Clinical Medical Assistant Course (2026)

START HERE! Please visit the financial assistance website at www.tampatraining.com/financialassistance to learn more and apply for available scholarships. Florida residents can apply for the Open-Door Scholarship for medical assisting, nurse assisting, massage therapy and phlebotomy technician.  The Sunshine Health Works scholarship is available for the EKG Technician course. This course is also approved for the 9/11 GI Bill.

Question: Where are the schedules of courses? 

Answer: Due to the high number of scholarship applications for our allied health programs, there are several approved students waiting for the next available seats.  As classes and seats become available, these students are notified of the dates and times of the classes.  This is why we encourage you to apply for a scholarship to get on the list for upcoming classes. Keep in mind that self-pay is always an option. If you want to do self-pay, visit the following link to inform us of your course interest; a staff member will respond within 2 business days. Please note that you cannot self-pay and then be reimbursed by a scholarship.

Who should attend?  Anyone over the age of 18 with high school diploma or GED. 

Course format: CMA classes are typically 3-4 days a week for ~4 months.  Each class is 4 - 4.5 hours.  We offer morning, afternoon and evening options.  Summer classes are currently full, so the next available classes will be after Aug. 18.  Classes are offered at Brandon and Dale Mabry Campuses

This course includes online presentations, interactive support with the instructor, and in-person training labs during the class days and times. The optional 100 hour clinical experience will take place after the course end date.

Course technology requirements: Desktop computer, laptop computer, Chromebook or tablet with internet connection and Chrome browser. Though a mobile phone will work, it may make doing online work more challenging.

Course Description:  Enter into the world of healthcare today by performing functions related to the physician's clinical responsibilities in the outpatient/private medical office.  Learn and perform methods of preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, specimen collection including blood collection (phlebotomy), running live electrocardiographs (EKGs) and recognizing heart rhythms.  Gain hands on experience with critical procedures and concepts in phlebotomy, EKG, pharmacology, professional workplace behavior, ethics and the legal aspects of healthcare. You will also complete an introduction to medical terminology, healthcare etiquette and healthcare customer service to stand apart from others in a competitive job market. 

Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to take the CMA, Phlebotomy and EKG technician exams through National Healthcare Association (www.nhanow.com) receiving a total of 3 certifications! (Additional Phlebotomy, EKG, fees paid separately.)

Clinical Experience and Certifications:

Medical Assisting- This course provides an optional 100 clinical hour experience upon completion of the CMA training program. You will be assigned to a clinical site that is flexible with your schedule.  It is recommended that you are available 16 - 40 hours per week.  Clinicals are typically held at outpatient medical centers or private practices.  You must have a flexible schedule and access to transportation.  Once you complete the training program with/without the optional clinical hours, you will receive a certification of completion for the CMA training program and be eligible for certification testing included in your registration fee.

EKG Technician- The EKG portion of the CMA program includes the NHA requirements of running 10 live EKGs.  After you complete this part of the curriculum, you will receive a certification of completion for EKG training and be eligible for certification testing. (Additional testing fees apply)

Phlebotomy- The phlebotomy training portion of the CMA program includes performing 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks in class.  For those interested in becoming certified as a Phlebotomy Technician, a total of 30 venipunctures are required.  (Additional testing fees apply)

The following are included in the course fee ($3299):

200+ hours of combined classroom lectures, online self-study and simulation lab.

• Scrubs
• Online NHA Course Materials
• NHA Study Package and Exam fee for CMA (Phlebotomy and EKG are separate but scholarships are available)
• EKG Calipers

Course Requirements for Clinical Training Experience ONLY:  

Background Check- A level 2 background check will be conducted through Hillsborough Community College.  Students with felonies, especially those related to child or elder abuse are not allowed to participate in the clinical rotation.  Visit the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to see if you are eligible to work in healthcare if you have criminal a history. Person’s with criminal history may be able to obtain and exemption from AHCA to provide eligibility for employment in a healthcare setting.  A failed background check will make you ineligible for the optional clinical experience but will not prevent you from completing the class.  

Drug Screening- Students are required to have a 10-panel drug screen.  If the urine screen is positive, the student will receive a call from the medical review officer at the testing center asking you to provide documentation of prescriptive medication.  If proper documentation cannot be provided, the failed drug screen will make you ineligible for the optional clinical experience but will not prevent you from completing the class.   NOTE: Healthcare facilities will not allow students or employees to use marijuana, even with state medical approval for marijuana use.  Any positive marijuana drug screen result, regardless of medical approval for use, will prevent you from attending the optional clinical experience.

Physical Exam/Immunizations
Students must get a medical physical exam including a 2-stage TB skin test and must provide proof that all immunizations are up to date including:  Influenza, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, TDAP.  If the student has a medical issue that can affect their participation in the program, they should advise HCC immediately.  We do not recommend taking classes that include phlebotomy/specimen collection and if you are pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant due to exposure risk.  Your physician must complete and sign the Students Health and Immunization Certification Forms.  All exams, tests and vaccines are required.  Your healthcare provider will need to complete required HCC forms available to you once your register.

Helpful hints:

• Your High School should have your immunization records if you have graduated within the past 3 years.
• Your primary care doctor may have copies of your immunizations.
• Physicals and immunizations are free in many health insurance plans including Medicaid and may be completed with your primary care doctor.

Course Objectives:  

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant should be able to: 

• Describe the function of the clinical medical assistant in a medical office
• Use and understand medical terminology
• Describe anatomy of each of the body systems to include the heart, conduction system, circulation of the heart and blood vessels
• Discuss care & safety of patients, medical & legal aspects and work ethics
• Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication
• Improve interpersonal skills and human behavior
• Submit in prescriptions to various pharmacies
• Follow confidentiality and HIPAA
• Take accurate patient medical histories
• Update patient medical files
• Instruct patients on proper usage of medications
• Take vital signs and properly document results
• Perform phlebotomy including venipuncture and capillary sampling
• Collect non-blood specimens and point of care testing
• Perform 12 lead EKGs, EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave form)
• Prepare and assist with medical examinations
• Take blood pressure and body temperatures
• Apply sterile dressings
• Prepare patients for x-rays
• Perform various injections
• Perform peripheral IVs
• Administer oral medications
• Utilize aseptic technique and infection prevention
• Assist with minor surgeries
• Properly use and disposal of biohazards and sharps

Refunds, Cancellations & Substitutions 

Questions? Please call email icce@hccfl.edu. We are happy to help you!

Opendoorcma