
Certified Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants are responsible for administrative as well as clinical tasks in medical offices. Medical Assistants help with a variety of tasks that keep the medical facility running smoothly. Duties include maintaining patient records, preparing patients and rooms for examination, assisting the physicians with exams, and performing front desk tasks such as message taking and appointment setting.
As a Medical Assistant, you can expect to:
· Welcome patients to the practice.
· Complete scheduling tasks.
· Assess and record patient vital signs.
· Administer injections or medications as directed by the physicians.
Course Description: Certified Medical Assistant
Note: The Certified Medical Assistant program is a six part course consisting of General Medical Studies, Phlebotomy Core, EKG Core, Administrative Medical Assisting, Anatomy & Physiology, and Clinical Medical Assisting. The CMA program combines classroom and hands on training to prepare students for work as a CMA. Our focus on competency has no doubt contributed to the success of our graduates. Graduates will train to be prepared to work in offices, clinics & other healthcare facilities perform physician assist with patient history and assessment, phlebotomy, EKG, etc. They will also be well versed in preparing rooms and equipment for use, sterile and aseptic procedure as well as clerical and administrative duties The CMA program is a combination of the Certified Phlebotomy Technician and Certified EKG Technician programs along with Administrative Medical Assisting, Anatomy & Physiology, and Clinical Medical Assisting. Depending on which semester the program begins in and the available seats in the various sub-courses, students will be placed where most appropriate. Please refer to the individual course descriptions for more detailed information.
General Medical Studies
- Introduction to the Health Profession
- Infection Control, Body Substance Isolation, and Biohazard Disposal
- Medical-Legal and Ethical Considerations in Health Care
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
- Vital Signs
- CPR, First Aid
Core Phlebotomy Curriculum
- Understanding vascular anatomy
- Understanding biohazard precautions
- Performing venipunctures, finger sticks, heel sticks, collecting urine samples and throat cultures
- Knowing how, when, and in what order to draw
- Transportation of specimens to lab
- Understanding the needs of the laboratory to run tests
Course Description: Administrative Medical Assisting Module (CAMA)
- The Administrative Medical Assisting module is part of the Certified Medical Assistant program and is not offered as a stand-alone course. This module consists of three classes per week for five weeks and meets Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9am-12pm (day course) and 6-9pm (night course) totaling approximately 45 hours. Sometimes known as “Front Office” the topics include: Intro to Medical Assisting, Communication and Scheduling, Professionalism, Safety & Reception, Office Equipment & Supplies, Exam / treatment areas, Communications 2, Records & Documentation, Electronic Health Record, Telephone, Billing / Coding, and Procedural Coding. The module culminates with a written and practical exam.
Course Description: Anatomy & Physiology Module
- The Anatomy & Physiology module is part of the Certified Medical Assistant program and is not offered as a stand-alone course. This module consists of three classes per week for five weeks and meets Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9am-12pm (day course) and 6-9pm (night course) totaling approximately 45 hours. Topics include each of the 11 systems (Integumentary incl cells, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Urinary, Reproductive, Digestive, Nervous, Endocrine, Lymphatic/Immune, Skeletal, and Muscular. The module culminates with a written exam.
Course Description: Clinical Medical Assisting Module (CCMA)
- The Clinical Medical Assisting module is part of the Certified Medical Assistant program and is not offered as a stand-alone course. This module consists of three classes per week for five weeks and meets Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9am-12pm (day course) and 6-9pm (night course) totaling approximately 45 hours. Sometimes known as “Back Office” the topics include: Assisting with Eye/Ear Care, Assisting with Minor Surgery, Orientation to the Lab, Collecting Urine & Stool Samples, Blood Specimens, EKG & Pulmonary Function Tests, Pharmacology, Math & Medication Dosing, Nutrition & Health, and Practice Management. The module culminates with a written and practical exam.
