Summer Medical Assistant Programs

If you’re a pre-med student looking to earn a medical assistant certification over the summer or any student trying to get healthcare experience during the break, summer medical assistant programs can be a smart option.

Many programs are designed to fit into a summer timeline while still covering the skills and training needed to work in real clinical settings.

For example, our Online Medical Assistant Program takes about 5 months to complete and offers multiple start dates in June, July, and August.

That makes it possible to begin training during the summer and finish early in the fall. You could also start in the late spring and finish during the summer.

This guide explains how summer medical assistant programs work, what you’ll learn, how certification and externships fit in, and why this path can be especially helpful for pre-med students and others exploring healthcare careers.

About Stepful’s Summer Medical Assistant Program

Stepful offers a 5-month medical assistant program that is completely online with live instructor-led classes and hands-on learning.

Rather than limiting enrollment to one start date, Stepful offers multiple cohort start dates throughout the year, including every summer month.

During the summer, students can choose start dates in June, July, or August. There are also spring start options in March, April, and May for students who want their program to wrap up during the summer months.

Stepful’s classes are part-time, with morning and evening options available, so you can continue learning when you go back to school or work.

This flexibility makes it easier to plan training around college schedules, work commitments, or family responsibilities.

Our medical assistant program includes support finding an externship in a real-life clinical setting and prepares you to earn the nationally-recognized CCMA certification.

Summer Program Start Dates

Stepful offers start dates across the summer, along with earlier spring options for students planning ahead.

Because the program runs for about 5 months, starting earlier in the spring can allow you to complete training during the summer. Summer starts let you make progress during your break and continue into the fall.

Here’s what a typical schedule would look like:

• ‍March start. Typically finishes in August
• ‍April start. Typically finishes in September.
• May start. Typically finishes in October.‍
• June start. Typically finishes in November.‍
• July start. Typically finishes in December.‍
• August start. Typically finishes in January.

Class Format & Schedule

Stepful’s medical assistant program is 100% online and taught live by instructors. Stepful’s students follow a set schedule and learn alongside a cohort of peers.

Many online programs are self-paced, with students accessing static modules on their own timeline. While that works for some, Stepful believes our more structured approach helps give students momentum, so they finish the material more quickly.

Live instruction also allows for real-time questions, feedback, and discussion. This better reflects how medical assistants are trained on the job, where communication, teamwork, and timing matter.

Classes meet multiple days per week and are designed to balance learning with flexibility. Students can choose from part-time morning and evening classes, which help accommodate different time zones, work schedules, or other commitments.

The predictable schedule can be especially helpful for students who want to maintain a routine during the summer.

What You’ll Learn

The medical assistant curriculum is designed to prepare students for both clinical and administrative responsibilities. Coursework focuses on the skills commonly used in outpatient clinics, physician offices, and other healthcare settings.

Topics covered include:

• Medical terminology and anatomy
• Taking vital signs and patient intake
• Infection control and safety procedures
• Phlebotomy basics and specimen handling
• EKG fundamentals
• Electronic health records and documentation
• Scheduling, billing, and front-office workflows
• Professional communication and patient interaction

The curriculum aligns with the skills tested on national certification exams and reflects what employers expect from entry-level medical assistants.

Getting Certified

There are several certifications for medical assistants. Most employers prefer or require medical assistants to have one of these certifications.

Stepful prepares students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association.

The CCMA exam tests knowledge of clinical procedures, administrative tasks, patient safety, and professional standards. Throughout the program, students review exam-style questions and core concepts to help them feel confident going into the test.

After completing the program, students are eligible to sit for the CCMA exam and earn a credential that is recognized by healthcare employers across the country.

How the Externship Works

A key part of Stepful’s program is support finding an externship.

Externships give students hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. During the externship, students apply what they’ve learned in class while working under the supervision of healthcare professionals.

Stepful supports students in finding externship placements, typically in outpatient clinics, medical offices, or similar settings. This experience helps students build confidence, develop workplace skills, and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a medical assistant.

Why Stepful’s Summer Medical Assistant Program is Perfect for Students in Pre-Med & Related Healthcare Majors

Working as a medical assistant can help you get into med school by giving you valuable healthcare experience.

Many schools expect applicants to have hands-on patient care hours, especially medical schools, PA programs, and nursing tracks. Working as a medical assistant can give you the clinical experience that admissions committees value.

Medical assisting is also a practical way to gain experience. Medical assistants work closely with physicians and other providers while interacting with patients every day. This exposure helps students understand how healthcare teams function in real clinical settings.

In addition to gaining clinical hours, medical assistants have a chance to network with providers, who can provide strong letters of recommendation. Their willingness to complete a program and get certified also shows a clear commitment to patient care and healthcare work in general.

Summer programs make this path easier to fit into a student schedule. Completing coursework during a college break allows students to gain training and experience without putting academic plans on hold.