Medical Assistant Schools

“Medical assistants are indispensable members of the healthcare team. Their versatility and expertise in so many aspects of the medical office make them the backbone of healthcare practices. They blend clinical skills with administrative expertise to keep everything running smoothly.”

– Candy Miller, Certified Medical Assistant, Women’s Care (Eugene, Oregon)

With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and an aging American population, it’s no surprise that opportunities in healthcare occupations are expanding rapidly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2025) anticipates a better-than-national average increase in healthcare-related positions nationally between 2024 and 2034. For medical assistants specifically, the BLS (2025) projects a 12 percent explosion in job openings during that same decade. The expected addition of 101,200 medical assistants will continue to shape employment prospects in this field for years.

So, what do medical assistants do? And what kind of training is necessary to join a high-growth profession? According to the American Association of Medical Assistants, medical assistants typically work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. They’re responsible for both clinical and administrative tasks, taking on varied responsibilities such as answering phones, managing appointment schedules, maintaining patient records, greeting patients, coding medical information, processing billing and bookkeeping, coordinating services with other healthcare providers, recording medical histories, collecting lab samples, cleaning examination rooms, and doing basic lab tests.

Some medical assistants may draw blood, administer medication, perform electrocardiograms, remove stitches, discard biohazardous waste, and change wound dressings. These duties vary based on experience, specialized training, certification, and even state of practice. In an occupational survey of certified medical assistants (CMAs), the AAMA found that people in this field must also uphold confidentiality and respect demographic diversity, considering particular cultural and economic considerations among patients. These invaluable healthcare workers serve as liaisons between patients and physicians, allaying patient fears and helping doctors perform various tasks.

Education is required to work as a medical assistant. Certificates and diplomas are the most common credentials in this occupation, although some students may complete an associate’s degree. Professional certification through agencies such as the AAMA or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is voluntary for practice in most states but is becoming increasingly common to enhance one’s employment candidacy, demonstrate specialized knowledge, and even increase one’s salary prospects.

Read on to discover what to expect from an accredited medical assistant program—online or on-campus—as well as to learn more about the bright career outlook and professional certification options.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about medical assistants?

Miller: Medical assistants are indispensable members of the healthcare team. Their versatility and expertise in so many aspects of the medical office make them the backbone of healthcare practices. They blend clinical skills with administrative expertise to keep everything running smoothly. They are often the first and last person a patient interacts with, providing comfort, gathering crucial information, assisting with exams, administering injections, drawing labs, and supporting physicians in countless ways that directly impact the quality of care. They also manage crucial administrative tasks like scheduling, patient records, insurance, coding, and medical billing.

Medical assistants are also vital support systems for doctors, nurses, and patients. They often serve as compassionate points of contact in stressful situations and environments. They bridge the gap between patients and providers. Their work requires medical knowledge and empathy, and their presence is integral to the seamless functioning of healthcare facilities. Medical assistants bring humanity and skill together to support both patients and providers.

They are not simply helpers. They are trained professionals who keep healthcare practices running efficiently and compassionately, often profoundly impacting patients’ experiences.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to medical assisting students?

Miller: Pride, passion, and perseverance are the words most important to me and my career as a medical assistant.

As you work toward becoming a medical assistant, remember the powerful journey these three words represent. Take pride in your work, each skill you learn, and every patient interaction you have. You are building the foundation for a career that makes a difference and can change lives. Let your passion for helping and caring for others be the spark that keeps you motivated and the fuel you need on the hard days, reminding you why you started this journey. Rely on your perseverance to carry you through your everyday journey and challenges. Stay focused and determined. You have the strength to succeed, and every step brings you closer to making a real difference in people’s lives. Believe in yourself, stay resilient, and keep going. You are on the path to greatness! Never give up; it is all worth the end goal.

Once you become a medical assistant, it is vital you start attending continuing education courses and keep learning. Knowledge strengthens your commitment to your career as a medical assistant and empowers you to be the best you can be.