- High school diploma or GED
- Must complete General Medical Studies before progressing into core portions
- Must complete A&P before progressing into CCMA portion
Uniforms, Books, and Accessories
Students must obtain school uniform and uniforms only are allowed to be worn during all phases of course training. We have an arrangement with a local uniform store that can assist students picking out the correct uniform and will have it embroidered. A basic scrub suit is acceptable but most students opt for the Gray's Anatomy brand. Approximate cost $60-$75 depending on brand. Because most programs meet 3 times a week, it is recommended to get 3 uniforms,. It is also recommended that students consider a school hoodie (approximate cost $40) and a baseball cap (if desired, approximate cost $30). Hoodies and caps can be added to student accounts for students who are financing their education with payment plans.
Students will also need a wristwatch for vital signs, a pen, and notepad.
Textbook: Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Procedures 6th edition, ISBN: 978-1259197741, Approximate cost $126
- You do not have to buy a 'new' book - you can look for a used book or even a loaner from Amazon
- Textbook can be included as a library loan for a fee - you must return it at the end of the course to get the deposit back
The Certified Medical Assistant program at 911Programs prepares students for certification exam by the National HealthCareer Association (NHA). Upon completion of each of the two standalone core components (CPT, CET) students may sit for those individual exams. Upon completion of the entire program, graduates can sit for the NHA National Medical Assistant exam. The Medical Assistant profession is not licensed in the State of Rhode Island and graduates may apply for jobs with our completion certificate alone, however we recommend taking the NHA exam to increase employer confidence. 911Programs is an authorized testing site for the NHA and students may take their national certifications here.
General Medical Studies Portion (successful completion is pre-requisite for CPT and CET)
- Monday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Wednesday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Thursday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Total instructional hours: Approximately 36
Weeks to complete: Approximately 4
Core Phlebotomy Technician Portion
- Monday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Tuesday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Thursday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Total instructional hours: Approximately 63 (excluding clinical)
Weeks to complete: Approximately 7
Core EKG Technician Portion
- Monday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Wednesday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Thursday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Total instructional hours: Approximately 54 (excluding clinical)
Weeks to complete: Approximately 6
Administrative Medical Assisting Portion
- Monday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Wednesday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Thursday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Total instructional hours: Approximately 45 (excluding clinical)
Weeks to complete: Approximately 5
Anatomy & Physiology Portion (successful completion is pre-requisite for Clinical Medical Assisting portion)
- Monday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Wednesday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Thursday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Total instructional hours: Approximately 45
Weeks to complete: Approximately 5
Clinical Medical Assisting Portion
- Monday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Wednesday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Thursday: 9am-12pm (day program); 6-9pm (night program)
- Total instructional hours: Approximately 45
Weeks to complete: Approximately 5
Total weeks to complete: Approximately 23 calendar weeks. Total instructional hours: Approximately 288
Important Information:
- This course is comprised of six modules including a full Phlebotomy Program (not a class on "how to draw blood") and a full EKG Technician Program (not a class on "how to do an ECG") which allows graduates to sit for the National HealthCareer Association (NHA) Certified Medical Assistant Examination. The NHA National Exam is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA), a division of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). Completion of this program also qualifies graduates to sit for the Rhode Island Nursing Assistant Licensure Exam.
- We have been an NHA testing site since 2013 so you can take your national exam at our school. (see certificates below)
- Clinical Information: Phlebotomy. We have guaranteed phlebotomy clinical placement at one of our many affiliate labs in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. The phlebotomy clinical is NOT required to complete the medical assistant program, however students who do complete the phlebotomy clinical get a separate Phlebotomy Technician certificate and the right to call themselves a Certified Phlebotomist as well as a Certified Medical Assistant. The average time from end of course to phlebotomy clinical placement was 30 days in 2022.
- Clinical Information: EKG portion. Since students complete the clinical requirements for EKG during the school session, there is no need for an outside clinical placement for the EKG portion.
- Clinical Information: Medical Assistant Program. We have guaranteed medical assistant clinical placement at one of our many affiliate sites in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Attendance in a medical assistant clinical is not required to graduate and most students go straight to work upon graduation.
