CMA Certification
Near Des Moines, IA
In just 6-Months you can graduate with your CMA Certification from Signature Healthcare! Our Hybrid Program prepares you for your career in healthcare with hands-on experience.
Online Coursework + In-Person Labs + Externship =
Ready for National Exam in just 6 Months!
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, CCMA
National Healthcareer Association, NHA
Get Your CMA Certification
In Just 6 Months
Train for your CMA Certification and prepare for a rewarding healthcare career in just six months. Our hybrid Medical Assistant program combines the flexibility of online coursework with 70+ hours of hands-on clinical lab training and a 2-week externship so you graduate with real-world experience and confidence.
You’ll learn essential medical assistant skills including patient care, vital signs, phlebotomy, injections, EKGs, laboratory procedures, electronic medical records, medical terminology, and clinical office procedures – all while receiving support from experienced instructors who are invested in your success.
Unlike programs that offer only minimal hands-on training, our students spend extensive time practicing clinical skills before entering their externship. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to pursue national certification and begin your career as a Certified Medical Assistant with the knowledge and confidence employers value.
Why Choose SIG Health?
Why spend a year in school when you can be career-ready in just six months?
At SIG Health, you’ll receive the education, hands-on clinical training, and real-world experience employers are looking for – all in a flexible hybrid format designed for today’s busy students.
Our program includes 72 hours of clinical lab training, a 2-week externship, and preparation for national certification, giving you more opportunities to practice your skills before graduation. By the time you complete the program, you’ll have the confidence to begin your career as a Certified Medical Assistant.
Program Highlights
- Complete the program in 6 months
- 70+ hours of hands-on clinical lab training
- Flexible online coursework
- Clinical externship
- National certification preparation and testing
- Small class sizes with personalized instruction
- CMA Certification!
Tuition
Total Program Tuition: $5,200
Your tuition includes:
- Six months of instruction
- Online coursework
- 72 hours of in-person clinical lab training
- Clinical externship
- Instructor support throughout the program
- Skills practice with professional medical equipment
- National certification preparation
- Student resources and lab supplies
What is the Outlook for Medical Assistants?
The Medical Assistant field is fast-growing with a strong projection of continual demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for medical assistants is projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033 – this is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
In Iowa, certified medical assistants earn an average annual salary of $53,531, making it one of the top-paying states for this profession, in fact 8% above the national average, according to Indeed.
2026 - 2027 CMA Certification
Course Schedule
Aug 26, 2026 – Mar 3, 2027
Waukee, IA
Hybrid
Lab Dates: 9/30, 11/2, 11/4, 12/2, 1/6, 1/11, 1/13, 2/17 (5:30p – 9:30p)
CE Dates: 2/22, 2/23, 2/24, 2/25, 2/26, March 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 (8a – 4:30p, hours may vary slightly)
Sept 14, 2026 – March 19, 2027
Online & Waukee, IA (Labs)
Hybrid
Lab Dates: 9Every Monday starting 9/28 – 3/1/27 (4:30p – 7:30p)
CE Dates: March 8 – 19, 2027 (8a – 4:30p – depending on clinic placement hours may vary slightly)
| Start & End Dates | Location | Format | Lab Dates | Clinical Externship Dates | Enroll: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
October 5, 2026 – April 9, 2027 | Online & Waukee, IA (Labs) | Hybrid | Every Monday starting 10/19 – 3/29/27 (1:00p – 4:00p) | April 5 – 16, 2027 (8a – 4:30p – depending on clinic placement hours may vary slightly) | |
January 12, 2027 – July 23, 2027 | Online & Waukee, IA (Labs) | Hybrid | Every Tuesday starting 1/26 – 6/6/27 (4:30p – 7:30p) | July 12 – 23, 2027 (8a – 4:30p – depending on clinic placement hours may vary slightly) |
| Start & End Dates | Location | Format | Lab Dates | Clinical Externship Dates | Enroll: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aug 26, 2026 – Mar 3, 2027 | Waukee, IA | Hybrid | 9/30, 11/2, 11/4, 12/2, 1/6, 1/11, 1/13, 2/17 (5:30p – 9:30p) | 2/22, 2/23, 2/24, 2/25, 2/26, March 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 (8a – 4:30p, hours may vary slightly) | |
Sept 14, 2026 – March 19, 2027 | Online & Waukee, IA (Labs) | Hybrid | Every Monday starting 9/28 – 3/1/27 (4:30p – 7:30p) | March 8 – 19, 2027 (8a – 4:30p – depending on clinic placement hours may vary slightly) | |
October 5, 2026 – April 9, 2027 | Online & Waukee, IA (Labs) | Hybrid | Every Monday starting 10/19 – 3/29/27 (1:00p – 4:00p) | April 5 – 16, 2027 (8a – 4:30p – depending on clinic placement hours may vary slightly) | |
January 12, 2027 – July 23, 2027 | Online & Waukee, IA (Labs) | Hybrid | Every Tuesday starting 1/26 – 6/6/27 (4:30p – 7:30p) | July 12 – 23, 2027 (8a – 4:30p – depending on clinic placement hours may vary slightly) |
Frequently Asked Questions...
What does a typical day in the life of a Medical Assistant look like?
No two days are ever the same – which is exactly why our students love this career! Your day typically balances patient care and clinical administration. You might start your day preparing exam rooms and reviewing patient charts. Some common tasks include rooming patients, taking vital signs, drawing blood for labs, giving immunizations, updating electronic health record (EHR), and assisting providers with minor procedures.
What supplies will I need for class?
After you register, we’ll send a detailed checklist – but here’s a quick preview of what most students need for our hybrid Certified Medical Assistant program in Des Moines:
Medical Assistant Student Supply List:
- Scrubs for in-person lab sessions and externship
- Stethoscope – essential for taking vital signs
- Watch with a second hand for accurate pulse and respiration timing
- Binder, pens, pencils, and highlighters plus blank flashcards for studying
- Penlight used for pupil checks during clinical scenarios
Clipboards are handy for keeping forms and vital sign sheets organized during practice labs
We’ll make sure you’re fully prepared without unnecessary purchases – and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
How much does the Certified Medical Assistant program cost?
Cost Breakdown:
- Program Tuition – $3,400
- Online Education Fees – $125
- Laboratory Fees – $250
- National Exam Fee – $170
______________________________________
All-In Cost: $3,945
Additional Expenses:
While the majority of your training is covered by tuition, you should plan for some basic out-of-pocket items, including:
- Scrubs for lab sessions
- Stethoscope
- Binder, pens, pencils, highlighters, and
- Optional tools like a clipboard and penlight
We’ll send you a full supply list after registration – and we keep it simple, affordable, and focused on what really matters.
Learn More About Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant
Read our guide explaining how long medical assistant school takes, program timelines, and career options.