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

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 needed.

What is the refund policy?

Students may drop out within the first two weeks of class for a full tuition refund. The $59 enrollment fee is non-refundable.

What tuition payment options are available?

Students can pay upfront or choose a flexible installment plan. Partial scholarships are also available through Stepful's admissions team.

What are the requirements to enroll in the program?

All you need is a high school diploma or GED and a stable internet connection to access the online course.

Which certifications does the program prepare me for?

The program prepares students for the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification, which can be taken online or in person.

Is the program online or in-person?

The program is 100% online, followed by an optional in-person unpaid externship. Stepful helps students secure externship placements at clinics nationwide.

Does Stepful help graduates find a job?

Yes. Graduates who complete the program, pass the NHA certification exam, and finish their externship receive job search support including resume help, interview coaching, and local healthcare job guidance.

Does Stepful have a partnership with the NHA?

Yes. Stepful partners with the NHA, and all graduates are eligible to take the national medical assistant certification exam upon program completion.

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

North Carolina Medical Assistant training program

Our 4-month online medical assistant program for North Carolina 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 North Carolina.

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Program Currently Not Available in This Region.

4-Month Online NC 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 North Carolina

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 North Carolina.

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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina

Medical assisting is an excellent career choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field quickly. With high demand and job security, medical assistants play a crucial role in healthcare settings, handling everything from updating patient records to assisting with medical procedures. If that is something that interests you, these steps can help you become a medical assistant in North Carolina.

01 Graduate from High School or Earn a GED

A high school diploma or GED is required to become a medical assistant. For those needing alternative options, online high school programs are available and can often be completed in a few months.

02 Complete a Medical Assistant Training Program

Medical assistant training covers essential topics such as medical terminology, phlebotomy, patient care, and healthcare ethics. There are several options available:

Online certificate programs – A fast and affordable way to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. These programs typically cost a few hundred dollars and can be completed in as little as four months. Stepful’s online medical assistant program provides a flexible, cost-effective route to certification.
In-person certificate programs – Offered at trade schools and community colleges, these programs take 6 to 12 months to complete and are generally more expensive than online options.
Associate degree programs – These two-year programs include general education courses (English, math, humanities) alongside medical assistant training. They can cost over $10,000 but are not required to work as a medical assistant.

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While an associate degree may seem appealing, no state or federal regulations require medical assistants to earn a degree before working with patients. Most employers prioritize certification over a degree.

03 Complete a Medical Assistant Externship

The best training programs, including Stepful, help students secure externship opportunities to gain hands-on experience.

During an externship, students work under an experienced medical assistant in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or clinic. Externships typically require around 80 hours of work, with students completing shifts ranging from 8 to 12 hours.

Externships not only build practical skills but also offer networking opportunities with potential employers. Organizations in North Carolina that may offer externship opportunities include:

04 Pass a Medical Assistant Certification Exam

While certification is not legally required, most healthcare employers prefer certified medical assistants. Common certification options include:

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – American Medical Technologists
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – American Association of Medical Assistants
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – National Healthcareer Association

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Stepful prepares their students for the CCMA, which is focused more on the clinical component. To take a certification exam, students must first complete an accredited training program. Upon approval, they will receive an authorization email to schedule their exam.

Certification exams are closed-book and taken at a testing center or with an online proctor. Each exam consists of around 150 questions, with similar difficulty levels, costs, and passing rates.

05 Find a Job

When students are ready to look for a job, they often consider using websites like Monster, Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. Medical assistants in North Carolina can also browse the North Carolina State Website or search through job postings at a specific healthcare location.

In addition, our helpful staff at Stepful can assist you in your job search from enrollment to employment with interview preparation and resume services available for students.

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Requirements to become a Medical Assistant in North Carolina: certification & licensing

Medical assistants and other healthcare professionals have a duty to stay up to date on all laws and regulations in North Carolina. Rules regarding medical assistant scope of practice change frequently.