Program Costs
The 2023 tuition is $6890
- If you pay in full before the first class, you will get a 10% discount (689 off) making the tuition $6201
Application Fee
- If you apply for the course the $50 application fee is non-refundable
- If you are funded by an agency, the application fee does not apply to you
There is a $20 fee for liability insurance which covers students during the program.
- If you are funded by an agency, the liability insurance fee is paid by the agency
Students will need at least one uniform (approximate cost is $60-75 but students may choose to upgrade to a fancier one or get multiple ones).
Students will need the course textbooks - average cost is $120 (but students may find a used books online for less). We provide the phlebotomy workbook as part of the tuition. Students may sell the books to the school at the end of the course.
Items included with course tuition
- Student phlebotomy workbook
- Access to our Online Classroom Manager and Google Classroom
- Lanyard and ID Badge
- Clinical placement for phlebotomy and nursing assistant
- Job placement assistance
As of July 1, 2024 Lab fees and supplies are not included with tuition.
- Lab fees for this program are $1140
- Supplies for this program are $1000
- SUMMER and FALL 2025 SPECIAL: if course is paid in full before course starts, lab fees and supplies will be included
- Economically impacted students: Non-funded students whose income falls below the federal poverty line will have their lab fees and supplies included in the program. Simply notify the office that your income falls below this line and your account will be credited. No documentation of your financial status will be required.
Optional: Technology Package (Get videos / narrated presentations of each lesson to watch at your leisure.) If you purchase the Technology Package, you may use it to make up missed lectures at no additional charge. (Normal tutoring charge to make up a lecture is $100). Tech Package: $1723
Certification and testing fees (not included in tuition): National HealthCareer Association (NHA) certification exam $160 (not required but highly recommended).
Payment Plan Options
General Parameters
- The minimum downpayment for 2025 is $550
- The lowest monthly payment is $99 (depending on downpayment)
- The longest term is 24 months (2 years)
- At least half the tuition must be paid to graduate and get a certificate
- The lower your downpayment and/or monthly payment, the longer the term - however the term cannot exceed 24 months so either the downpayment or monthly payment has to be higher to meet the above requirements
- There is a finance fee on the amount you are financing so the larger the downpayment, the lower the finance fee
- There is interest on the unpaid balance so the sooner you pay off your loan, the less interest you will pay - just like any loan
- The more you put down and the quicker you pay, the less money you will spend in the long run
- Most popular, least expensive option is to pay in full before 1st class and receive a 10% discount off tuition
Example of payment plan using the minimum downpayment ($550): 24 monthly payments of $336.04
What students are saying about
911Programs
"Tons of thanks for the time and energy you have put into teaching us the tricks of the trade."
- Nell
"Thank you soooo much for everything and may God bless your family and your career as well."
- Rodlynne Louis
"Bill Howe is a terrific teacher who brings real world experience to the classroom and delivers it with authority. If you want the best in EMS learning, then one of Bill’s classes is the right choice. Bill mixes his own first-hand experience with a number of guest lecturers to present a thorough and compelling EMS course. You’ll learn everything you need to know, and why you need to know it at 911Programs."
- Mark Collins
"Thanks for all your extra effort and making the class fun. You are great."
- Amy
"Dear Bill. Thank you for all your efforts on our behalf and for the personal sacrifices you made to see this journey to fruition. We face the future with solid reinforcement."
- The Block Island Volunteer Rescue Squad
"Thanks so much for all the help. You all are such great teachers!
sincere thanks."
- Susan Rich
"You have such enthusiasm for your teaching, it is truly inspiring;) Thank you! Taking your basic course inspired me to go BACK to college! I had done so well with your tutelage I followed a dream of mine that was long put to rest. I have been attending New England Tech for a year and 1/2, enrolled in the Surgical Technology program!! I have been working at my "clinical" rotation in the operating room, for 15 weeks! I truly am living a dream I have had since I was 8 years old! I will complete the program with state certification and an Associate's Degree as a Surgical Technologist in September this year!! So I thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm and inspiration!!"