Medical Assistant Core & Elective Courses

There’s a wide variety of accredited medical assistant programs. According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA 2024), educational programs that qualify students for professional certification typically involve instruction in the following areas:

• Anatomy, physiology, and pathology
• Medical terminology
• Computer skills
• Bookkeeping
• Medical coding, insurance processing, and electronic records
• Lab techniques
• Clinical and diagnostic procedures
• Pharmacology
• Medication administration
• Basic first aid
• CPR
• Office practices and communication
• Patient relations and confidentiality
• Medical law and ethics

Additionally, most programs require a supervised internship or externship with hands-on training. These experiences may be administrative, clinical, or a combination of both. On-campus programs generally have these opportunities at preceptor sites near the campus. Online programs may require students to seek out approved sites close to their homes, or in some cases, this empirical training occurs at the student’s place of employment. Before enrolling in any program, prospective students are encouraged to speak with coordinators, instructors, and admissions offices to ensure that their educational program is suited to their career goals.

On-Campus Medical Assistant Degree & Certificate Programs

Education programs for medical assistants are typically available at community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools and take one to two years to complete. Students should verify the accreditation status of their program before enrollment, seeking out programs approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or other qualified agencies. To learn more about the accreditation process, please visit the section below.

To gain admission into an accredited medical assistant program, students must submit official high school transcripts with proof of specific prerequisite coursework such as biology, chemistry, algebra, and English, write a personal statement, and pay an application fee. Some programs may have additional application requirements such as letters of recommendation, hours of experience in a medical setting, or test scores. Here are ten featured medical assistant programs:

Carrington College

This school has campuses across the western United States. This nine-month certificate in medical assisting program prepares graduates for entry-level work in this field. In the initial segment of the program, students learn administrative responsibilities such as accounting, and the final segment imparts the fundamentals of the clinical role of medical assistants.

After this program, students can perform basic diagnostic tests, identify medical supplies, assist with procedures, and perform clerical functions. Carrington offers all course textbooks online and provides various student support services such as scholarships, career placement, and tutoring.

• Location: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon Washington
• Duration: None months
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC)

McCann School of Business and Technology

McCann School of Business and Technology offers an associate’s of specialized business at its Allentown campus. This is an 18-month on-campus program. Courses include medical law and ethics, pharmacology, and clinical medical assisting.

Since this is an associate’s program, there is more advanced training in medical office systems, medical insurance & medical computer applications, and other administrative courses. Finally, McCann provides lifetime career assistance with externship placement, course refreshers, and career management workshops.

• Location: Allentown, PA
• Duration: 18 months
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Coffeyville Community College

This Kansas-based medical assistant program offers a one-year certificate and two-year associate’s degree options. With administrative and clinical training, classes include medical professional issues, patient care, clinical laboratory diagnostics, pharmacology for allied health, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, phlebotomy essentials, and emergency preparedness.

Students also complete a medical assistant externship at a nearby clinic to put their newfound abilities into practice. Graduates can sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants certification exam.

• Location: Coffeyville, KS
• Duration: One to two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Lakeland Community College

Based in Kirtland, OH, this school offers a 12-month certificate in medical assisting. Courses include an introduction to the US healthcare system, basic electrocardiography, and blood collection techniques. The program begins in the fall each year, and during the summer, students wrap up their didactic learning with an externship at an affiliated clinic. A part-time program is also available, which generally takes two years to complete.

Students must take classes in medical terminology, English composition, basic pharmacology, blood collection techniques, and electrocardiography. Upon graduation, students should be eligible to sit for the clinical medical assistant (CMA) certification exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

• Location: Kirtland, OH
• Duration: 12 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Moore Norman Technology Center

Moore Norman Technology Centers offers a 28-credit-hour diploma program to high school seniors and adults. Students studying medical law and ethics, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology. They also learn about medical insurance and coding, medical informatics, and medical assistant pharmacology. The program wraps up with a 160-hour externship, allowing students to apply their fresh skills to a clinical site.

Classes are offered in a morning or afternoon block format for more flexibility. Students interested in advancing their education can transfer 28 credits to Oklahoma City Community College toward an associate of applied science (AAS) degree.

• Location: Norman, OK
• Duration: One to two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

South Hills School of Business and Technology

The associate degree program in medical assisting is available at the Altoona and State College campuses of South Hills School of Business and Technology. The program strongly focuses on the administrative side of the occupation, and students learn about medical administrative skills, medical transcription, insurance forms, and coding.

In addition to office skills, students also learn anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and applied psychology. The program’s final term includes a 12-week internship and a certification preparation course. Graduates of this program are prepared for entry-level work as clinical medical assistants, electrocardiograph technicians, medical administrative assistants, phlebotomists, and emergency department technicians.

