What is included in Stepful’s Alabama Medical Assistant Program tuition?

The tuition includes access to the online learning platform, instructor-led Zoom classes, clinical sessions, NHA certification exam prep, dedicated 1:1 coaching, and career services. No extra textbooks or materials are required.

What is the refund policy?

Students may drop out within the first two weeks of class and receive a full tuition refund. The $59 enrollment fee is not refundable.

What tuition payment options are available?

Students can pay upfront or in installments with a flexible payment plan. Partial scholarships are also available.

What are the requirements to enroll in the program?

All students need is a high school diploma or GED and a stable internet connection.

Which medical assistant certifications does the program prepare me for?

The program prepares students to take the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, either online or in person.

Is the program online or in-person?

The program is 100% online and is followed by an optional in-person unpaid externship. Stepful helps place students at externship sites for clinical hours.

Do you help graduates find a job?

Yes, graduates who complete the program, pass the CCMA exam, and finish their externship receive job search support, including resume assistance and interview preparation.

Do you have a partnership with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)?

Yes, Stepful partners with the NHA. All graduates are eligible to take the NHA’s national medical assistant certification upon completing the program.

How do clinical hours (Externships) work?

After completing the 4-month online portion of the program and passing your national certification exam, you’ll move into your clinical externship, where you’ll complete 80–160 in-person hours at a local healthcare facility. Stepful provides access to our Externship Booking Platform, which allows you to secure interview opportunities with sites near you. Externships typically begin within 1–3 months of earning your certification and are scheduled during weekday business hours. You can complete your externship on a full-time or part-time schedule, depending on what works best for you, as long as you’re available during those hours. Placement is subject to site availability. With a network of over 8,000 clinical partners nationwide and hundreds more added each month, Stepful helps connect you to real-world opportunities. This hands-on experience is a vital part of the program, giving you the chance to apply classroom learning, build confidence with patients, and form connections that can lead to full-time employment.

Do you help graduates find a job?

At Stepful, our mission is to break down barriers to healthcare careers and help every student move into a meaningful role after graduation. To support that mission, we offer a structured Job Coaching Program that guides graduates into full-time healthcare roles after completing their clinical hours. Students begin with an 8-week Job Readiness Cohort that combines weekly live coaching, job search strategy, resume building, interview practice, and workplace success skills. Graduates also receive weekly job leads, and their resumes are shared with Stepful’s healthcare employer partners. For those who need additional support, Stepful provides up to 2 more months of on-demand 1:1 coaching, including mock interviews, resume reviews, and targeted job leads. With this approach, about 60% of graduates secure jobs within 2 months and over 80% within 4 months of starting the job coaching program.

Are clinical hours (Externships) guaranteed?

No — externships are not guaranteed. But Stepful is committed to helping every student gain real-world, hands-on experience and ultimately land a full-time job in healthcare. Our externship booking platform and support team are here to connect you with opportunities and guide you through the process. Some things that can help speed up your externship placement: • Staying responsive and in good communication with your coach • Completing all eligibility requirements (like paperwork, background checks, or health forms) on time Some things that can delay externship placement: • Limited site availability, especially in rural areas • Missing deadlines or being unresponsive to your coach • Missing scheduled interviews or acting unprofessionally with a clinic partner By staying engaged and professional, you’ll put yourself in the best position to secure an externship quickly and smoothly. What Stepful is doing is unheard of in healthcare education — we place hundreds of students in externships and jobs every single week. It’s proof of how deeply we believe in our students and how far we’ll go to make sure you graduate confident, supported, and job-ready.

Which Medical Assistant certification exam am I eligible to take after completing this program?

Stepful’s Medical Assistant program prepares you for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Our curriculum is aligned with NHA standards, ensuring that graduates are eligible to sit for this nationally recognized credential — one that many clinics, hospitals, and healthcare employers look for when hiring medical assistants. The CCMA exam includes 180 multiple-choice questions and carries a fee of $160. The exam fee is not included in tuition, but students who register through Stepful may be eligible for a rebate on the exam fee, lowering the cost. You may take your NHA exam online or in-person. We’re proud to say Stepful students score about 10 points above the national average on the CCMA exam — a reflection of the quality instruction, curriculum, and support we provide every student.

Does the NHA CCMA certification count for college credit?

Yes. The NHA CCMA exam is approved by the American Council on Education (ACE), and it is recommended for 5 semester hours of lower-division credit (associate or bachelor’s level) when accepted by a college or university. Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive an ACE transcript via Credly that documents the credit. Keep in mind: each school decides whether to accept the credit and how many credits will apply toward your degree.

