Don't just study medicine. Start practicing it.

Medical assistant training you can complete is as few as 9 weeks.
Your first patient is closer than you think.

CapYear Academy's online CCMA training program was built for pre-health students. Get prepared for the national CCMA certification exam - and the clinical jobs that come with it - on a schedule that works for you.

Current
Enrollment

Graduation
Rate

First Time CCMA Exam Pass Rate

Online

* As of April 30th, 2026

Join the Pre-health students already on their way

Pre-health students from over 100 colleges across the country are using CapYear to get certified, qualify for more clinical positions, and start building the patient hours they need.

The Perfect Experience For Me!

The program was designed with flexibility in mind, which allowed me to balance my busy school schedule while still preparing thoroughly for the exam.  I passed on the first attempt.


Samiyra Affife
Brown University

Streamlined and Supportive

As a full time college student on the pre-PA track, I wanted to expand my options when it came to gaining healthcare experience.  I was able to complete the modules during my own time with the CapYear team just a phone call or message away for any help.

Isabel Lima
Villanova University

Easy, Effective, Straightforward

All of the coursework is self paced, allowing me to work around my busy schedule. After completing my coursework, I took my CCMA examination which I passed on the first try. 


Tyler Flaten
Urgent Care Physicians

Convenient, Flexible, Results!

I am a Pre-PA student at the University of Oregon... CapYear Academy was the perfect fit!.. I passed my CCMA exam on the first try, then started work the following week! Getting a MA certificate has changed the trajectory of my career!

Natalie Berry
University of Oregon

Rewarding, comprehensive!

The program’s structure fit seamlessly into my busy schedule, and I appreciated how well it prepared me for all aspects of being a medical assistant. Passing the exam felt like an important step toward becoming a more capable and compassionate future physician.

Devin O'Connor
Miami University

Convenient, Supported, Organized

 CapYear made the process easy, enjoyable, and convenient, allowing me to complete the program while balancing school and work. The modules were thorough and well-structured, and even when I faced challenges, I could easily reach out to an instructor for support!

Veronika Gunther
University of Oregon

Fast, Easy, Educational!

"I struggled to find a program that would work for me in person as all in person programs had long wait lists or were too far away. CapYear was recommended to me by an advisor. I was skeptical at first but soon saw how helpful and quick it was. I got certified in two months and it helped me get a job and increase my experience and my ability to help others."

Matthew Sheer
Utah State

Rewarding, comprehensive!

"I became interested in becoming a medical assistant so that I could get direct patient care hours for PA school, but I felt overwhelmed by my own attempts to find a program that worked for me. I got an email from my university advertising for CapYear, and it was an answered prayer! I passed my NHA CCMA exam on the first try, and I am one step closer to my goals thanks to CapYear Academy!"

Ella Grace Walls
University of Georgia

Educational, Caring, Tailored

 "As an aspiring doctor, getting my certification as a medical assistant is a great way to get my foot in the door. CapYear is an incredibly flexible program and I was able to finish in half a summer and passed on the first try! This program is great for students with busy schedules who want to get clinical experience."

Austin Yan
Vanderbilt University

Rewarding, Worthwhile, Grateful

I passed the CCMA exam. I heard about CapYear through Smith College. I chose CapYear because it is a completely online program and staff members are really organized! Stephanie is my mentor and she is really helpful along my journey!

Grace Zhu
Smith College

Helpful, Encouraging, Positive!

The CapYear Academy CCMA program allowed me to focus on helping others by seeking clinical experience and obtaining a certification that can be applied to medical school applications.


Anastasia Fuchs
University of Oregon

Amazing and Helpfu!

I have worked with CapYear for both gaining employment for my first full time job and for getting my MA certification. They have been nothing short of amazing and helpful on every step along the way. I will be starting medical school soon and have CapYear to thank for that!

Chris Cottone
Loyola University - Maryland

Well Structured, Supportive!

This was a very well structured program where I passed my CCMA Exam. The student support team was the best part of it. Helping me when I had questions and answering my emails within a timely manner. I 100% recommend!

Kaytlen Sherman
Miami University

Efficient and Effective!

Everyone was always so available to answer questions and provide feedback. I was able to move through this program efficiently with the help of their instructors, and truly retained so much information!

Mikhaela Bishop
Boston University

Students from these colleges have enrolled in CapYear Academy

Students from these colleges have enrolled in CapYear Academy

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Getting clinical hours is hard. 
CapYear Academy makes it easier

Getting into a clinical setting without the right credentials is harder than it should be.
The CCMA certification changes that.


