Medical Assistant is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, CO. The program takes 495 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $1,739.
Program Overview
U.S. Career Institute’s self-paced, online medical assistant program is designed to prepare you for certification (CCMA) and a role as a medical assistant in as little as 4 months.
The Medical Assistant Program provides graduates with the necessary skills to professionally perform many medical assistant duties. The program trains students to perform front and back office administrative duties, including patient scheduling and insurance basics. Students learn to adhere to federal safety, security and privacy regulations, as well as accurately maintain and handle medical records. Also, students step into the role of a medical assistant by observing actual procedures via their Virtual Labs. They virtually experience many clinical procedures, including providing first aid to victims, checking vital signs, administering medications, drawing blood, sterilizing equipment and assisting with minor surgical procedures. In our course, you will develop valuable skills and training to effectively take vital signs, assist doctors and nurses, help patients, work with patient records, perform administrative medical office duties and will be familiar with many clinical procedures. You will learn about the human body, medical terminology, diagnostics, therapies, how to respond to emergencies, and more. Graduates of our Medical Assistant Online Program will have theoretical instruction and practical skills that prepare students to obtain entry-level, medical assistant positions in a physician’s office, hospital, nursing care facility, medical lab, or healthcare facility.
What sets this Program apart
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
- Optional live clinical skills practice with a licensed clinician
- Proven Results: 95% CCMA Pass Rate vs. 84% National Average
- Complete in 4-7 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period!
- A+ BBB Rating, 45 years in distance education, and 97% of students would recommend U.S. Career Institute to a friend.
- The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Lead instructor/course expert. Rebecca Gayheart earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Wheeling Jesuit University, her Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader from Sacred Heart University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Berea College, Kentucky. Rebecca most recently completed her DNP from Aspen University in August 2024. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience spanning a large spectrum within the medical profession, from registered nurse to nurse practitioner to nursing instructor and clinical educator. She is currently a clinical educator for Archive Health, where she develops educational materials for NP and PA providers and is a nursing instructor at Southern New Hampshire University.
Admission Requirements and Process
To qualify for enrollment in the Medical Assistant Program, an applicant must:
- Certify that she/he is a high school graduate, holds a state-approved Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or its equivalent, or has completed college-level coursework; or otherwise demonstrate ability to perform postsecondary-level coursework (including test evidence).
- Submit a completed enrollment application with the required payment.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
U.S. Career Institute is an open enrollment school: as long as the applicant meets the admissions requirements for minimum education and age, they will be accepted into the school. Students must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students aged 16 and 17 may be admitted provided their parent or guardian signs the enrollment agreement; students under the age of 16 cannot be admitted. Applicants who do not meet the high school diploma or equivalent requirement are allowed to use test evidence to show they can benefit from the program: the first five grades the student receives serve as the basis for test evidence, and a “C” GPA meets the minimum education requirement. Most professional certification agencies have minimum age requirements (typically 18) to sit for a certification exam.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageYou must be at least 16 years old; students aged 16 and 17 need a parent or guardian to sign the enrollment agreement.
- High school diploma or GEDYou need a high school diploma or GED, or college-level coursework; otherwise you may use test evidence to show you can benefit from the program.
- EnglishYou must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
- Basic informationThe enrollment form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- Enrollment agreementYou must submit a completed enrollment application or agreement with the required payment.
Application Process
- 1Ask your questionsRequest information online or call U.S. Career Institute toll-free at 866-250-6851 to learn more.
- 2Provide basic informationThe form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- 3Pay for your tuitionYou can pay in full or choose the monthly payment plan.
- 4Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosuresEnrollment takes about 5 minutes; the school accepts enrollments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- 5Start your first lessonUpon enrollment, students have immediate access to their program online, with 12 months to complete it.
Program Schedule
The Medical Assistant program is 495 clock hours, delivered in 27 lessons with 27 quizzes. Students can complete it in 4-7 months, studying part-time. Classes are 100% online and self-paced, on your phone or computer, with no due dates or deadlines.
The program is designed for guided independent study through distance learning, and is self-paced. Each program is designed to be completed in 12 months or less; the student has 12 months after enrollment to complete the program, and a student who needs more time should follow the leave of absence procedure. The school accepts enrollments 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and upon enrollment students have immediate access to their program online. All quizzes are open book.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your medical assistant education affordable and inclusive. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!
- Option 1, pay in full: $1,439 (save $300); the application charge is waived.
- Option 2, monthly auto payments: $1,739 in total at $79 a month, with a first payment of $79, plus a one-time $29 application charge.
First payment includes $50 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.
5-day money-back commitment. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you.
Funding. U.S. Career Institute participates in military education benefit programs and the MyCAA spouse support tuition program; specific questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Veterans Administration by calling 1-888-GIBILL1. U.S. Career Institute also participates in various employer-paid and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. U.S. Career Institute does not participate in other financial aid programs.
