Why ODU for an online certified medical assistant program?

Our Certified Medical Assistant Program prepares you for a rewarding career in healthcare in just five months. You will be prepared to begin your career in one of the nation's fastest-growing fields. It provides a strong foundation in clinical skills and patient care, combining online coursework with hands-on clinical experience.

You will gain expertise in essential healthcare practices while preparing for three nationally recognized certifications: Clinical Medical Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician.

ODU can also help you gain real-world experience through supervised clinical training, ensuring you are workforce-ready.

At program completion, students are offered the opportunity to sit for the NHA national exams for Clinical Medical Assistant, EKG, and Phlebotomy. The cost of one exam attempt for each certification exam is included in the program tuition.

Spring 2027 Application and Registration Deadline Date: Thursday, February 04, 2027

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Certification Exam Success Rates

94% of our students passed their exam(s) on the first attempt.

CMA - 98.6% of our students passed the CMA exam on the first attempt.

EKG - 97.1% of our students passed the EKG exam on the first attempt.

PHLEB - 98.6% of our students passed the PHLEB on the first attempt.

I enjoyed the CMA program at ODU because I was prepared and ready for interviews immediately after the course ended. The faculty work in the healthcare industry and are willing to be to help you get that first job. It's nice to have that level of support.

Meredith Williams
Certified Medical Assistant Program
Read more about Meredith's experience
Meredith Williams

ODU offers a 16-week program in the comfort of your own home at whatever hour of the day you choose. During those 16 weeks, you will learn how to become a Medical Assistant, EKG Technician, and a Phlebotomist. Yes, that's 3 different certifications.

Laurel Pope
MSN, RN, Lead CMA Instructor

Program Information

Applicants must meet the following requirements and provide supporting documentation. Transcripts and additional materials can be submitted with the application or emailed to Christine Matthews at ccmatthe@odu.edu.

  • Criminal Background Check – ODU Continuing Education will conduct a basic local background check. If a more in-depth background check is needed, the student will be notified of any associated costs.
  • Age Requirement – Must be 18+ years old (or 17 and a high school senior or graduate).
  • Identification – Copy of the front and back of a driver’s license or a valid photo ID.
  • Attend Mandatory Orientation – Date will be given once we have received your application.
  • Education Verification – Transcript from high school, GED program, or a college/university.
  • Professional Certifications (if applicable) – Copies of any current professional licenses or certifications related to CMA or nursing.
  • Immunization Records (including the following):
    • Hepatitis B (3-shot series as a child or 2-shot series as an adult)
    • PPD (2-step test within the past 60 days)
    • Varicella (2-shot series)
    • MMR (2-shot series)
    • DTaP (vaccine)
    • Influenza vaccine or signed declination form
    • COVID-19 vaccine (2-shot series)
    • Medical and religious exemptions are at the discretion of the clinical facility. A declination form must be submitted to ODU Continuing Education for verification.

Prerequisites for Externship

  • Drug Screening Requirement – One of our externship locations requires students to complete a drug screen at a designated location at their own expense. If assigned to this location, the instructor will provide specific instructions.
    • Drug screens are required 30 days prior to the start of clinical, depending upon the clinical facility requirements.
    • The facility will provide the lab location.
    • The student will be responsible for the fee.
  • If placed at a different location, students must still complete a drug screening at their own expense at a location of their choosing. Important: Students should wait for instructor guidance before completing this step to avoid additional costs.
  • Current CPR and First Aid Certificate

Start your healthcare career in just five months with our Certified Medical Assistant Program. Enroll today and prepare for three in-demand certifications.

Fall 2026
Application and Registration Deadline Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Mandatory Online Orientation: Thursday, September 03, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Program Dates: September 8, 2026, to February 19, 2027
Externship Dates: January 4, 2027, to February 19, 2027

Registration has ended for the Fall 2026 Cohort

Spring 2027
Application and Registration Deadline Date: Thursday, February 04, 2027
Mandatory Orientation: TBD
Program Dates: February 15, 2027, to July 11, 2027
Externship Dates: May 31, 2027, to July 11, 2027

Register for Spring 2027

ODU Continuing Education (CE) Certified Medical Assistant Program offers students an opportunity to participate in a payment plan. The following payment plan guidelines will apply:

  • A deposit of at least $1,550 USD must be submitted as a down payment.
  • After submitting your down payment, you may divide the balance into as many payments as you would like, up to six (6) payments.
  • Once the balance is paid, you may then begin the program.
  • Please note that you should carefully evaluate program dates when deciding your monthly payment, as the program runs only a few times per year.
  • The “Payment Plan” option can be selected on the registration page.

Access course materials 100% online and study from any location. Your courses are fully asynchronous. 

Please note that while you have the flexibility to manage your time, all assignments and activities must be completed by the set due dates. This structure ensures that you stay on track while enjoying the benefits of a personalized learning experience.

An externship is required to complete your certification. The Externship will consist of 80-hours of in-person training.

If a student prefers to seek an externship site outside of the Hampton Roads area, the student will be responsible for securing their own externship placement. This should be communicated to the program manager and instructor during the time of registration.

Applicants must meet the following requirements and provide supporting documentation. Transcripts and additional materials can be submitted with the application or emailed to Christine Matthews at ccmatthe@odu.edu.

