The American healthcare industry has been going on a hiring spree over the past couple of decades, and it’s not going to end anytime soon. Just recently, the number of workers in the healthcare system became the largest single share of employees in any industry in the country, beating out both manufacturing and retail jobs by a significant margin.
We all know why healthcare is the biggest growth industry, and why that’s going to remain the case for many years to come. America is aging rapidly, requiring more healthcare services, and medical treatments are becoming more and more sophisticated and reliant on technology, requiring a highly trained and educated workforce. That workforce needs some serious back-up from support staff that are just as capable in their own right.
That makes medical assistants a vital part of the bigger picture in modern healthcare, which has put the profession in a sweet spot for growth that’s slated to see a 23% increase in the number of jobs opening up over the next decade.
According to the Foundation for Economic Education, the number of administrative personnel hired to healthcare providers in the past three decades is far higher than the number of doctors, nurse practitioners and other high level providers that have entered the field in those years. For every primary and acute care provider in the U.S., there is a team of medical assistants backing them up, serving in vital support roles in the exam rooms, behind the front desks, or in the back-offices of clinics and practices across the country.
The very fact that medical assistants serve in both administrative and clinical capacities, makes them a good investment for providers that require staff capable of handling a blood draw or updating patient records as the situation requires.
It’s an important job that provides a lot of value to both patients and providers, so it deserves skilled professionals who have the confidence and capability that comes with outstanding training. If you’re serious about a career in healthcare, you owe it to yourself to get the best associate’s degree, diploma or certificate in medical assisting available, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here.
Associate’s Degree, Diploma, or Certificate – Understanding Your Options for Medical Assistant Training
Associate’s degrees offer the type of career preparation people are most familiar with. They are a regular college degree offered at community colleges and private vocational training schools, requiring two years of study, and in many cases, credits that can be transferred into a four-year college if you choose to move on to a bachelor’s degree at some point. They are rigorous and comprehensive, offering both general courses in math, science and humanities, along with medical assistant specialty courses and clinical training. But they are also more expensive and take longer to earn than the alternatives.
Those alternatives are labeled as certificate and diploma programs. There is no official distinction between the two outside the institutions that offer them. You’ll find that both are substantially less expensive than a full associate’s degree, and also much quicker to complete. They offer a fast track to qualifying for certification, but at the expense of general education and credits that aren’t usually transferrable if you want to continue your education. The exception to this is for certificate programs offered at schools that allow you to transfer to an associate’s degree offered at that same school.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Medical Assistant Diploma Programs
Editor’s Picks for the Best Medical Assistant Certificate Programs
Editor’s Picks for the Best Medical Assistant Associate Degree Programs
The choice will be yours: a quick, inexpensive path to becoming an assistant, but with some limitations when it comes to setting yourself up for a more advanced education later on, or a more expensive but in-depth degree that will take more than twice as long to get you on the job and earning a paycheck.
All of them offer the training you need to earn the certification employers look for, so they are considered equal in that regard. The decision comes down to personal preference, future plans for advancement, and how you want to present yourself in the job market.
The Minimum Standards to Be in the Running for Our Top Picks List
Every pick on this top list of programs has achieved that status, as awarded by one off two different CHEA-recognized specialty accreditors for Medical Assistant programs in the United States:
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
That status is absolutely required for fulfilling the educational requirements of the CMA credential, and it is also accepted for the RMA.
What it means is that all of these programs have been rigorously evaluated by professional assessors who are completely up-to-date on the latest healthcare industry requirements and practices. Through exhaustive evaluation of paperwork and records, as well as in-depth on-site visits to see the same facilities and classrooms where you will be taught, they are able to determine the fitness of each program to deliver the high standards necessary for medical work.
Their evaluation includes program aspects such as:
- Curriculum development and documentation
- Instructor hiring and evaluation standards
- Compliance with truth-in-advertising requirements
- Admissions standards and processes
- Administrative support
- Laboratory standards and school resources available
- Grading and graduation procedures
In the end, specialty accreditation validates the academic quality of each of the schools we’ve chosen, and qualifies them to qualify you for medical assistant certification.
