How to Become a Medical Assistant

Start with applying first—it only takes a minute to begin your journey!

Start with applying first—it only takes a minute to see if you qualify!

Medical assistant student

Become a Medical Assistant in 5 Steps

At Pulse Medical Assistant School, we're training the next generation of high-performing medical assistants through our innovative, online-first program model. And it's never been easier to add your name to that list.

Enroll icon

STEP 1
Enroll

Fill out our one-minute application to get started. Call us at (737) 727-3240 with any questions.

Complete the Program icon

STEP 2
Complete the Program

Learn and practice essential topics like medical terminology, clinical procedures, and instrumentation—and develop specialized skills in phlebotomy, EKG, and vitals measurement that prepare you for the medical assistant career you deserve.

Gain Real-world Experience icon

STEP 3
Gain Real-world Experience

Work in a real medical office, under the guidance and direction of experienced medical professionals, through our externship program.

Pass the CCMA Exam icon

STEP 4
Pass the CCMA Exam

Employers prefer candidates who have completed their CCMA certification. That's why we help you prepare for, take, and pass the CCMA before graduating (exam cost included).

Apply for Local Medical Assistant Positions icon

STEP 5
Apply for Local Medical Assistant Positions

Our program links students with a network of hiring partners to jump-start your career as a medical assistant. We offer comprehensive support throughout your career journey, helping with the application process, interview preparation, and resume optimization.

Externship

Pulse Medical Assistant School’s 80-hour externship program provides our students with the real-world experience necessary to become confident, qualified medical assistants. The externship portion of our course allows our students the opportunity to work hands-on under the direct guidance of experienced medical professionals in a local medical office. Although we encourage our students to find their own externships, our Student Success Specialists are here to help our students identify potential opportunities in the area and assist with applications.

Medical assistants in externship

LEARN AND EARN IN 16 WEEKS

Licensure and Certification

When you graduate from Pulse Medical Assistant School, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion after meeting all program requirements.

You'll also become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) after completing the course and passing a national exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This certification allows you to practice anywhere in the United States.

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Medical assistants with certification

Frequently Asked Questions

A medical assistant school is a training program that prepares students to work in clinical and administrative roles in healthcare settings. These schools teach essential skills like taking vital signs, drawing blood, assisting with exams, and managing medical records. Graduates are eligible to sit for certification exams and pursue entry-level positions in hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices.

To become a medical assistant, you can enroll in a medical assistant school that offers hands-on training in both clinical and administrative skills. Many programs, like the one at Pulse, can be completed in only a few months. After graduating, you’ll be ready to pursue certification and start working in a variety of healthcare settings.

Medical assistant school typically lasts about four months at Pulse. During that time, students learn key skills such as infection control, medical anatomy, patient history documentation, measuring vital signs, and conducting vision and hearing tests. The program is designed to prepare you quickly and thoroughly for entry-level roles in healthcare.

Pulse Medical Assistant School offers several payment options:

  • Option 1:

    Pay in Full $2,990

  • Option 2:

    $1,490 deposit & 16 consecutive weekly auto-drafted payments of $112.50. The total of payments will be $3,290, which includes a $300 payment plan fee.

  • Option 3:

    $490 deposit & 16 consecutive weekly auto-drafted payments of $175.00. The total of payments will be $3,290, which includes a $300 payment plan fee.

Pulse Medical Assistant School also offers personalized payment plans to meet your individual needs.

Yes, Pulse Medical Assistant School offers a refund policy. Students who cancel within 72 hours of signing the enrollment contract are eligible for a full refund. Those who cancel within the first three scheduled class days may also receive a full refund, minus up to $100 in administrative fees and any separately listed expenses.

Pulse Medical Assistant School does not guarantee job placement. However, we support students with job placement by actively maintaining an employer network and regularly sharing employment opportunities. Career assistance is available both during the program and after graduation, ensuring ongoing support. Students also receive guidance in job readiness, including interview preparation and strategies for effective job searching.

A medical assistant supports doctors and nurses by handling both clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare settings. They may take vital signs, assist with exams, update patient records, and schedule appointments. Their role helps keep medical offices running smoothly and ensures patients receive quality care.

A medical assistant needs a mix of clinical, administrative, and interpersonal skills to succeed. Key skills include taking vital signs, performing basic lab tests, administering injections, documenting patient histories, and managing medical records. They also need strong communication, attention to detail, organization, and knowledge of medical terminology and infection control procedures.

In the United States, the median annual salary for medical assistants is approximately $44,200. Entry-level positions typically start around $35,000, while the top 10% of earners can make over $57,000 per year. Salary can vary depending on experience, certification, location, and the type of healthcare facility.

No, you don’t need prior healthcare experience to enroll at Pulse Medical Assistant School. Our program is designed to start from the fundamentals and build your clinical and administrative skills from the ground up. We provide everything you need — including hands-on training — so you can confidently enter the healthcare field.

Since Pulse is an online-first program, you will need to have reliable internet access as well as a computer that can run video streaming platforms (like Zoom) for online classes, and an internet browser that can access our web-based LMS and other online resources.