Your Medical Assistant Questions, Answered

Curious about training requirements, certification exams, or how to get hands-on experience to become a medical assistant? You’ll find the key details here — all in one place.

With Preppy’s flexible, fully online program, you can prepare for certification on your schedule and be job-ready in as little as 4-6 months. Plus, you can study with Preppy without disrupting your life or going back to school full-time.

Certification & Program FAQs

Preppy is not a college or university, which means this program is not eligible for institutional accreditation.

However, the program is designed to prepare students for nationally recognized medical assistant certification exams. Many employers prioritize certification and demonstrated skills over school accreditation.

We always recommend checking job listings in your area to understand employer preferences.

Yes. In addition to core medical assistant training, the program includes dedicated lessons in Phlebotomy and EKG.

You’ll learn the essential skills employers look for, helping you feel prepared for both certification and real-world clinical settings.

After completing this course, you’ll be eligible to sit for:

  • NHA’s CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam

  • NCCT’s Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam

  • NWCA’s Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification

This gives you multiple pathways to certification, depending on which credential best fits your career goals.

Externships & Experience

Externship opportunities may be available depending on your location and facility participation.

While we provide guidance and support, externship placement is not guaranteed and may vary by region.

The Medical Assistant program includes 160 hours of hands-on training.

This clinical experience allows you to practice your skills in a real healthcare setting and gain the practical experience employers value.

Preppy Program Basics

Most students complete the Clinical Medical Assistant program in 3–6 months, but since it’s fully self-paced, you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule.

Yes. The coursework is fully online and can be completed from anywhere. There are no mandatory in-person classes.

No prior experience is required. The program is designed to help beginners build foundational knowledge and prepare for certification.

Graduates receive:

  • A Certificate of Completion from Auburn University's Office of Professional and Continuing Education 
  • Job-readiness support resources

Program Materials & Access

If you’re having login issues, we can help you reset your password and make sure your credentials are working. If the issue continues, we’ll connect you with our Support team to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

If you don’t see your welcome email, double check your spam folder and the email address you used to enroll. We can also check your enrollment status on our end. If the issue continues, we’ll loop in Support to get everything sorted.

Have More Questions?

For additional questions about enrollment, tuition, or how Preppy works, visit our full FAQ page.

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