CNA to Clinical Medical Assistant Bridge Program

Medical assistant taking patient's blood pressure

At a Glance

Train for a new career as a medical assistant!

This program prepares students to work alongside other health care professionals in a variety of medical settings. As a medical assistant, you will play a vital role in both the administrative and clinical aspects of a medical office, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality patient care.

Typical responsibilities

Clinical – Obtain and document patient medical histories; take and record vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, respirations and temperature; perform basic laboratory tests; administer medications as directed by a physician; remove sutures; and conduct electrocardiograms (EKGs).
Administrative – Greet patients and manage check-in/check-out procedures, schedule appointments and coordinate referrals, answer phone calls and provide general office support and handle medical billing and insurance processing.

Note: The scope of practice and responsibilities of a medical assistant are governed by state-specific laws and regulations and will vary by state.

Work environment

Medical assistants work in a wide variety of settings but are mainly found in physicians’ offices and urgent care clinics. They typically work Monday-Friday during regular business hours; however, some offices may require nights and weekends.

Upcoming Classes

Spring 2026

Springfield

Orientation: Jan. 13, 2026, 5 p.m.

Jan. 15–March 26, 2026 (20 sessions + final exam)
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5–9 p.m.

Externship: March 30, 2026–April 17, 2026 (60 hours)
The externship is Monday-Friday during normal business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NHA certification review: April 23, 2026, 5–9 p.m.

Jacksonville

Orientation: Jan. 21, 2026

Jan. 26–April 13, 2026 (20 sessions + final exam)
No class: March 9 and 11, 2026 (Spring Break)
Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Externship group A: April 20–May 8, 2026
Externship group B: May 11–29, 2026
The externship is Monday-Friday during normal business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NHA certification review: June 1, 2026

What to expect in class

Students enrolled in the medical assistant program can expect a comprehensive and engaging learning experience designed to prepare them for real-world health care environments. Classes are held in the evenings, twice a week, for four hours per session, making the program accessible for those balancing work or other commitments. Over the course of the program, students will complete 72 hours of classroom instruction. You will learn:

Medical terminology
Pharmacology
Medical law and ethics
Human anatomy and physiology
Infection control and safety
Phlebotomy and laboratory testing
EKGs
Basic first aid
Vital signs
Medication administration
Medical record management
Medical coding and billing basics

Externship

As part of the program requirements, students must complete 60 hours of externship training at one of our partner health care facilities. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world clinical setting under the supervision of experienced professionals. During the externship, students will be expected to have open availability during normal business hours. This invaluable training provides exposure to daily medical assisting responsibilities, enhances practical skills and helps students gain confidence in patient care, administrative tasks and clinical procedures.

Certification

After successfully completing 72 hours of classroom instruction and a 60-hour externship, students will have the opportunity to sit for the exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), included in the cost of tuition. Earning the CCMA credential demonstrates proficiency in both administrative and clinical medical assisting skills, enhancing job prospects and increasing employability in various healthcare settings.

Job Outlook

Cost

$2,149 (includes textbooks and )

Additional costs: drug screen, background check and scrubs.

Note: This course is not eligible for financial aid; however, payment plans are available.

Support available

The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program provides financial and other supports for occupations within the health care field. Learn more about PATH, including support services, programs and eligibility.

Registration Information

The CNA to CMA program is offered twice per year. Registration for the spring semester (January start date) begins in October of the year prior. Registration for the fall semester (August start date) begins in April each year.

Step 1: Apply for admission to 69��

Apply

Step 2: Decide how you will pay for the program

Students who are planning to use grant funds (WEI, PATH, WIOA) must receive and provide proof of official approval for funding before registering for the program.

Grants

PATH and WEI are grants that are available through 69��. There is one application for both grant programs.

The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program provides financial and other support for occupations within the health care field. Learn more about PATH, including support services, programs and eligibility.
The Open Door – WEI grant program at 69�� is designed to bridge workforce gaps and equip participants with the skills needed to secure well-paying, full-time careers. The grant is funded through the Illinois Community College Board. Learn more about Open Door Workforce Empowerment Initiative, including support services, programs and eligibility.

WIOA: The clinical medical assistant program is eligible for WIOA funding. Students who are planning to use WIOA funds and need a letter on 69�� official letter head can email Continuing.Education@llcc.edu to request a letter.

Payment plans

69�� offers payment plans that allow students to pay tuition in monthly installments. Students on a payment plan will need to be paid in full prior to starting their clinical externship.

Pay in full

Students can also pay for the program in full. 69�� accepts cash, money order, personal check, cashier's check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Payment can be made in person, over the phone or online. 69�� does not charge a fee for credit/debit card payments.

Step 3: Schedule your registration appointment

Once you are ready to register for the program, schedule your appointment with the program coordinator.
Registration appointments are 30 minutes and can be completed in person at 69��-Medical District or at the Jacksonville location on select days.

Students who have not completed the previous steps or who are not yet approved for funding will not be able to register during their appointment. The program coordinator will discuss next steps and options at the time of your appointment.

Prerequisites

Other program requirements

Once an applicant has been registered for the program, there are additional requirements that the student must meet prior to the start of the program to hold their spot.

CPR certification

All CMA students are required to be CPR certified by the second week of class. This certification must be either American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer) or American Heart Association (Healthcare Provider). Cards from organizations other than these are not accepted.

Drug screening

All CMA students are required to complete a drug screen prior to the start of class. The drug screen fee is paid by the student. If a student receives a positive drug screen result (including but not limited to marijuana), they will not be permitted to start the program. Students who take a medication that may cause a positive test result should provide a note from a physician.

Background check

All CMA students are also required to complete a background check conducted through American Data Bank (Complio); the background check is completed at the time of Complio account creation. The background check fee is paid by the student. If you have questions regarding program eligibility due to previous convictions or current charges please email Continuing.Education@llcc.edu for guidance on next steps.

Required immunizations

All students are required to show proof of satisfactory immunization requirements prior to starting the program. Medical Assisting students are required to show proof of immunity to:

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccination: Documentation of two MMR series or titer documentation that shows immunity for each: measles, mumps and rubella.
Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination: Documentation of history of chickenpox, history of two vaccinations or documentation of positive Varicella titer.
Hepatitis B vaccination: Documentation of three-shot series, positive Hepatitis B titer or signed Hepatitis B declination. Students who submit a declination for medical reasons must also provide a signed physician’s note.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TDAP) or Adult Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td): Documentation of TDAP or Td within the past 10 years.
Tuberculosis (TB) test: two-step skin test or QuantiFERON Gold blood test prior to attending the clinical experience. If past positive skin test, a chest X-ray is required. May be obtained at local health department or by physician.
Flu: Students attending externship October-April are required to have a flu shot before attending their clinical externship.

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