All enrollments are assessed a one-time $29 application charge (2026 catalog price list). Students who wish to purchase textbooks or manuals may do so for an additional charge.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Upon graduation from our medical assistant program online, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. U.S. Career Institute's Online Medical Assistant certificate course prepares you to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Included with our course, we cover the cost of your CCMA certification exam, study guide and practice test – a $268 value!
The certification process is straightforward, and no prior experience is required to become a medical assistant. As of March 8, 2024, our program can be used to fulfill the education requirements and/or gain certification or licensure (or licensure is exempt) in all states besides WA. The average CCMA exam pass rate for U.S. Career Institute graduates is 95% vs. the National Average of 84%. Job growth for medical assistants will be over 3x greater than all other industries by 2035. People transition into a job as a medical assistant because it offers a comfortable wage, good hours, good benefits, a sense of fulfillment from helping others, reliability, job security, and it’s a growing field. Become part of an essential healthcare team working side by side with doctors, nurses, physician assistants and insurance executives, making meaningful differences in patients' lives every day.
What to expect as a U.S. Career Institute student
Beginner-Friendly Lessons. Online Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.
Engaging Curriculum. Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive exercises, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.
Hands-On Supplemental Learning. All students receive a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff to assist you throughout the course.
Optional virtual clinical skills lab. Bridge the gap between digital learning and real-world clinical experience. Eligible U.S. Career Institute Medical Assistant students can opt into a live, small-group virtual clinical skills lab led by a licensed clinician. Unbox your supplemental equipment kit and put your knowledge into practice with a live guest patient. During this interactive session, you will practice essential vital-sign assessment skills hands-on while receiving real-time guidance and personalized feedback from your instructor.
How it works:
- Enroll & Learn Online: Study your coursework 100% online. Practice fundamental skills at your own pace using the standard stethoscope and blood pressure cuff included with your program.
- Receive Your Invitation: Upon completing Quiz 21, an automatic pop-up invitation will appear directly in your online course portal. No upfront decision or commitment is required at enrollment.
- Opt In & Prepare: Choose to participate, secure an adult guest patient (aged 18+), and sign the required waivers. Once confirmed, we will ship an additional Vital Signs Kit directly to your home at no extra cost.
- Practice Live Via Zoom: Join a live, small-group Zoom session led by a licensed clinician. You will demonstrate core vital-sign competencies on your guest patient in real time and receive personalized, immediate feedback.
Essential clinical skills you will master:
- Manual Blood Pressure: Mastering accurate sphygmomanometer and stethoscope placement.
- Pulse Rate Measurement: Locating and counting radial pulse points accurately.
- Respiratory Rate Assessment: Monitoring and recording patient breathing patterns.
- Oral Temperature Reading: Using digital oral thermometers with proper probe covers.
- Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): Operating a digital pulse oximeter and interpreting blood oxygen levels.
Your clinician will observe your performance and provide feedback as you demonstrate each skill. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, apply what you’ve learned in your online coursework, and build confidence practicing essential Medical Assistant skills with a real person.
Student support and coaching. Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching (a $400 value).
Learning materials included. Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.
Grading and graduation. To graduate, students must submit all quizzes, attain a final average of 70% or higher, have a signed enrollment agreement on file and have paid tuition in full; U.S. Career Institute then releases the Certificate of Completion. Students with a grade point average of 93 or higher are awarded a seat on the Dean’s List.
Graduate support. U.S. Career Institute provides continuing employment instruction and advice, including training in job-search techniques, résumé and letter writing, interviewing and presentation skills, available to all graduates whenever they request it. The school cannot promise or guarantee employment and does not provide job placement services.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. It is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.
Curriculum
The Medical Assistant program totals 495 clock hours, taught in 4 instruction packs, listed below as the course outline.
U.S. Career Institute’s curriculum is developed specifically for the distance education learner by instructional designers who specialize in how to develop content for adults and well-qualified subject matter experts that include a registered nurse, certified professional coder, and LPN, to ensure quality content. The current subject matter expert has a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) and is a family nurse practitioner (FNP-C). In addition, USCI works with a program advisory council of non-USCI employees who work in the medical field to review content annually to ensure students receive content that is up-to-date, relevant and accurate.
The Medical Assistant Program provides graduates with theoretical instruction that prepares students to obtain entry-level, medical assistant positions in a physician’s office or healthcare facility. Upon completion of the program, students will be trained to effectively perform administrative medical office duties and will be familiar with many clinical procedures. The coursework trains students to:
- Build a fundamental understanding of the human body and medical terminology as they apply to medical assisting.
- Skillfully perform and document routine medical clinical procedures according to current office protocol.
- Respond appropriately to medical emergencies and other common medical conditions in the medical office.
- Effectively explain exams, diagnostics, therapies and insurance requirements to patients in the workplace.
- Employ legal and ethical standards related to patient confidentiality within the healthcare community environment.
- Understand and perform safe practices within the healthcare environment.
Required Courses
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Frequently Asked Questions
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