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

Our 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 additional 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 to secure your spot is non-refundable.

What tuition payment options are available?

Students can pay upfront or in installments with a flexible payment plan. Partial scholarships are also available—contact the admissions team for details.

What are the requirements to enroll in the medical assistant program?

All you need is a high school diploma or GED and a stable internet connection to access the course and learn the skills required to succeed as a medical assistant.

What medical assistant certifications does Stepful prepare me for?

Stepful’s 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 includes an optional in-person unpaid externship. Stepful partners with over 6,000 clinics to help students complete clinical hours.

Does Stepful help graduates find a job?

Yes, graduates who complete the program, pass the NHA exam, and complete their externship hours receive support in finding healthcare jobs in their local communities.

Does Stepful have a partnership with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)?

Yes, Stepful is partnered with the NHA. Graduates are eligible to take the NHA's national medical assistant certification upon successfully 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

Iowa Medical Assistant training program

Our 4-month online medical assistant program for Iowa 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 Iowa.

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Program Currently Not Available in This Region.

4-Month Online IA 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 Iowa

Stepful’s Medical Assistant program is designed for those looking to take the next step in their careers by becoming a certified medical assistant in Iowa.

Our online program prepares you to earn your Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification from the National Healthcareer Association and perform all the duties of medical assistants, including both those in the front office as well as working with patients.

Our Iowa Medical Assistant classes take 4 months to complete and cover all essential topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare systems, phlebotomy, EKG, patient care coordination, and much more.

The Stepful staff is here to support you at every stage of the journey. From career preparedness to help finding an in-person externship*, we're here to help you launch your career in healthcare.

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

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87%

NHA CCMA Certification Pass Rate

+10 Points Above the National Average

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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 Iowa

Medical assistants have a unique opportunity to participate in both the clinical and administrative parts of healthcare. They can assist physicians with bedside procedures or schedule patient appointments, spend their days on their feet or sitting in an office. The following steps can help you become a medical assistant in Iowa.

01 Graduate from high school or complete your GED

Not all medical assistants choose to become certified, but all must have a high school diploma or its equivalent to do so. Whether you choose to enroll in a training program or try to apply for jobs without any training, you will be required to present proof of high school graduation or a GED.

02 Enroll in & complete a medical assistant course

While it is not required in Iowa, many medical assistants choose to complete a training program before searching for jobs. Training programs can be completed online or in person, and may or may not result in an associate degree.

At Stepful, we equip our students to take the NHA CCMA exam in just 4 months. Receive the proper training and education to earn your certification and boost your job prospects!

03 Complete a medical assistant externship

An externship is an invaluable experience for aspiring medical assistants. During an externship, medical assisting students shadow working medical assistants and get hands-on experience working with patients and managing healthcare systems.

At Stepful, we assist students in good academic and financial standing in securing externships with our network of 8,000 partner clinics. These externships provide 80 to 160 hours of clinical experience, giving you valuable hands-on training before starting your full-time career.

Other organizations independent to Stepful in Iowa that offer externship opportunities to medical assistants may include UI Healthcare, Wayne County Hospital, and MercyOne.

04 Pass your medical assistant certification exam

There are several certification exams that medical assistants can prepare for. Our Iowa Medical Assistant Program equips students to take the NHA CCMA certification exam, which emphasizes the clinical aspects of medical assisting rather than administrative tasks.

05 Search for jobs

Job candidates with a certification are much more competitive applicants than those who are uncertified. Earning certification shows potential employers that you have the knowledge to fulfill your job responsibilities safely and that you are dedicated to your career.

In addition to giving students a leg up by helping them earn their certification, our staff here at Stepful helps students create a great resume and practice their interview skills to land their dream job.

Aspiring medical assistants can also use job search engines such as Indeed, Monster, and ZipRecruiter. If you are hoping to apply to a specific organization, you may be able to apply directly on the company website.

Apply Now

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

Medical assistants in Iowa are not required to earn a certificate or apply for a license from the state. However, they do need to be trained on any skill or task that is delegated to them.

