHR), manage patient intake, schedule appointments, and uphold HIPAA confidentiality protocols.
- Exam Room & Infection Control: Sterilize instruments, prepare examination rooms, implement OSHA safety standards, and follow universal precautions.
- Effective Healthcare Communication: Practice professional communication with patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Program & Clinical Requirements
To participate in the optional clinical externship and qualify for national certification, trainees must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Trainees must be at least 18 years of age prior to course start.
- Classroom & Lab Hours: Complete up to 160 hours of lecture and hands-on clinical lab training.
- Clinical Externship (Optional): Complete up to 120 hours of supervised clinical externship experience in an operating medical clinic or office.
- Clinical Prerequisites: Successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen, and complete the built-in Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid course.
Career Opportunities
Clinical Medical Assistants are employed across diverse healthcare settings as vital links between patients and physicians.
Potential Work Settings:
- Primary Care & Internal Medicine Practices
- Pediatric & OB/GYN Clinics
- Dermatology, Neurology & Specialty Medical Groups
- Urgent Care Centers & Outpatient Surgery Clinics
- Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Centers
Program Registration & Contact
Ready to start your healthcare career as a Clinical Medical Assistant or explore FastForward tuition assistance? Contact our Workforce Career Coach:
Robin Jennings — FastForward Career Coach
Phone: (540) 863-2899 | Email: rjennings@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Backels Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)