• Location: College, PA
• Duration: 23 months
• Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Bryant & Stratton College

With locations across Virginia, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin, Bryant & Stratton College offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in medical assisting. Students learn how to communicate in a healthcare setting with training in physiology, medication administration, terminology, and pathophysiology.

Specific courses include clinical procedures, healthcare reimbursement & billing, pharmacology, medical office procedures, and computing skills. Since this is an associate’s degree program, students must take general education classes such as math, composition, and research.

• Location: Virginia, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

City College of San Francisco

At the City College of San Francisco, students have several options for completing the education requirements necessary to become a medical assistant. They can choose to complete a one-year certificate or a two-year associate’s degree. They can also choose to pursue education as a clinical or administrative medical assistant. Classes for each emphasis are tailored to prepare graduates to excel within their chosen focus.

City College has counselors who can talk with students to help them determine which educational path to pursue. Upon completion of the program, graduates can sit for national certification exams. The college also provides career counselors to help students with their next steps.

• Location: San Francisco, CA
• Duration: One to two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Everett Community College

Students at Everett Community College can complete a certificate, associate’s of technical arts, or associate of applied science in medical assisting. These programs vary in length and intensity, but all prepare graduates for entry-level work as medical assistants. Classes that are required in all three programs include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, ethical considerations, legal implications, and protective practices.

Students will obtain important skills for successful job placement, including good written and oral communication skills and knowledge of anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical terminology, and disease pathology.

• Location: Everett, WA
• Duration: One to two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Daytona State College

Daytona State College’s medical assisting program trains students to assist in all aspects of medical practice, including administrative and clinical skills. Students will learn basic medical assisting principles through classroom lectures and hands-on internships. Graduates from this program are eligible to sit for the national certifying exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Technologist (AMT).

To be eligible for admission to this program, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, complete Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health Care Provider and AED through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, and pass a background check. Recent survey results indicate that, over a five-year period, this program has maintained a 96 percent satisfaction rate among graduates and employers.

• Location: Daytona Beach, FL
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Online Medical Assistant Degree & Certificate Programs

Attending an on-campus program can be difficult for some students with professional, familial, or other commitments. Fortunately, there’s also a range of online and hybrid medical assisting programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training at approved local sites. Here are five featured online and hybrid medical assistant programs:

San Francisco State University (SFSU)

San Francisco State University’s online professional development certificate prepares students to become clinical medical assistants (CMAs). Distance-based instruction includes units on clinical responsibilities in the medical office, patient preparation, patient confidentiality and HIPAA, recording vital signs, medication administration, and laboratory procedures. With 24/7 instructor mentoring, engaging course content, and clinical externship placement, SFSU’s online program is a standout option for aspiring medical assistants.

While classes may be taken online, students should anticipate that they must complete a 160-hour in-person externship at an approved clinic site near their home.

• Location: San Francisco, CA
• Duration: Up to nine months
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

This 60-credit associate of applied science (AAS) in medical assisting degree emphasizes employment-ready preparation. With online classes such as healthcare record preparation and management, diagnosis and procedure coding, patient registration procedures, and medical office management skills, this broad-based program imparts effective medical assistance’s administrative and clinical foundations.

An articulation agreement between Minnesota State Community and Technical College and Minnesota State University Moorhead allows graduates to transfer up to 50 credits to MSUM’s bachelor’s degree in health services administration if they want to pursue additional education.

• Location: Moorhead, MN
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC)

With certificate-level and associate degree programs available, SJVC’s medical assistant career preparation offers advanced instruction in medical office procedures, medical administrative practices, first aid, CPR, phlebotomy theory, and patient care. Students must also complete a 180-hour externship, during which clinical mentors sign off on fundamental front- and back-office skills.

The certificate program lasts nine months, and the associate of science (AS) program lasts 14 months. Notably, SJVC pays for students to sit for one certification exam through organizations such as the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

• Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• Duration: As little as nine months
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Liberty University

Students can complete their online associate of applied science medical office assistant degree at Liberty University in at least two years. The degree’s online format allows students to complete their studies without relocating or quitting their jobs. Most students earn this degree in two years of full-time study. In addition to general administrative duties, students will learn desirable medical coding and insurance billing skills.