How much does the Clinical Kit cost?

The Clinical Kit is included in your tuition at no extra cost. There’s nothing additional you need to pay for the kit.

How do I get my Clinical Kit?

You’ll receive instructions in your online classroom partway through the program on how to order your Clinical Kit. Once you place your order, it will be shipped directly to your home, and you’ll receive tracking information so you know when to expect delivery.

Does the Clinical Kit contain real medical equipment?

Yes. The kit contains real, medical-grade supplies so you can safely practice clinical skills at home. Items include: • Syringes and needles (for practice only) • Vacutainer tubes and holders • Tourniquet • Alcohol prep pads and bandages • Blood pressure cuff and stethoscope • Thermometer • Gloves and sharps container • Other materials used for injections, venipuncture, and vital signs Your instructor will guide you step by step on how to use this equipment safely, and you’ll complete graded assignments to demonstrate competency with each skill before moving forward.

Is Stepful's Medical Assistant program accredited?

Stepful’s Medical Assistant program is not institutionally accredited like a college or university. Instead, our program is designed to prepare students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, which is issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) — an accredited certification agency recognized by employers nationwide. This means that when you complete the program, you are eligible to sit for the CCMA exam — a credential that many clinics, hospitals, and healthcare employers recognize when hiring medical assistants. We only accept students in regions where this credential is valid and widely recognized by employers. To confirm your eligibility, complete our free online application — it only takes a few minutes and will let you know right away if we serve your area.

Yes. Stepful is a trusted education provider with a proven track record of preparing students for healthcare careers. More than 8,000 clinical partners nationwide host our students for externships, and over 30,000 students are actively enrolled today. Stepful was also recently recognized by TIME Magazine as the #1 edtech company in the United States, a reflection of the quality and impact of our programs.

What is included in Stepful’s Medical Assistant program tuition?

The Medical Assistant program includes access to your online classroom, weekly live classes with an instructor, an at-home Clinical Kit, and NHA CCMA mock exams. You’ll also get access to Stepful’s Externship Booking Platform to secure 80–160 in-person clinical hours after graduation. A background check and drug screen are included with tuition. For externships, up-to-date vaccinations are generally required; the specific list and any additional onboarding requirements are set by each individual clinical site. In addition, the program includes an 8-week Job Coaching Program to help you land a full-time job. No textbooks are required — all learning materials are available in your online classroom.

Is the program online or in-person? How long is the program?

Stepful’s Medical Assistant program is 100% online for 4 months (17 weeks) of live classes and coursework. After completing the online portion of the program and earning your national NHA CCMA certification, you’ll gain access to our clinical externship booking platform to secure interview opportunities for in-person clinical hours (80–160 hours) at a local healthcare facility. Externships typically begin within 1–3 months after certification.

How does Stepful's Medical Assistant program compare to community college or trade school programs?

Community colleges and trade schools often take 1–2 years to complete, while Stepful’s Medical Assistant program can be finished in just 4 months online, followed by externship hours. Our mission is to make healthcare careers more accessible by offering training that is faster, more affordable, and focused on real outcomes. You’ll learn in live online classes, practice hands-on skills with your Clinical Kit, and receive personalized career coaching to help you prepare for certification and your job search. Instead of spending years and thousands more in tuition, Stepful is designed to help you graduate job-ready and start building your healthcare career sooner.

How do online classes work at Stepful?

Classes meet live on Zoom twice a week for 90 minutes each. Between sessions, you’ll complete daily assignments, quizzes, and projects in the online classroom. Coursework is unlocked one week at a time so you can stay focused without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll also practice at home with your Clinical Kit and build confidence through patient soft skill simulations. Group projects and interactive activities keep learning engaging and help you apply skills in real-world scenarios. As you progress, you’ll take mock exams and focused prep sessions to prepare for the NHA CCMA exam. All materials are included online — no textbooks required. The program is built to give you the structure, practice, and support you need to feel confident, earn your certification, and graduate job-ready for a full-time healthcare role.

What is the refund policy?

Stepful offers a 3-day money-back guarantee on all tuition and fees for students who withdraw within 3 days of signing up. After classes begin, students may withdraw within the first two weeks and receive a full refund of tuition. Enrollment fees are non-refundable after the 3-day guarantee period. Please note that there may be additional flexibility depending on your state’s refund regulations.

What are the requirements to enroll?