Although there is no official licensing program for medical assistants, most healthcare roles that deal with patient care still have quite stringent employer requirements for hiring. For medical assistants, that means earning one of two different available certifications in the field:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – Offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants, the credential requires you to complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited associate, diploma or certificate program.
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – Offered through the American Medical Technologists, the credential requires you to complete an associate, diploma or certificate program from a school with general, institution-level accreditation. Any CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program easily clears this bar to meet the requirements for the RMA certification exam.
How We Selected the Best Medical Assistant Programs for 2022
Although the technical requirements for earning your certification as a medical assistant are met simply by the combination of passing an accredited program and the exam administered by the certification agency, that doesn’t guarantee you the job you want. The secret is out that hiring is ramping up in the field, and you’re facing stiff competition for the best and highest-paying positions.
The best path to those jobs is by attending a top-ranked program. Whether it’s an associate’s degree, a certificate, or a diploma, getting the right education from a school that employers recognize for providing the skills they need their staff to have will land your resume at the top of the stack.
The factors that go into the programs we’ve selected are simple, but tough to meet. They include:
High-caliber Instructors with Lots of Experience
Probably the biggest influence on what you learn is in who you learn it from. We pick programs that have only first-rate instructors: individuals who have accumulated years of experience in the field, and brought that real-world knowledge back to share with students. They’ve worked in actual practices and hospitals, had hands-on experience in patient care. They also need the kind of teaching acumen and interpersonal skills that allow them to share what they know and forge genuine relationships with their students.
Only the top schools attract this kind of instructor, and the credentials of the faculty are one of the first things we consider when building this kind of list. We don’t just look at their scholastic background and achievements, we also look for things that tell the story of their experience and commitment to excellence in the field, which might include earning awards and professional accolades or holding prestigious positions, both on the job and with professional organizations that advocate for medical assistants.
Track Record for Strong Student Outcomes
The proof is in the student outcomes when it comes to medical assistant training. Since almost all graduates go on to take a certification exam, we look at the success rate for each school. If those rates are high, you know that the program is delivering the right instruction, in the right way, to prepare you for what the industry is expecting.
That preparation can extend to the school’s counseling, mentoring, and other student support services. We look for schools that do more than just get you through to graduation and leave you to find a job on your own. Instead, those that offer continuing access to resources for academic excellence and superior support systems are the most likely to make our list. Mentoring services, paper-writing assistance, and career counseling are all important factors in our school selections.
Job Readiness and High Employment Rates Among Graduates
Support services at the top schools don’t stop after graduation, either. We picked schools with strong track records in job placement for graduates, and those that have career centers and networking services to get you into the positions you deserve. A good career center can do far more than help you create a form resume; instead, dedicated professionals can help you evaluate all your career options and tailor your applications, your interviewing skills, and assist you with the sort of professional networking required to get your name to the top of the list.
All of this is reflected in high graduate satisfaction rates. The best schools have the happiest graduates, and we look closely at the evaluations that students deliver after graduation to determine which schools are getting high marks. You will never learn more about a program than you can from someone who has actually been through it, so we gave significant weight to student evaluations when selecting schools we felt deserved a spot on our list.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Medical Assistant Diploma Programs
California
San Mateo, CA
Website
Limited X-Ray Technician Program with Medical Assistant Skills Diploma
Estimated program cost: $24,826
- Dual program provides training and study in both limited x-ray technician and medical assistant roles
- Private academy resources include modern teaching aids, lab equipment, and classrooms
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ limited x-ray technician program with medical assistant skills diploma is the direct path to an exciting career as a medical assistant! Offered at the academy’s Van Nuys and Sacramento campuses, this program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to serve as a competent and trusted medical assistant and/or limited x-ray technician. Choose Gurnick Academy and you’ll have access to the school’s impressive resources, which include modern teaching aids, lab equipment and classrooms. You’ll also benefit from learning in a private academy environment that’s earned a solid reputation for its career-focused education and hands-on practical experiences.