- Liana King
"Dear Bill. Thank you for all your efforts on our behalf and for the personal sacrifices you made to see this journey to fruition. We face the future with solid reinforcement."
- The Block Island Volunteer Rescue Squad
"Bill, quite and experience I’ll never forget. Thank you for your knowledge and patience. "
- Jessica
"Tons of thanks for the time and energy you have put into teaching us the tricks of the trade."
- Nell
"Thank you soooo much for everything and may God bless your family and your career as well."
- Rodlynne Louis
"Bill Howe is a terrific teacher who brings real world experience to the classroom and delivers it with authority. If you want the best in EMS learning, then one of Bill’s classes is the right choice. Bill mixes his own first-hand experience with a number of guest lecturers to present a thorough and compelling EMS course. You’ll learn everything you need to know, and why you need to know it at 911Programs."
- Mark Collins
"Thanks for all your extra effort and making the class fun. You are great."
- Amy
"Dear Bill. Thank you for all your efforts on our behalf and for the personal sacrifices you made to see this journey to fruition. We face the future with solid reinforcement."
- The Block Island Volunteer Rescue Squad
"Thanks so much for all the help. You all are such great teachers!
sincere thanks."
- Susan Rich
"You have such enthusiasm for your teaching, it is truly inspiring;) Thank you! Taking your basic course inspired me to go BACK to college! I had done so well with your tutelage I followed a dream of mine that was long put to rest. I have been attending New England Tech for a year and 1/2, enrolled in the Surgical Technology program!! I have been working at my "clinical" rotation in the operating room, for 15 weeks! I truly am living a dream I have had since I was 8 years old! I will complete the program with state certification and an Associate's Degree as a Surgical Technologist in September this year!! So I thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm and inspiration!!"
- Liana King
"Dear Bill. Thank you for all your efforts on our behalf and for the personal sacrifices you made to see this journey to fruition. We face the future with solid reinforcement."
- The Block Island Volunteer Rescue Squad
"Bill, quite and experience I’ll never forget. Thank you for your knowledge and patience. "
- Jessica
"Tons of thanks for the time and energy you have put into teaching us the tricks of the trade."
- Nell
Upcoming Courses
Certified Medical Assistant
Summer 2025 Day Warwick
- Course Code: CMA45N
- Tuition: $6890.00
Funding available to qualified applicants. Contact us for details. - Location: Warwick, RI
- Start Date: 07/07/2025
- End Date: 03/09/2026
- Number of Weeks: 35 non-contiguous
- Meeting Times: See Class Schedule above for meeting times.
Certified Medical Assistant
Summer 2025 Day Warwick
- Course Code: CMA45D
- Tuition: $6890.00
Funding available to qualified applicants. Contact us for details. - Location: Warwick, RI
- Start Date: 07/07/2025
- End Date: 03/09/2026
- Number of Weeks: 35 non-contiguous
- Meeting Times: See Class Schedule above for meeting times.
Certified Medical Assistant
Fall 2025 Night Warwick
- Course Code: CMA46N
- Tuition: $6890.00
Funding available to qualified applicants. Contact us for details. - Location: Warwick, RI
- Start Date: 09/15/2025
- End Date: 05/18/2026
- Number of Weeks: 35 non-contiguous
- Meeting Times: See Class Schedule above for meeting times.
Certified Medical Assistant
Fall 2025 Day Warwick
- Course Code: CMA46D
- Tuition: $6890.00
Funding available to qualified applicants. Contact us for details. - Location: Warwick, RI
- Start Date: 09/15/2025
- End Date: 05/18/2026
- Number of Weeks: 35 non-contiguous
- Meeting Times: See Class Schedule above for meeting times.
For more info, call or text 1-401-773-7716 today!
1. The Program Director Retired EMS Chief William Howe has over 35 years experience in health care as an EMT/Paramedic and Phlebotomist and over 30 years in health care education. He has started and operated several training academies including New England Academy of Prehospital Medicine (a 501 c3 non-profit school), New England Medical Resources, and […]
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