To enroll in any Stepful program, you must meet the following requirements: • High school diploma or GED equivalent • 18 years or older • Valid government-issued ID • Authorization to work in the United States Our Medical Assistant program does not currently operate in all states and zip codes. We only accept students in locations where we can confidently support their externship placement and job search after graduation. These restrictions are in place to make sure every student has a strong opportunity to transition into a full-time healthcare role. The best way to confirm your eligibility for the Medical Assistant program is to complete our free online application. It only takes a few minutes and will let you know right away if we serve your area.

What tuition payment options are available?

Tuition can be paid upfront or through biweekly installments using Stepful’s flexible payment plans. We’re committed to keeping our programs as affordable as possible, which is why we offer generous grants for new applicants that significantly reduce tuition costs. Visit our Affordability page to explore the different ways to lower tuition — including grants, payment plans, and other funding options.

How much does Stepful's Medical Assistant program cost?

The full tuition for Stepful’s Medical Assistant program is $3,999. However, most students qualify for Stepful’s generous grants, which lower the cost to $2,399 or less. Your exact tuition depends on your individual eligibility. The best way to find out your cost is to complete our free online application — it only takes a few minutes and will show you your personalized tuition right away. All required learning materials, including your Clinical Kit, are included at no extra cost. Flexible payment plans are also available to make tuition more manageable. You can also visit our Affordability page to learn more about grants, discounts, and other ways to lower tuition.

Online Medical Assistant Program

Alabama Medical Assistant training program

Our 4-month online medical assistant program for Alabama residents prepares you to take the NHA CCMA exam. After you pass your certification exam and apply for our externship program, our team will work with you to secure clinical hours and a full-time job around Alabama.

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4-Month Online AL Medical Assistant program

Receive your NHA CCMA certification

100% online followed by in-person clinical hours

Job interview prep and resume services

1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment

Overview

Course Outline

Schedule

How It Works

Requirements & Scope of Practice

Job Outlook

Local Organizations

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Stepful Graduates Were Hired At

Earn your Medical Assistant certification online in Alabama

Stepful’s Alabama Medical Assistant Training is a great option for those looking to start their career as a medical assistant in Alabama.

Our online program prepares students for the Certified Medical Clinical Assistant (CCMA) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This nationally recognized certificate makes you a more competitive job applicant and shows that you are ready to work.

In addition to covering essential topics such as healthcare systems, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control, phlebotomy, and EKG measurements, Stepful helps students find an in-person externship where they can get comfortable with their hands-on skills.*

*Please note, students must be available M-F, 9-5 p.m. to be eligible for externship support.

Stepful’s students have an 87% CCMA Certification Exam pass rate, which is over 10 percentage points above the national average. Our experienced instructors offer live courses and one-on-one help to ensure that you are prepared to take your exam and enter the workforce with confidence.

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87%

NHA CCMA Certification Pass Rate

+10 Points Above the National Average

Apply Now

Issuing authority

Stepful’s Medical Assistant program prepares students to earn the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This nationally recognized certification is from an accredited institution and accepted by employers nationwide.

At-home clinical kit included

Get a Clinical Kit delivered to your door and build hands-on experience with live demos, self-paced labs, and graded assignments at no extra cost.

Open cardboard box on a light wooden table with various medical training items arranged neatly inside and around it. Visible items include a stethoscope, reservoir bag, blue dye bottle, small vial, reagent bottle, yellow sharps container, blue kidney dish, blue nitrile gloves, digital thermometer, and a reagent test strip. The table is covered with a light blue work surface cover. In the background, there’s a beige couch, cream curtains, and a side table with a clear vase holding three orange Gerbera daisies.

Venipuncture Trainer Arm

Simulation Finger

Stethoscope

Digital Thermometer

Sphygmomanometer

Reservoir Bag

Tourniquet

Kidney Dish

Vacutainer Tube

Lancets

Work Surface Cover

Sharps Container

Syringe Needles

Urinary Test Container

Gloves

Medication Vial

Venipuncture Trainer Arm

Simulation Finger

Stethoscope

Sphygmomanometer

Digital Thermometer

Reservoir Bag

Sharps Container

Vacuum Tubes

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What you’ll learn

Our 4-month online Medical Assistant program will prepare you to pass the NHA CCMA exam.

Weeks 1-4

Learn the foundational healthcare knowledge needed to become a well-rounded Medical Assistant. Topics include healthcare systems, medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

Healthcare Systems

Medical Terminology

Anatomy

Physiology

Weeks 5-8

Master the ins and outs of clinical patient care, such as infection control, phlebotomy, EKG, as well as patient care coordination and education.

