Medical Assistant Certificate Program

The University of Iowa Medical Assistant Hospital-Based Certificate Program is designed to prepare you for a career as a medical assistant (MA) through interactive laboratory time, observational experiences, and clinical hours at University of Iowa Health Care Community Clinics locations.  

Upon completion, you will be eligible to take the National Healthcareer Association’s certificate exam to become a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) and start an exciting new career as a medical assistant with University of Iowa Health Care.  

Upon successful completion of the MA certificate program at Iowa, you will: 

1. Demonstrate foundational clinical practice skills 
2. Communicate effectively—verbally, nonverbally, and in writing 
3. Perform medical business practices 
4. Provide patient care in accordance with regulations, policies, laws, and patient rights 
5. Demonstrate safe, effective, team-based care adhering to quality and safety measures

The program consists of four 8-week sessions, followed by a 160-hour practicum where you will use all the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills learned in your course work. Most classes will be provided in a hybrid format to take advantage of the best features of both online and more traditional forms of learning. The face-to-face component will be held in the evening, and the online component will allow you to work on course activities from any location you choose. Approximate in-class time is eight hours per week. Please note, students will be enrolled in the program through University of Iowa Health Care as non-degree seeking students.

Our specialized team-based care and documentation instruction will provide you with insight and skills to help create a more patient-centered environment, allowing patients to have access to all members of the care team, not just the primary care providers. The team-based care model increases operational efficiencies, reduces costs, and can improve patient and health care worker satisfaction.

To apply for this program, you must at least hold a diploma or its equivalent and complete the following application process:  

1. Submit a letter of interest that includes an introduction; why you want to attend the MA certificate program; your personal interests and goals; why you are a great candidate to consider for this program; and why you think you will be successful in this program.  

2. Submit your high school diploma or GED.   

3. Complete an interview with the admission team.  

The application period has closed for this session and will reopen March 1, 2023 for admission in the September 2023 cohort.