North Carolina Medical Assistant
certification requirements

North Carolina law does not require medical assistants to complete structured training or earn a certification.

While it isn't required, 87% of organizations prefer to hire certified assistants. Earning your certification will make you a much more competitive job applicant.

North Carolina Medical Assistant
license requirements

Medical assistants in North Carolina are not required to register or obtain a license before working in healthcare.

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North Carolina Medical Assistant scope of practice & common responsibilities

Medical assistants in North Carolina must always work under the guidance of a licensed medical provider. Some tasks require direct supervision, while others require an advanced practice provider to simply be available within the building.

What Medical Assistants Can Do in North Carolina

The North Carolina Board of Nursing states that unlicensed assistive personnel such as medical assistants can take on tasks that cannot cause serious harm to the patient, and that are part of a patient’s routine care.

These tasks include:

Assembling charts
Assisting with billing
Measuring vital signs
Performing EKGs
Collecting urine samples
Applying simple bandages
Opening sterile packages

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Administrative Responsibilities

Maintain patient records
Track inventory
Order medical and office supplies
Document procedures
Clean the waiting room
Organize supplies
Schedule appointments
Deal with insurance claims
Manage patient billing and payments

What Medical Assistants Cannot Do in North Carolina

The North Carolina Medical Board had created specific guidelines regarding what a medical assistant should and should not do.

Whether or not they have a certification, medical assistants in North Carolina are not permitted to:

Acupuncture
Laser eye surgery
Physical therapy
Cosmetic injections
Botox
Fillers
Surgical Assisting
Suturing wounds
Prescribing medication
Performing an initial assessment of a patient

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Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in North Carolina

As of May 2023, there are currently about 22,950 medical assisting jobs in the state or 4.7 per 1,000 residents. North Carolina cities with the highest number of medical assistants include Charlotte, Concord, and Gastonia.

Medical assistants in North Carolina earn a decent salary. The median salary for medical assistants in North Carolina is $40,190 per year or $19.32 per hour. Medical assistants in North Carolina State have an average pay of $18.12 per hour or $42,196 per year.

Job opportunities for medical assistants are expected to increase by 15% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is higher than the expected growth for other healthcare jobs (12%) and is much higher than the average job growth across the country (4%).

Salary: $40,190 / year

Average salary in North Carolina

Job Outlook: +15% Growth

From 2022 to 2033

# of Jobs in North Carolina: 22,950

As of May 2023

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Professional Organizations for Medical Assistants in North Carolina

North Carolina Association of Medical Assistants was created in 1963 to support medical assistants in their pursuit of career success and responsibilities. They host seminars, conventions, continuing education courses, and support groups for medical assistants. They also help aspiring medical assistants earn their certification and stay up to date on current rules of practice.

The National Healthcareer Association, American Medical Technologists, and American Association of Medical Assistants are all national organizations that can help medical assistants earn a certification, network with other medical assistants, pursue continuing education, and search for job openings.

Apply Now

North Carolina Medical Assistant program FAQs

Resources for aspiring Medical Assistants in NC

Medical Assistant

Available States

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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 NC 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 North Carolina

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 North Carolina

01

Graduate from High School or Earn a GED

02

Complete a Medical Assistant Training Program

03

Complete a Medical Assistant Externship

04

Pass a Medical Assistant Certification Exam

05

Find a Job

Requirements to become a Medical Assistant in North Carolina: certification & licensing

North Carolina Medical Assistantcertification requirements

North Carolina Medical Assistantlicense requirements

North Carolina Medical Assistant scope of practice & common responsibilities

What Medical Assistants Can Do in North Carolina

What Medical Assistants Cannot Do in North Carolina

Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in North Carolina

Salary: $40,190 / year

Job Outlook: +15% Growth

# of Jobs in North Carolina: 22,950

Professional Organizations for Medical Assistants in North Carolina

North Carolina 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 NC

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

North Carolina Medical Assistant
certification requirements

North Carolina Medical Assistant
license requirements