Upon completing this program, students can transfer their credits to the bachelor’s of health science program should they wish to pursue additional studies. Admission requirements for this program are simple. Candidates need only to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

• Location:
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Keiser University

At Keiser University, students can complete their associate of science medical assisting science degree online. This two-year program prepares graduates for entry-level work in this field with skills such as measuring vital signs, assisting with examinations, and giving injections. Students will also be trained to perform venipuncture, CLIA-waived laboratory tests, and electrocardiograms (ECG).

While there are on-campus options for earning this degree, the online option offers students a high degree of flexibility in completing their studies. Students must complete 60 credits in classes such as pharmacology, sociology, medical laws and ethics, medical office procedures with insurance, and more.

• Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Licensing & Certification for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are not required to be certified in most states. However, there can be many benefits to pursuing professional credentials through an established organization. First, it’s no surprise that most employers prefer certified medical assistants since the certification process demonstrates one’s professional skills. Second, certification can enhance a person’s earning potential. Here is an overview of the popular credentials in this field:

Become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Offered by: American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

Prerequisites: CMA candidates must have graduated from a postsecondary medical assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Additionally, candidates must pass the CMA Certification Examination, which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.

Renewal: This credential must be renewed every 60 months following the completion of an exam or 60 continuing education units (CEUs) in a combination of administrative, clinical, and general training.

Become a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Offered by: American Medical Technologists (AMA) or American Registry of Medical Assistants (ARMA)

Prerequisites: There are five routes to qualifying for the AMA exam. One common route is to graduate from an accredited medical assistant program with at least 720 hours of training, including 180 hours in a hands-on clinical externship. Other routes include completing a military medical services training program, having at least five years of relevant full-time experience, working as a medical assistant instructor for five years, or having another recognized credential in medical assisting. Similarly, ARMA has various routes to qualify for registration, including graduating from a qualifying, on-campus medical assistant program or completing an online program and having three years of documented full-time experience.

Renewal: The AMA certification lasts for three years and can be renewed after completing 30 “points” of continuing education. The ARMA credential lasts one year and must be renewed after completing 12 CEUs.

Become a National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

Offered by: National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Prerequisites: Candidates for the NCMA credential must have either graduated from an NCCT-approved school, worked full-time for two years as a medical assistant, or completed a military medical assistant training program. They must also pass a certification exam.

Renewal: This credential must be renewed annually after completing 14 continuing education credits.

Become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Offered by: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Prerequisites: Candidates must have either completed a qualifying medical assistant program or the experiential equivalent.

Renewal: The credentials are valid for one year and must be renewed after completing five continuing education (CE) credits. Please note that the CE can be submitted annually or biennially (10 CE credits).

Finally, there are various state credentials for medical assistants as well, such as the five-year certification offered by the California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants (CCBMA). Be sure to check out local credentialing agencies before seeking any certification, registration, or license.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2025) anticipates an explosion of opportunities in this field: a 12 percent increase in openings for medical assistants between 2024 and 2034. This is much more robust than the average growth projected across all occupations during that time (3 percent). With the expected addition of 101,200 medical assistant positions nationally, this is a high-growth field in healthcare.

According to the BLS (May 2024), there are currently 793,460 medical assistants in the US who earn an average annual salary of $44,720. In detailed terms, here are the salary percentile ranges for medical assistants:

• 10th percentile: $35,020
• 25th percentile: $37,610
• 50th percentile (median): $44,200
• 75th percentile: $48,160
• 90th percentile: $57,830

Accreditation of Medical Assistant Programs

Prospective medical assistants are advised to check the accreditation status of their programs before enrollment. Not only is accreditation important to establish a baseline of excellence in training, but it also may be necessary to qualify for various professional certifications. By illustration, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers certification to graduates of medical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Please note that each professional certification agency has its own rules concerning programmatic accreditation.

In addition to the programmatic accreditation bodies, there are also institutional accreditation bodies. The US Department of Labor currently recognizes six regional institutional accreditation bodies:

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Commission on Colleges for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

The accreditation process typically involves a detailed application, a self-study, and a site visit from an agency official. Each organization has its own approval criteria, but they typically include factors such as institutional resources, finances, student outcome measures, and facility quality. Please visit the individual accreditation websites to examine the detailed criteria.