What to Expect in the Admission Process

What to Expect in the Admission Process

Applying to NIMAA? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the admission process, important deadlines, and what to expect along the way.

💡 Tip: You can begin your FAFSA application at any time to explore your financial aid options. You do not need to wait for an admissions offer to apply for federal grants or loans.

Step 1: Application

Submit Your Written Application

Your admission journey begins with the written application.

The written application contains questions about your contact information, biographical information, education, and several short answer questions. 

It is important to carefully read each question on the application and to thoroughly answer the short answer questions. NIMAA's Admissions Team reviews each candidates written responses when making admissions determinations. Admission into some externship organizations is competitive, so it is important to take your time when responding to the questions. 

Applying early can improve your chances of securing a placement spot at an externship site, but it does not guarantee admission.

Check the timeline below for the important deadlines.
Step 2: Phone Interview

Screening Phone Interview

Once your application is processed, you’ll be invited to schedule a screening phone call with NIMAA. This is a chance for us to learn more about you and answer any questions you may have.

During your phone interview, you will be asked questions such as why you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, scheduling and time management, and ability to meet program requirements. 

If you need to cancel or reschedule a phone interview appointment, you can update your appointment from your confirmation email. Candidates who no-show two scheduled interviews are no longer considered for admissions, so it is important to update or cancel your appointment if needed. 

Check the timeline below for the important deadlines.
Step 3: Externship Interview

Interview with an Externship Site

If you move forward in the process, you’ll interview with your preferred externship site. Placement spots are limited, so staying in communication with the NIMAA team is crucial. Be sure to check your email regularly and notify us if you need to withdraw your application.

Shortly after your phone interview with NIMAA, you will receive an email to notify you if you are moving forward to interview with the externship organization. The externship organization will contact you directly to schedule your interview, so it will be very important to keep an eye out for a message to schedule. 

During your externship interview, you will be asked questions such as why you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, your experience working on teams and balancing multiple responsibilities, time commitment and time management, and any additional experience you want to highlight. While this isn’t a job interview, it’s important to treat it like one. The externship organization will evaluate you for an 8-month placement at their organization and potentially hiring you afterward.

Check the timeline below for the important deadlines.
 

Admissions Decisions & Next Steps

Once all interviews are complete, admissions decisions will be sent out. Check the timeline below for the important dates.


Timeline for Fall 2025

  • Written application 
    • Application opens March 19, 2025 
    • Early application deadline April 23, 2025
    • Regular application deadline May 28, 2025 
  • Phone Interview 
    • Early interview deadline May 7, 2025 
    • Regular interview deadline June 18, 2025 
  • Externship Interview
    • Early interview deadline May 21, 2025
    • Regular interview deadline July 2, 2025
  • Admissions decisions sent 
    • Early June 13, 2025
    • Regular July 18, 2025
  • Enrollment Deadline (all enrollment forms, including immunizations)
    • August 6, 2025
  • Classes begin 
    • September 2, 2025 


We’re here to support you every step of the way—reach out to admissions@nimaa.edu if you have any questions!

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