Glendale/San Diego, CA
Website
Medical Assistant Diploma
Estimated program cost: $15,845
- Program offered through both the San Diego and Glendale campuses
- Outstanding support services include success building courses and a learning resource center
A medical assistant education is only as good as the environment in which it’s offered, which is why Glendale Career College’s medical assistant diploma earned a spot on our top programs list. Offered at both the San Diego and Glendale campuses, this focused course of study provides you with the education, training, and support you need to land a spot as a trusted medical assistant professional in a doctor’s office, medical clinic, urgent care center, and more. As a student of Glendale Career College, you’ll enjoy access to their outstanding support services, which include success building courses, assistance through the learning resource center, and top-notch guidance from the school’s dedicated instructors and staff.
Los Angeles, CA
Website
Medical Assistant Diploma
Estimated program cost: $14,996
- Superb resources include a state-of-the arts skills lab
- Career services department offers job placement resources throughout your career
CBD College’s medical assistant diploma is part of the school’s nearly forty-year legacy of producing the next generation of trusted medical career professionals. Choose CBD College for your medical assisting education and you’ll enjoy a variety of outstanding perks, including a state-of-the-art skills lab, the convenience of day and evening classes, and top-notch clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare facilities. You’ll also enjoy access to the college’s career service department, which is there to help you with job placement, both as a graduate and throughout your career. In just 41 weeks, CBD College’s medical assistant diploma will take you from student to trusted member of the healthcare team!
Connecticut
East Hartford/Waterbury/West Haven, CT
Website
Medical Assisting Diploma
Estimated program cost: $17,600
- Your option of three campuses and day or evening classes
- Outstanding support services include job placement assistance, tutoring services, and counseling services
The flexibility of Stone Academy’s medical assisting diploma earned it a spot on our top programs list. As a student of this program, you’ll enjoy the convenience of earning your diploma at the school’s East Hartford, Waterbury, or West Haven campus and the option of completing your program through day or evening classes. You’ll also take the CMA or RMA exam for free and have access to top-notch job placement assistance that’s overseen by the school’s trusted staff of placement managers. Counseling and tutoring services here are also at your disposal, making this program the truly well-rounded course of education you’ve been looking for.
Georgia
Health Sciences Division
Marietta, GA
Website
Medical Assisting Diploma
Estimated program cost: $5,400
- Convenient options to complete program prerequisites at any of the college’s campuses or online and then complete all other program requirements at the Marietta or Appalachian campuses
- Opportunity to continue your education through the school’s AAS in Medical Assisting
Chattahoochee Technical College’s medical assisting diploma is a hit among aspiring medical assistants like you, thanks to its flexibility and convenience. Take some or all of the program’s prerequisites at any of the college’s campuses and online, and then complete your diploma program at the Marietta or Appalachian campus. And if you’ve got your eye on furthering your education, Chattahoochee Technical has you covered there, too, thanks to its AAS in Medical Assisting. Choose Chattahoochee Technical as your path to a career in medical assisting and you’ll enjoy exciting, hands-on learning experiences through practicums at the area’s most prominent healthcare facilities, including Cartersville Medical Center, Grady Hospital, Piedmont, and more.
Illinois
Chicago, IL
Website
Medical Assistant Diploma
Estimated program cost: $20,250
- Outstanding career services include job placement assistance for a lifetime
- Part of the college’s more than 120 years of academic excellence
Coyne College’s top-notch medical assistant diploma program continues the college’s 120+ years of educational excellence. Choose this time-tested program and you’ll complete an optimum blend of both classroom and clinical learning that’s designed to prepare aspiring medical assistants like you to become valuable members of the healthcare team in just 54 weeks. As a student here, you’ll also have access to the college’s outstanding career services and job placement assistance. From preparing personalized resumes to obtaining prime job leads, the experts at Coyne College are available to ensure you experience success beyond graduation.