  • Most healthcare employers require or strongly prefer certified MAs before they will consider you
  • Certification qualifies you for more positions, in more settings, now on a timeline that works for you
  • More options means more control over the experience you’re building
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98% of our Academy graduates pass the CCMA exam on their first try. The curriculum is mapped directly to the exam. The program is built to prepare you — and the results speak for themselves.

Three steps. One clear path.

From enrollment to certified to clinical experience — here’s what the journey looks like.

1) Study on your schedule.

100% online, self-paced, 24/7 access. Complete in as little as 9 weeks or take up to 12 months.

2) Sit for the CCMA exam

Exam fee included. Curriculum mapped directly to the NHA CCMA exam.
No surprises. No gaps.

3) Start building your clinical hours.

Your CCMA certification qualifies you for more positions, in more settings, with more control over the experience you're building.

Online Learning. Hands On Training.

Gain in-person clinical experience as part of your training with an optional externship at no additional cost

Through our partnership with CapYear, students have access to an optional 90-hour externship - where certification becomes real patient contact hours. CapYear's externship coordination team helps match you with a clinical site so you can apply what you've learned alongside real care teams, in real settings.

Work with real patients

Apply your skills in a real-world clinical setting with the support of an on-site clinical trainer.

Placement support included

CapYear's externship coordination team helps you identify and secure a clinical site. You won't be on your own.

Show employers you're ready

Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience that clinical employers are looking for.

Don't just take our word for it

CapYear Academy by the numbers

98% 

Academy graduates first time CCMA exam pass rate 

9 Weeks

Complete the program quickly or take up to 12 months

90 Hours

Optional hands-on clinical externship available 

800+

Pre Health students from over 100 universities enrolled

201 Hours

Everything on the NHA CCMA exam — and nothing you don’t need.

$1995

Everything included - course materials, CCMA exam fee, optional externship.  No surprises.

Build Skills, Get Certified, Get Clinical Experience, All Before PA or Med School

Designed for busy pre-health students looking to pull away from the pack, CapYear Academy’s medical assistant training program works for your schedule and budget. Become eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association's (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam with our 100% online, on-demand, state-licensed medical assistant training program taught by expert instructors.

Mind the gap—go from student to practicing professional in under three months. 
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What CapYear Academy Offers Students

National Certification for only $1,995

Our online program with hands-on externship option prepares you for the nationally recognized CCMA exam at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs.

Self paced, On demand learning

Convenient and flexible 24/7 access to study modules allows you to complete your training whenever and wherever works for you—scrubs not included.

Curriculum ties to the CCMA exam

Our program leverages the NHA's own curriculum, ensuring you’ll cover all certification exam topics in advance—no exam-day surprises.

Online doesn´t mean alone

Our experienced MD, PA, and RN instructors offer live sessions and are available to answer questions, provide insights, and give 1:1 feedback during your entire learning journey.

12 months Complete program access

One year of unlimited access to course materials means you can succeed on your time (or go back for refreshers if you finish early).

Optional Clinical Externship

Get hands on experience with our optional, 90 hour clinical externship through CapYear.  We will help match you with a clinic to practice the skills you developed in the program.

Samiyra A.

Brown University, Pre PA
Certified Medical Assistant - Cambridge Health Alliance
Completing the CCMA course through the CapYear Academy was truly the perfect experience for me. The program was designed with flexibility in mind, which allowed me to balance my busy school schedule while still preparing thoroughly for the exam. Thanks to the support of the CapYear team and the well-structured coursework, I was able to pass my CCMA exam on my first attempt.... I am so grateful I chose CapYear, not only was it one of the most affordable programs available, but I received over four job offers just a week after passing my exam. 

Isabel L.

Villanova University, Pre PA
Certified Medical Assistant - Dermatology Practice
"Streamlined, supported, motivating"

As a full time college student on the pre-PA track, I wanted to expand my options when it came to gaining healthcare experience. Getting my MA certification through CapYears program was streamlined and perfectly paced for my schedule. I was able to complete the modules during my own time with the CapYear team just a phone call or message away for any help. The team was so personable and encouraging throughout the program and I was happy to pass the CCMA exam on my first attempt. I am now working in my gap year as a medical assistant at a dermatology office!

Natalie B.

University of Oregon, Pre PA
Certified Medical Assistant - Oregon Urology Institute
"Convenient, flexible, results!"

