Davenport University’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx) is setting a new standard for health care workforce training. Results released from the university’s 2025 Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program show a remarkable 97% pass rate on the national certification exam—nearly 20 percentage points higher than the 79% national average.

At a time when healthcare providers nationwide are facing critical talent shortages, Davenport’s results demonstrate that high-quality, outcomes-driven training directly translates into workforce readiness.

So far in 2025, 32 of 33 Davenport students successfully earned their CCMA certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Beyond pass rates, students exceeded the national average in every exam content area, including Clinical Patient Care, Medical Law and Ethics, Phlebotomy, and Infection Control—some of the most high-risk and high-liability areas in clinical practice.

“Employers don’t just need people who can pass a test—they need professionals who have truly mastered the material,” said Daniel Rundhaug, executive director of Davenport University’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx). “Our 2025 results prove our approach works. We aren’t teaching to the test. We’re building a workforce that is clinically competent, ethically grounded, and ready to lead from day one.”

The IPEx Difference

Key performance indicators from the 2025 CCMA cohort highlight the program’s effectiveness:

• 97% certification pass rate, setting a new benchmark for excellence
• 76% of students engaged with digital certification preparation tools before their first exam attempt
• Students completed more than five practice assessments on average, reinforcing confidence and exam readiness
• Scores exceeded national benchmarks in critical areas such as Medical Law and Compliance

The CCMA program is delivered in a 15-week, fully online format designed for working adults, offering 24/7 access to coursework. Students develop essential, employer-ready skills in EKG, phlebotomy, pharmacology, and Electronic Health Records (EHR).

Rundhaug said what truly distinguishes the program is its integration of hands-on lab experiences at assigned Davenport University campuses throughout the course. These in-person sessions bridge theory and practice, allowing students to apply skills in real-world settings and build the confidence required in fast-paced clinical environments.

Davenport University is currently enrolling students for the next CCMA session. The program is ideal for health care organizations seeking to upskill their workforce as well as individuals pursuing a stable, in-demand healthcare career.

To learn more or register, click here.