Iowa
Iowa Falls, IA
Website
Medical Assisting Diploma
Estimated program cost: $7,654
- Program boasts an 84% five-year job placement rate 97% graduate satisfaction rate
- Ellsworth CC currently has the 17th highest success rate (graduation rate plus transfer rate) of any community college in the nation
Ellsworth Community College’s medical assisting diploma is the fast-track to a career in medical assisting you’ve been searching for! At just 11 months long, this diploma program comes jam packed with everything you’ll need to become a competent and valued member of the healthcare team. But don’t mistaken this program’s accelerated design for a lack of quality. In fact, Ellsworth CC’s medical assisting diploma comes with an impressive record of student success that includes an 84% five-year job placement rate 97% graduate satisfaction rate. But that’s not all – Ellsworth CC currently has the 17th highest success rate (graduation rate plus transfer rate) of any community college in the nation!
Kentucky
Louisville/Lexington, KY
Website
Medical Assisting Diploma
Estimated program cost: $13,426
- Outstanding career services include a professional development course, opportunities to network with area employers and alumni, and job placement assistance
MedQuest College’s medical assisting diploma doesn’t just offer a quality medical assisting course of education, it also offers the support and guidance you need to effortlessly transition from student to successful medical assistant. The college’s career services director begins by providing both students and alumni with expert instruction in resume writing, interviewing techniques, and networking skills. Job placement assistance then helps you land your dream job. Plus, all students of MedQuest College participate in a professional development course before embarking on their externship experience. This career development course preps you for success by helping you create a portfolio that highlights your accomplishments. Lunch and learn events, which bring together local employers, hiring managers, alumni, and students, are yet another way MedQuest is focused on your success beyond graduation.
Minnesota
Willmar, MN
Website
Medical Assistant Diploma
Estimated program cost: $8,140
- Opportunity to continue your education through the college’s AAS in Medical Assisting degree
- Flexible program options include your choice of full- or part-time study and the Willmar or Hutchinson campus
Ridgewater College’s medical assistant diploma is 49 credits of classroom and practical learning that is expertly blended into one, comprehensive course of study designed with your success in mind. In just sixteen months, Ridgewater will prepare you to become a valuable member of the healthcare team. And if you want to continue your education, Ridgewater has you covered there, too, with their AAS in Medical Assisting degree. Offered at both the Willmar and Hutchinson campuses as both a part- and full-time program, Ridgewater’s medical assistant diploma comes with an impressive 100% graduate satisfaction rate since 2011.
North Carolina
Rocky Mount, NC
Website
Medical Assisting Diploma
Estimated program cost: $3,192
- Outstanding record of student success includes a 96% average exam passage rate over the past five years
- Opportunity to continue your education through the AAS in Medical Assisting
There’s no denying it—Nash Community College’s medical assisting diploma is designed with your success in mind. Want proof? This program’s outstanding record of student success includes a 96% average exam passage rate over the past five years. This three-semester program includes an optimum blend of classroom, laboratory and clinical learning that prepares you for CMA certification and for an exciting career in medical assisting. And if you have aspirations of continuing your education, simply complete an additional two semesters of required coursework and earn your AAS in Medical Assisting. Once you’re ready to graduate, Nash CC is there to help you experience success in the real world, thanks to its top-notch Career Center, which provides students with outstanding, one-on-one career counseling services.
Ohio
Mount Vernon, OH
Website
Medical Assisting Diploma
Estimated program cost: $8,800
- Outstanding job placement rate of 100% as of 2016
- Excellent resources and assistance through the school’s Career Services department
The Knox Technical Center medical assisting diploma combines a comprehensive course of study in theory and intensive hands-on training with a practicum that will prepare you to easily transition from student to trusted member of the healthcare team as soon as you graduate. In addition to its affordable price tag, you’ll enjoy this program’s condensed nine-month time frame, which includes morning/afternoon classes for your convenience. You’ll also appreciate their superb Career Services resources, which include assistance with everything from resume writing to interview skills to employment assistance. The success of this program is evident – as of 2016, Knox Technical Center boasted a 100% job placement rate!
