Interested in becoming a Certified Medical Assistant?

Please read through the program details and then complete and submit the online application form.

What are the schedule requirements for the program?

Each program session will run for fourteen (14) weeks. Students will follow the BMG MA Academy calendar which includes classroom lecture, practicing clinical procedures in the training simulation lab, and performing duties with a preceptor at a BMG practice office. Classroom sessions are scheduled Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Practice site (Externship) assignments will run Monday - Friday for 8 hours each day until 120 hours is complete. Students must commit to the entire 14-week program.

Classes will be held at the BMG Concourse ll training center located at 3503 E. Frontage Rd, Tampa, FL 33607. Students will be assigned to a BMG practice site for three (3) weeks to perform 120-hour externship.

Application Open Year-Round

Course Overview

• Weeks 1-10: Classroom instruction at the Concourse ll training center
  
• Weeks 11-13: Practice site (externship) (Monday – Friday; 8 hours per day)
  
• Week 14: Certification Test Preparation and Pinning ceremony at the Concourse ll training center

How do you apply?

You're currently in the online application. Continue reading to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications.

Applicant Criteria

• High School Diploma or GED
• Be at least 18 years old by the start of the program
• Preferred: two years of face to face customer service experience; this can be in any industry, including food service
• Computer skills appropriate for the position[bullet]  A 500-word essay on why you are interested in becoming a medical assistant and why you believe you will be successful in this program
• If selected for the program, a drug screen and background check are required for admittance
• Reviewed and acknowledged program expectations

Why do I have to submit a drug screen and background check to attend a training program?

For the safety of our patient population, all students and team members providing patient care must successfully pass a drug screen and background check.
It is the intent of the Program to offer a full-time medical assistant position to each student who successfully completes the BMG MA Academy. Students must meet the requirements of the position and have exhibited behaviors that support the BayCare Values throughout the program to be considered for employment. All BayCare employees must pass a drug screen and background check as a condition of employment.

What is the interview process?

All completed applications will be reviewed with an internal interview panel. Selected candidates will be invited to an in-person panel interview. The program coordinator will notify all applicants if he/she has been selected to participate in the program.

What are the costs of the program?

The program fee is $1,500 (non-refundable), with the opportunity to offset expense with sign-on bonuses, if hired as a BMG medical assistant immediately following successful completion of the program. The program fees cover the following:

• Books and two (2) scrub tops 
  
• Books & online learning resources
  
• Lab time and lab materials
  
• Certification exam (1st attempt)

Are there any other costs or requirements to participate in the program?

Student will be responsible to provide:

• Reliable transportation to and from the training center and the assigned practice site for externship
  
• Access to a computer with internet access
  
• A stethoscope
  
• Black scrub bottoms
  
• Closed-toed shoes
  
• Background check & drug screening- total cost - $88

If selected, how do I make payment for the program?

Payment can be made via certified cashier’s check.

What happens when I graduate from the program?

Graduates of the program will receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s Medical Assistant (NHA-CCMA) exam. The certification exam must be taken within 90 days of the date noted on the certificate of completion.
Additionally, graduates who obtain a certificate of completion and have demonstrated the BayCare Values will be offered a full-time position on the BMG Talent Development team.

If I am offered a medical assistant position after graduation, how much does the position pay?

BayCare offers competitive pay and benefit programs for a robust total rewards package. Pay rates vary for internal and external candidates. External candidates are paid $16.01 per hour when placed in a MA position after completing the program. Internal candidates will follow the BayCare transfer policies (TR 102 & 535), and the pay rate will be assigned based on promotion/demotion guidelines.

What type of credentials will I obtain through this program?

Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion from the BMG MA Academy and will sit for the CMAC – American Medical Certification Association exam.

Can I use a student loan, scholarship, or tuition assistance to pay for the BMG MA Academy?

This program does not qualify for Federal Student Aid through the U.S. Department of Education. The use of scholarship funds will be determined by the scholarship requirements. Students will be expected to pay directly for the program.

If you are a current employee of BayCare, this program does qualify for tuition assistance. Team members utilizing the Tuition Assistance Program for the BMG MA Academy are NOT eligible for sign-on bonuses.

Am I allowed to take time off during the 14-week program?

With the exception of BayCare approved holidays, students are expected to attend the full 14 weeks of the program. At the discretion of the program coordinator, excused absences may be approved in the event of emergencies.

Please note: If you are a BayCare Team Member you will need to upload and submit your TM-Manager Program Expectations form upon submission. If you are not currently a BayCare Team Member, you will sign off on the Non-Team Member/Student Program Expectations section found within this application.