Iowa Medical Assistant
certification requirements

The Iowa Department of Health, Iowa Board of Nursing, and Iowa Medical Board all state that medical assistants do not need a certification to work as part of the healthcare team. However, they further clarify that medical assistants should only be given responsibilities for tasks that are appropriate for their level of training.

Iowa Medical Assistant
license requirements

Medical assistants do not need a license to practice in the state of Iowa. Because they are unlicensed healthcare personnel, they are required to work under the supervision of a licensed physician or registered nurse.

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Iowa Medical Assistant scope of practice & common responsibilities

A physician or nurse who assigns a task to a medical assistant must ensure that the task meets five criteria. These criteria keep patients safe by ensuring that a medical assistant is given responsibilities, that they have the training to carry out the tasks, and that no patient will be harmed if a mistake is made. These criteria include:

The right task
The right person
The right circumstance
The right communication
The right evaluation

‍

What Medical Assistants Cannot Do in Iowa

Medical assistants cannot perform any task that requires advanced assessment skills or that may cause harm to a patient. Tasks that a medical assistant should not do include:

Administer intravenous medications
Perform a sterile procedure
Create a plan of care
Perform an initial assessment
Educate patients
Access central lines
Prescribe medication
Diagnose a patient's problem

‍

What Medical Assistants Can Do in Iowa

Licensed physicians are ultimately responsible for any task they delegate to the medical assistant. Medical assistants can take on a lot of responsibilities in Iowa, as long as they have been trained to complete the task safely and are under the supervision of a physician.

Medical assistants in Iowa can:

Administer oral medications
Draw blood
Perform EKGs
Measure vital signs
Assist with bedside procedures
Give vaccines
Perform catheter care
Document patient information
Ambulate patients

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Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in Iowa

According to the BLS, the average growth rate for jobs in the United States is around 4%. Medical assistants have a much better job outlook than average. Between 2023 and 2033, job opportunities for medical assistants are expected to increase by 15%.

As of May 2023, there are currently about 4,830 medical assisting jobs in the state or 3.125 jobs per 1,000 residents. If you live in Iowa and are looking for a job, Des Moines, Davenport, and Moline are the Iowa cities with the highest number of medical assistants.

Besides having a fantastic job outlook, medical assistants also earn a decent salary. Especially when compared to other healthcare support jobs, with an average hourly rate of $18.37 per hour.

‍Medical assistants in Iowa earn a decent salary, with a median pay of $20.67 per hour, or $42,980 per year, and an average pay of $23.77 per hour, or $55,005 per year.

Salary: $55,005 / year

Average salary in Iowa

Job Outlook: +15% Growth

From 2022 to 2023

Local # of Jobs: 4,830

As of May 2023

Apply Now

Professional Organizations for Medical Assistants in Iowa

The Iowa Society of Medical Assistants supports medical assistants in Iowa. They are affiliated with the American Association of Medical Assistants. In addition to hosting an annual conference and listing job opportunities for local medical assistants, they publish a monthly newsletter with practice updates, offer scholarships and awards to exceptional medical assistants, and give discounts on the CMA exam.

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Iowa Medical Assistant program FAQs

Resources for aspiring Medical Assistants in IA

Medical Assistant

Available States

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Idaho

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Arkansas

Arizona

Colorado

Alabama

Pennsylvania

Alaska

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 IA 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 Iowa

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 Iowa

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 Iowa: certification & licensing

Iowa Medical Assistantcertification requirements

Iowa Medical Assistantlicense requirements

Iowa Medical Assistant scope of practice & common responsibilities

What Medical Assistants Cannot Do in Iowa

What Medical Assistants Can Do in Iowa

Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in Iowa

Salary: $55,005 / year

Job Outlook: +15% Growth

Local # of Jobs: 4,830

Professional Organizations for Medical Assistants in Iowa

Iowa 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 IA

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

Iowa Medical Assistant
certification requirements

Iowa Medical Assistant
license requirements