South Carolina
Spartanburg, SC
Website
Medical Assisting Diploma
Estimated program cost: $9,650
- Outstanding record of student success includes a 96% retention rate, 100% graduation satisfaction rate, and 100% employer satisfaction rate, as of 2016
- Superb career services include career fairs and other networking events, resume and interviewing guidance, and job placement assistance
It’s no secret why Spartanburg Community College’s medical assisting diploma earned a spot on our top programs list—It comes with an outstanding record of student success, including a 96% retention rate, 100% graduation satisfaction rate, and 100% employer satisfaction rate, as of 2016. Completed in four consecutive terms, with a fall or spring start, Spartanburg CC’s medical assisting diploma is the direct path to an exciting and fulfilling career in medical assisting. As a student of Spartanburg CC, you’ll also have access to the school’s outstanding career services department, which includes workforce preparation and planning, networking opportunities with alumni and local employers, career fairs, resume and interviewing guidance, and job placement assistance.
Virginia
Newport News/Virginia Beach, VA
Website
Medical Assisting Diploma
Estimated program cost: $27,792
- Program features accelerated, five-week courses that are taken two a time for a unique, focused approach to learning
- Small class sizes ensure a personalized learning experience
ECPI University’s medical assisting diploma is what a comprehensive medical assisting education looks like. Designed with a unique, hands-on approach that allows students to gain real-world experience, both in the classroom and in medical settings, ECPI’s medical assistant diploma prepares you to deftly handle the rigors of both the clerical and clinical aspects of working as a medical assistant. We also love the layout of the program’s curriculum, which features taking two classes at a time every five weeks. This focused course of study, along with the program’s small class sizes, provides a unique, personalized learning experience. ECPI’s outstanding career services team is also top-notch, providing students with comprehensive career resources, services, and guidance from the time they enroll in the program to the time they graduate – and beyond!
Editor’s Picks for the Best Medical Assistant Certificate Programs
California
West Covina, CA
Website
Medical Assistant Certificate
Estimated program cost: $7,992
- Superb record of student success: 99% job placement rate, 100% graduate satisfaction rate, and 100% employer satisfaction rate, as of 2017
- Exceptional student support includes a host of academic and career services
East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program knows a thing or two about academic excellence, which is why their medical assistant certificate program boasts a 99% job placement rate, 100% graduate satisfaction rate, and 100% employer satisfaction rate, as of 2017. And it’s no surprise, given East San Gabriel Valley Regional’s commitment to outstanding academic services. From providing you with guidance on meeting academic and/or personal challenges to ensuring you’re on track toward gradation, they are there to help you achieve success, both as a student and as a competent and value medical assistant. Career services here are also impressive, with the Career Services Department providing students with everything from career readiness workshops to on-site career fairs to job placement assistance.
Los Angeles, CA
Website
Medical Assistant Certificate
Estimated program cost: $11,160
- Available at both the Los Angeles and City of Industry campuses
- Flexible and convenient curriculum includes your choice of day or evening classes and monthly program start dates
Whether at the Los Angeles or City of Industry campus, Angeles College’s medical assistant certificate is where you’ll want to head for success in medical assisting. This comprehensive program is designed to prepare competent and valued medical assistants who have a well-rounded arsenal of knowledge and skills in both the administrative and clinical aspects of medical assisting. Featuring just 26 weeks of classroom learning and 10 weeks of practical experiences, this program is designed to take you from student to trusted member of the healthcare team in just nine months. Your choice of day or evening classes and opportunities to begin the program monthly ensure plenty of flexibility and convenience for busy students like you.
Colorado
Westminster, CO
Website
Medical Assisting Certificate
Estimated program cost: $5,807
- Excellent record of student success includes a 98% graduate satisfaction rate, 96% employer satisfaction rate, and 82% job placement over the past five years
- Program available at the college’s Boulder County, Larimar, and Westminster campuses
Front Range Community College’s medical assisting certificate comes with an outstanding record of student success that includes a 98% graduate satisfaction rate, 96% employer satisfaction rate, and 82% job placement over the past five years. It also delivers on convenience, allowing aspiring medical assistants like you to complete this course of study at the Boulder County, Larimar, or Westminster campus. And if you have aspirations of continuing your education after graduation, Front Range CC has you covered there, too, through its AAS in Medical Assisting, which is offered through the Boulder County campus. And that’s not the only good news here. Credits here are guaranteed to transfer to many Colorado colleges and universities, including the University of Colorado – Boulder, Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and CSU – Global. In fact, Front Range was recently named as one of the top community colleges in the nation for transfer student success!