I am a Pre-PA student at the University of Oregon majoring in Human Physiology. I first heard about CapYear Academy from R.T. himself in my schools Pre-PA club zoom meeting. I was looking to find an accredited online MA program that would fit into my busy schedule at college, self paced and that would have me readily prepared to take the CCMA exam. CapYear Academy was the perfect fit! While I was wrapping up the final CapYear modules I accepted a position at Oregon Urology Institute, passed my CCMA exam on the first try, then started work the following week! Getting a MA certificate has changed the trajectory of my career!

Tyler F.

Certified Medical Assistant - Urgent Care Physicians

"Easy, effective, straightforward"

Becoming a medical assistant was something I decided to do as a way to gain experience before attending medical school. After some research, CapYear was easily the best program for me. All of the coursework is self paced, allowing me to work around my busy schedule. After completing my coursework, I took my state examination which I passed first try! The preparation that CapYear gives you is excellent, and I would recommend their program to anyone and everyone!

Devin O.

Miami University, Pre Med
Certified Medical Assistant
"Rewarding, validating, comprehensive"

I first heard about CapYear Academy through an email from my university outlining the details of the program. I decided to pursue CCMA certification to build a strong clinical foundation before medical school and to ensure I could contribute meaningfully in patient care. The program’s structure fit seamlessly into my busy schedule, and I appreciated how well it prepared me for all aspects of being a medical assistant. Passing the exam felt like an important step toward becoming a more capable and compassionate future physician.

Veronika G.

University of Oregon, Pre PA
Certified Medical Assistant - Pure Joy Pediatrics
"Convenient, Supported, Organized"

I always knew that becoming a Medical Assistant was the right path for me I just wasn’t sure how to get started. CapYear made the process easy, enjoyable, and convenient, allowing me to complete the program while balancing school and work. The modules were thorough and well-structured, and even when I faced challenges, I could easily reach out to an instructor for support!

Students from these colleges have enrolled in CapYear Academy

Students from these colleges have enrolled in CapYear Academy

Students from these colleges have enrolled in CapYear Academy

Featured Courses and Content

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Get Your MA Certification

CapYear Academy’s CCMA training program covers Basic Science, Medical Law and Ethics, Medical Terminology, Patient-Facing Clinical Skills, Patient Communication, Pharmacology and Medicine. Patient simulations help you practice and perform essential MA tasks, building confidence and proficiency in the comfort of your home.

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Explore Clinical
Job Options

Eager for clinical experience? Check out our videos, articles, and shorts to learn what the best employers look for in entry-level clinical positions. Visit our job board to find the perfect position for you. (Note: Getting certified increases your job options and chances of getting hired. Surveys show that 80% - 90% of employers require or strongly prefer MAs to be certified.)
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Ace Med and PA School Admission

Thinking about medical or PA school? Hear from admissions committee members about the keys to successful applications. Plus, learn how to think about clinical experience in the context of your application.





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Take a Study Break with Dr. Sami

If you swallow gum, does it really stick around you for seven years? What was the first pregnancy test? How real is Gray's Anatomy? Test your trivia and brush up on your medical history with Dr. Sami's always-on study breaks!





Our Instructors

Experienced.
Dedicated.
Professional.

CapYear’s instructors are highly qualified professionals widely acknowledged in their fields. Their goal? Your success.

Sami Shoucair, M.D.

My Why

Deborah Gutman, M.D.

My Why

Ashley Iacone, PA-C 

My Why

David Roberts, PA-C

My Why

Stephanie Griffus

My Why

Part of a Pre-Health Club? Become a CapYear Academy Partner!

CapYear Academy supports tomorrow’s medical leaders by investing in pre-health clubs. Contact us to learn how to receive:

  • Programming support
  • CapYear Academy discounts for club members
  • Access to exclusive CapYear resources like resume reviews and interview prep
  • CapYear speaking engagements
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Our Instructors

Experienced.
Dedicated.
Professional.

CapYear’s instructors are highly qualified professionals widely acknowledged in their fields. Their goal? Your success.

Sami Shoucair, M.D.

My Why

Deborah Gutman, M.D.

My Why

Jacqueline Snyder, MSPAS, PA-C

My Why

Ashley Iacone, PA-C 

My Why

Lindsey Manos, DHSc, PA-C

My Why

Kristin Crawley, CRNP

My Why

David Roberts, PA-C

My Why

Stephanie Griffus

My Why