Train Here. Work Here. Thrive Here.
Launch your healthcare career with the support of one of Greater Houston's leading physician organizations. Through hands-on training, classroom instruction, and real clinical experience, the CLS Health Career Academy prepares future Medical Assistants to confidently enter one of healthcare's fastest-growing professions.
Why Become a Medical Assistant?
Healthcare is growing—and so is the demand for skilled Medical Assistants.
Medical Assistants play an essential role in patient care by supporting physicians, preparing patients for visits, performing clinical procedures, managing medical records, and helping healthcare teams deliver exceptional care.
Whether you're beginning your first career, changing professions, or returning to the workforce, becoming a Medical Assistant offers a fast, rewarding pathway into healthcare.
Career Outlook
Mission
The CLS Health Career Academy prepares skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals through high-quality education, hands-on training, and a commitment to exceptional, patient-centered care.
Vision
To be Greater Houston’s most trusted pathway to a healthcare career, empowering individuals to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.
Why Choose CLS Health Career Academy?
✔ Real clinical training
✔ Hybrid learning
✔ Small class sizes
✔ 160-hour externship
✔ CCMA exam preparation
✔ Employment opportunities
This becomes your primary differentiator.
What Makes Us Different
- ✔ Backed by 40+ CLS Health clinics
- ✔ Learn from experienced healthcare professionals
- ✔ Hands-on clinical training
- ✔ 160-hour externship inside CLS Health clinics
- ✔ Preparation for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam
- ✔ Employment opportunities within CLS Health after graduation
Learn Where Healthcare Happens
At CLS Health, education extends beyond the classroom.
Students complete clinical training in active CLS Health practices where they observe patient care, develop professional confidence, and gain valuable experience using the same workflows and technology found throughout today's healthcare system.
Rather than simply preparing for a career, you'll begin building one.
Program Snapshot
- Program Length: 12 Weeks
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Total Training: 400 Hours
- Clinical Externship: 160 Hours
- Certification Preparation: National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Class Size: 10–15 Students
- Location: Greater Houston Area
Program Highlights
- Hybrid learning with classroom, online, and hands-on clinical instruction
- 160-hour externship inside CLS Health clinics
- Learn from experienced physicians and healthcare professionals
- Preparation for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam
- Small class sizes that encourage individualized instruction
- Opportunity to gain real-world experience in a multi-specialty healthcare organization
- Employment opportunities within CLS Health may be available for qualified graduates
Curriculum Overview
Weeks 1–8 — Classroom & Skills Development
Students complete hybrid coursework while developing foundational clinical and administrative skills through classroom instruction and simulation labs.
Weeks 9–12 — Clinical Externship
Students complete a supervised 160-hour externship within designated CLS Health clinics, applying their knowledge in real patient care settings.
Program Completion
Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam.
What You'll Learn
- Patient intake & vital signs
- Phlebotomy
- EKGs
- Medication administration
- Infection control
- Laboratory procedures
- Assisting physicians
- Wound care
Your Path to Becoming a Medical Assistant
Hybrid Learning
Complete online coursework while attending in-person simulation labs led by experienced instructors.
Backed by One of Houston's Largest Physician Organizations
CLS Health operates more than 40 clinics throughout Greater Houston with over 200 providers representing more than 40 medical specialties.
Our students train within a healthcare organization dedicated to physician-led care, innovation, and exceptional patient experiences.
When you train with CLS Health, you're learning alongside the professionals who deliver care every day.
Career Outcomes
Healthcare organizations across Texas continue to face a growing demand for qualified Medical Assistants.
Graduates of the CLS Health Career Academy are prepared to pursue opportunities in:
- Primary Care
- Cardiology
- Orthopedics
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Internal Medicine
- Multi-specialty physician practices
Qualified graduates may also have opportunities to pursue employment within the CLS Health network.
Application Overview
The CLS Health Career Academy welcomes motivated individuals interested in launching a meaningful career in healthcare.
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements below before submitting an application.
Eligible Applicants: Applications are currently being accepted for upcoming program cohorts.
Eligibility
Applicants should:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Demonstrate professionalism and strong communication skills
- Have an interest in patient care and healthcare careers
- Be able to successfully complete classroom, laboratory, and clinical training requirements
- Commit to the full 12-week program
Program Information
- Program Length: 12 Weeks
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Clinical Externship: 160 Hours
- Location: CLS Health clinics throughout Greater Houston
- Class Size: 10–15 Students
Application Requirements
Applicants will be asked to submit:
- Online application
- Resume (if applicable)
- Educational background
- Statement of interest
- Required supporting documentation
- Background check and health screening (prior to clinical placement)
Selection Process
Qualified applicants may be invited to participate in an interview with Academy leadership.
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Motivation to pursue a healthcare career
- Professionalism
- Communication skills
- Readiness for clinical training
- Alignment with the CLS Health Career Academy mission
Accepted students will receive onboarding information before the start of the program.
Is This Program Right for You?
The CLS Health Career Academy welcomes motivated individuals who are passionate about helping others and interested in building a meaningful career in healthcare.
This program may be a great fit if you are:
- Beginning your first career
- Changing careers
- Returning to the workforce
- Interested in patient care
- Looking for a fast pathway into healthcare
- Ready to learn in a supportive environment
FAQs
The program includes 12 weeks of instruction followed by a 160-hour clinical externship.
The program follows a hybrid format that combines online coursework with required in-person laboratory training and clinical experience.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam upon successful program completion.
Students complete their externship at designated CLS Health teaching clinics throughout Greater Houston.
The program is ideal for motivated adults interested in launching a rewarding healthcare career as a Medical Assistant.
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Every great healthcare career begins with a single step.
Whether you're pursuing your first profession or looking for a meaningful career change, the CLS Health Career Academy provides the education, clinical experience, and support needed to prepare you for success.
Train alongside experienced healthcare professionals. Learn in real clinical settings. Graduate ready to make a difference in the lives of patients across Greater Houston.
Apply Now