  • Criminal Background Check – ODU Continuing Education will conduct a basic local background check. If a more in-depth background check is needed, the student will be notified of any associated costs.
  • Age Requirement – Must be 18+ years old (or 17 and a high school senior or graduate).
  • Identification – Copy of the front and back of a driver’s license or a valid photo ID.
  • Attend Mandatory Orientation – Date will be given once we have received your application.
  • Education Verification – Transcript from high school, GED program, or a college/university.
  • Professional Certifications (if applicable) – Copies of any current professional licenses or certifications related to CMA or nursing.
  • Immunization Records (including the following):
    • Hepatitis B (3-shot series as a child or 2-shot series as an adult)
    • PPD (2-step test within the past 60 days)
    • Varicella (2-shot series)
    • MMR (2-shot series)
    • DTaP (vaccine)
    • Influenza vaccine or signed declination form
    • COVID-19 vaccine (2-shot series)
    • Medical and religious exemptions are at the discretion of the clinical facility. A declination form must be submitted to ODU Continuing Education for verification.

Prerequisites for Externship

  • Drug Screening Requirement – One of our externship locations requires students to complete a drug screen at a designated location at their own expense. If assigned to this location, the instructor will provide specific instructions.
    • Drug screens are required 30 days prior to the start of clinical, depending upon the clinical facility requirements.
    • The facility will provide the lab location.
    • The student will be responsible for the fee.
  • If placed at a different location, students must still complete a drug screening at their own expense at a location of their choosing. Important: Students should wait for instructor guidance before completing this step to avoid additional costs.
  • Current CPR and First Aid Certificate

Start your healthcare career in just five months with our Certified Medical Assistant Program. Enroll today and prepare for three in-demand certifications.

Fall 2026
Application and Registration Deadline Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Mandatory Online Orientation: Thursday, September 03, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Program Dates: September 8, 2026, to February 19, 2027
Externship Dates: January 4, 2027, to February 19, 2027

Registration has ended for the Fall 2026 Cohort

Spring 2027
Application and Registration Deadline Date: Thursday, February 04, 2027
Mandatory Orientation: TBD
Program Dates: February 15, 2027, to July 11, 2027
Externship Dates: May 31, 2027, to July 11, 2027

Register for Spring 2027

ODU Continuing Education (CE) Certified Medical Assistant Program offers students an opportunity to participate in a payment plan. The following payment plan guidelines will apply:

  • A deposit of at least $1,550 USD must be submitted as a down payment.
  • After submitting your down payment, you may divide the balance into as many payments as you would like, up to six (6) payments.
  • Once the balance is paid, you may then begin the program.
  • Please note that you should carefully evaluate program dates when deciding your monthly payment, as the program runs only a few times per year.
  • The “Payment Plan” option can be selected on the registration page.

Access course materials 100% online and study from any location. Your courses are fully asynchronous. 

Please note that while you have the flexibility to manage your time, all assignments and activities must be completed by the set due dates. This structure ensures that you stay on track while enjoying the benefits of a personalized learning experience.

An externship is required to complete your certification. The Externship will consist of 80-hours of in-person training.

If a student prefers to seek an externship site outside of the Hampton Roads area, the student will be responsible for securing their own externship placement. This should be communicated to the program manager and instructor during the time of registration.

Program Certifications

Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties and assist a variety of providers including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. You will learn how to complete common duties of a medical assistant include administrative and clinical tasks like:

  • Checking patients in and out upon arrival and departure
  • Answering phone calls and questions
  • Assisting providers with exams and procedures
  • Administering injections or medications
  • Working in the electronic health record (EHR)
  • Performing EKG, phlebotomy, and laboratory procedures
  • Taking patient vital signs

As an EKG Technician you may perform some or all of the following tasks:

  • Set up and administer EKGs (electrocardiograms) and stress tests
  • Prepare patients for Holter or ambulatory monitoring
  • Edit and deliver final test results to physicians for analysis
  • Schedule appointments
  • Transcribe physicians' interpretations

As a Phlebotomy Technician, you may perform some or all of the following tasks:

  • Draw blood from patients and blood donors
  • Evaluate patients' ability to withstand procedure
  • Explain blood-drawing procedure to patients and answer questions
  • Perform basic point of care testing, such as blood glucose levels
  • Prepare blood, urine, and other specimens for testing
  • Verify patient/donor identity
  • Maintain medical equipment such as needles, test tubes and blood vials

Eligible for ODU Undergraduate Credit

Students who are admitted and enrolled in an ODU undergraduate degree program are eligible for (11) 300-level CPD elective credits upon completion of this program.

Explore CPD Elective Credits Program

Cost & Aid

A nurse smiles confidently at the camera in the hallway of a busy medical clinic.
Calculating Cost
$4999

Continuing Education can accept payments for courses in several different forms. ODU's helpful staff can assist you in determining if you might qualify for any number of various funding options that could assist you with non-credit continuing educational opportunities to improve your marketability and advance your career.

Explore Continuing Education Financial Information

Includes Workbook, Class Materials, Credential Exams, and Externship Support

Payment plan available: $1,550 down, with monthly payment plan no longer than 5 months. Contact our office for details.

Student sits in a coffee shop on laptop while listening in to a lecture
Refund Policy

To withdraw from this course, you must send a request in writing to cepd@odu.edu seven (7) days prior to the start date of the course. Failure to attend a course does not constitute withdrawal. Course registration fees, less a $100.00 processing fee will be refunded back to your original form of payment. There are no refunds once the class has begun. Late withdrawals of six (6) days or less before the class begins will result in the student being charged the $100.00 processing fee, as well as charges for books and/or other course material fees.

Careers in Certified Medical Assisting

Our graduates pursue careers as medical assistants, clinical assistants, patient coordinators, and healthcare administrative specialists, supporting doctors and nurses with both clinical and administrative tasks.

Patient Representatives
Growth
7.0%
Median Salary
$47,470
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Growth
5.4%
Median Salary
$40,640
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
Growth
5.6%
Median Salary
$44,490
Contact Continuing Education
Phone: 757-683-5650
Email: cepd@odu.edu
Address: 1105 Student Success Center, Norfolk, VA 23529

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