Structure & Curriculum

Program Structure

Our 29-week program requires a commitment of approximately 32 -36 hours/week. Students practice hands-on skills with experienced medical professionals at externship organizations throughout the 29 weeks. Learning takes place through:

  • Personalized support
  • Live and recorded sessions
  • Interactive materials
  • Discussion groups
  • Customized education and mentoring

Towards the end of the program, all NIMAA students are provided the opportunity to register for a credentialing exam. NIMAA instructors support students prior to the examination, leading to our recent pass rates of 84% in 2021-22 and 71% in 2022-23.

NIMAA student holding a laptop asks her preceptor a question at her desk

A Typical Student's Week

NIMAA Weekly Schedule

Curriculum

The NIMAA curriculum trains MAs on a full set of skills needed to join a high-performing primary health care organization. It was designed by health centers to prepare students for today's primary care settings. Some of the topics covered include:

  • Rooming patients
  • Taking vital signs
  • Teach-back at the end of visits
  • Communication skills
  • Agenda setting
  • Goal setting
  • Self-management support
  • Venipuncture
  • Working in an interprofessional team
  • Integrated team-based primary care
  • The MA role in care coordination
  • Health coaching
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Population health
  • Management of a large panel
  • Social determinants of health

Ready to Get Started?

Learn more about the opportunities NIMAA provides by contacting our team today!