Infection Control

Phlebotomy

EKG

Patient Care Coordination and Education

Weeks 9-13

Learn how to handle routine administrative responsibilities and get a good grasp of medical law and ethics as well as excellent customer service.

Medical Law

Ethics

Excellent Customer Service

Weeks 14-17+

Prepare for your national certification exam, get certified, and work with your dedicated coach to find an externship and then a full-time job.

NHA CCMA Exam

Externship

Full-time Job

Pick Your Start Date

You'll have two live classes per week and should plan for 90 minutes of additional daily coursework.

Apply Now

You'll select a class time after you sign up.

How to get certified & become a Medical Assistant in Alabama

Becoming a medical assistant allows you to earn a decent salary and enjoy great job security while making a difference in the lives of others. It is a great career with plenty of opportunities for growth. Here are the steps required to become a medical assistant in Alabama:

01 Graduate from high school or complete your GED

No matter which medical assistant course you enroll in or where you want to work, you will need to earn a high school diploma or GED first. Most people who do not graduate from high school are able to get their GED with a few months of studying.

02 Enroll in & complete a medical assistant course

A medical assistant course will help you learn the basics of medical assisting and prepare you to take your certification exam.

While certification is not required in Alabama, taking a course makes you a more competitive job applicant, prepares you to enter the workforce with confidence, and allows you to get experience before working with real patients.

03 Complete a medical assistant externship

Completing an externship is an excellent way to learn from an experienced medical assistant and make connections that can help you get a job. Medical assistant externships are typically unpaid and last between 40-120 hours.

Organizations in Alabama that offer externship opportunities to medical assistants may include East Alabama Health, UAB, and Moundville Health and Rehabilitation.

Here at Stepful, we assist students with everything they need to get started, from setting up an interview to completing their background check and drug screening tests.

04 Pass your medical assistant certification exam

There are multiple certifying agencies for medical assistants. Since Alabama does not require medical assistants to be certified, you can choose the certification exam that makes the most sense for you.

Here at Stepful, we prepare students for the CCMA exam, which focuses more on clinical skills than other types of medical assisting certifications. The CCMA is offered by the National Healthcareer Association, a leader in healthcare certifications since 1998.

05 Search for jobs

Websites such as Indeed, Monster, and ZipRecruiter are great places to start a job search. Aspiring medical assistants in Alabama may also search through the Alabama Public Health website to find career opportunities.

Here at Stepful, we support you with the job search. Students have access to resume services, mock interviews, and support finding a job in their areas.

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Requirements to become a Medical Assistant in Alabama: certification & licensing

Each state has different licensing and registration requirements for its healthcare workers. Some require nearly everyone working in healthcare to register with the state, while others are much less strict. Here’s a look at the certification and licensing requirements for medical assistants in Alabama:

Alabama Medical Assistant
certification requirements

While medical assistants are not required to be certified in Alabama, many healthcare organizations in Alabama prefer to hire certified assistants. The most common certifications for medical assistants include Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the NHA, Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA, and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the AMT.

Alabama Medical Assistant
license requirements

There are no license requirements for medical assistants working in Alabama. Medical assistants work under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse or licensed medical doctor, who can delegate reasonable and safe tasks to the unlicensed medical assistant.

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Alabama Medical Assistant scope of practice & common responsibilities

Medical assistants’ scope of practice varies by state. While there are no specific regulations for medical assistants in Alabama, the Alabama Board of Nursing does give some guidance on what healthcare tasks should and should not be delegated to medical assistants.

What Medical Assistants Cannot Do in Alabama

Certain tasks should not be performed by a medical assistant in Alabama, even with the supervision of a licensed care provider. These tasks include:

Give intravenous medications

Diagnose an illness
Administration of PRN (as-needed) medications
Suction of and/or replacement of tracheostomy
Accessing feeding tubes (G or J-tubes)
Placement of any form of intravenous catheter
Accessing any intravenous catheter for initiation or therapies
Administration of blood or blood products
Administration of medication via gastric or jejunal tubes

‍

What Medical Assistants Can Do in Alabama

The Alabama Board of Nursing specifically states that these tasks can be delegated to a medical assistant:

Assisting patients with feeding

Dressing changes, limited to the application of simple bandaging, wet-to-dry, and/or sterile dressing changes.
Maintenance of ostomies (e.g. colostomy and urostomy)
Ambulation with gait belt, walker, crutches, and/or wheelchair
Restorative care such as active and passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises and contracture care
Drawing blood for laboratory analysis
Application of oxygen via nasal cannula
Insertion/Removal of Foley Catheter
Initiation and discontinuation of nebulizer treatments to EXCLUDE racemic epinephrine administration
Administration of routine screening tests/immunizations (e.g. flu and TB)
Removal of an intravenous catheter
Documentation of procedures
Administration of routine medications. Routine medications may not be administered through the following routes of administration: (I) Gastric (II) Nasogastric (III) Intravenous

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Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in Alabama

One of the best things about starting a career as a medical assistant in Alabama is the positive job outlook.

As of May 2023, there were 12,360 medical assisting jobs in the state, or 6 per 1,000 residents. Alabama cities with the highest number of medical assistants include Anniston, Auburn, and Birmingham.

Nationally, job opportunities for medical assistants are expected to grow 15% between 2023 and 2033. This is more than three times higher than the average growth expected for all jobs across the nation (4%).

This high demand for medical assistants means that certified medical assistants should be able to find a job easily and may be able to negotiate for higher starting wages.

‍Medical assistants in Alabama earn a decent salary, with an average pay of $34,160 per year, or $16.42 per hour, and a median pay of $35,050 per year, or $16.37 per hour.

Salary: $34,160 / year

Average salary In Alabama

Job Outlook: +15% Growth

From 2022 to 2023

# of Jobs in Alabama: 12,360

As of May 2023

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Professional Organizations for Medical Assistants in Alabama

The Alabama Society of Medical Assistants is the most prominent professional organization for medical assistants in Alabama. They host events such as the Alabama Medical Assistant Conference, where medical assistants and other healthcare providers can come together to discuss practice changes, stay updated on laws and regulations, and learn how to excel in their careers.

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Alabama Medical Assistant program FAQs

Resources for aspiring Medical Assistants in AL

Medical Assistant

Available States

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Idaho

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Connecticut

Arkansas

Arizona

Colorado

Alabama

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Florida

Your new Medical Assistant career starts here

4-Month online Medical Assistant class

Receive your national NHA CCMA certification

100% online followed by in-person clinical hours

Job interview prep and resume services

3-day money back guarantee available

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Spots are limited. We accept qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis.

Program Currently Not Available in This Region.

4-Month Online Medical Assistant Class

Earn your National CCMA Certification

Hands-on Clinical Kit Included with Tuition

Opportunities for In-Person Clinical Hours

1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment

Online Medical Assistant Program

4-Month Online AL Medical Assistant program

Receive your NHA CCMA certification

100% online followed by in-person clinical hours

Job interview prep and resume services

1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment

Earn your Medical Assistant certification online in Alabama

Issuing authority

At-home clinical kit included

What you’ll learn

Weeks 1-4

Weeks 5-8

Weeks 9-13

Weeks 14-17+

Pick Your Start Date

How to get certified & become a Medical Assistant in Alabama

01

Graduate from high school or complete your GED

02

Enroll in & complete a medical assistant course

03

Complete a medical assistant externship

04

Pass your medical assistant certification exam

05

Search for jobs

Requirements to become a Medical Assistant in Alabama: certification & licensing

Alabama Medical Assistantcertification requirements

Alabama Medical Assistantlicense requirements

Alabama Medical Assistant scope of practice & common responsibilities

What Medical Assistants Cannot Do in Alabama

What Medical Assistants Can Do in Alabama

Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in Alabama

Salary: $34,160 / year

Job Outlook: +15% Growth

# of Jobs in Alabama: 12,360

Professional Organizations for Medical Assistants in Alabama

Alabama Medical Assistant program FAQs

What is included in Stepful’s Medical Assistant program tuition?

What tuition payment options are available?

What Medical Assistant certifications do you prepare me for?

Do you help graduates find a job?

What is the refund policy?

What are the requirements to enroll in your Medical Assistant program?

Is the program online or in-person?

Do you have a partnership with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)?

Resources for aspiring Medical Assistants in AL

Medical Assistant Externship: What It Is & How To Find One

Medical Assistant Skills: Clinical, Administrative, & Soft

Typical Medical Assistant Hours & Work Schedule

Where Do Medical Assistants Work?

What is a Medical Assistant & What Do They Do?

Available States

Your new Medical Assistant career starts here

Alabama Medical Assistant
certification requirements

Alabama Medical Assistant
license requirements