Florida
Lake Worth, FL
Website
Medical Assisting Certificate
Estimated program cost: $3,614
- Program boasts experienced instructors, small class sizes, and modern classrooms with state-of-the-art medical office training lab
- Excellent record of student success includes an 86% retention rate, as of 2017
Palm Beach State College’s medical assisting certificate is 13 months of comprehensive training and education in all aspects of the medical assisting profession. Offered at the college’s Lake Worth campus, the medical assisting certificate program comes with experienced and dedicated instructors, small class sizes, modern classrooms with a state-of-the-art medical office training lab, and an excellent record of student success that includes a retention rate of 86%, as of 2017. Upon graduation, you’ll qualify for both the CMA and Basic X-Ray Operator license through the AART, thereby ensuring you’re well-positioned to land a medical assistant job in a variety of healthcare settings.
Illinois
Aurora, IL
Website
Medical Assistant Certificate
Estimated program cost: $4,160
- Outstanding record of student success includes a 100% CMA exam pass rate from 2016 to 2019
- On-site externship available through a partnership with Advocate Dreyer Medical Clinic
Waubonsee Community College’s medical assistant certificate is where success happens! In fact, this program boasts a 100% CMA exam pass rate from 2016 to 2019, thereby highlighting this program’s commitment to academic excellence. As a student here, you’ll enjoy attending classes at the college’s state-of-the-art Aurora Fox Valley campus and completing your on-site externship that is arranged in partnership with Advocate Dreyer Medical Clinic. You’ll also have access to the college’s outstanding academic support resources that include online tutoring, transfer school planning, and academic, career and personal counseling.
Massachusetts
Brockton, MA
Website
Medical Assistant Certificate
Estimated program cost: $7,600
- Program offered at the Brockton, Canton, and Middleborough campuses
- Impressive history of student success includes a 100% graduate and employer satisfaction rate, as of 2016
Massasoit Community College is home to a truly comprehensive medical assistant certificate that will take you from student to practicing medical assistant in just nine months! This program is chockfull of classroom and practical learning in all aspects of the medical assisting career, thereby ensuring you’re well-prepared to take the CMA exam and serve as a valuable member of the healthcare team immediately upon graduation. This top-notch program, offered at the school’s Brockton, Canton, and Middleborough campuses, comes with a truly impressive record of student success, including a 100% graduate and employer satisfaction rate, as of 2016. Job placement assistance and on-campus recruiting are just two of the exciting career services offered here.
Michigan
Healthcare & Health Sciences
Livonia, MI
Website
Medical Assisting Certificate
Estimated program cost: $4,130
- Program boasts an 86% average job placement rate, 96% employer satisfaction rate, and 100% graduate satisfaction rate in the past five years
- Exceptional career resources include interviewing software, online career assessment tools, and personalized support through dedicated academic advisors
Schoolcraft College’s medical assisting certificate is where students experience success! In fact, this highly respected program boasts an 86% average job placement rate, 96% employer satisfaction rate, and 100% graduate satisfaction rate in the past five years. And it’s no wonder – in addition to receiving a well-rounded course of education in both the clinical and clerical aspects of the medical assisting profession, students here enjoy outstanding support services that include a free online career assessment and research tool, personalized support through dedicated academic advisors, interactive interviewing software, and resume and cover letter assistance through the Career Services Office.
Dearborn, MI
Website
Medical Assistant Certificate of Achievement
Estimated program cost: $3,654
- Opportunity to continue your education through the college’s Clinical Management AAS in Medical Practice
- Program boasts a 96% average graduate satisfaction rate and 92% average retention rate over the past five years
Henry Ford College’s medical assistant certificate of achievement offers the finest in education for aspiring medical assistants like you. You can expect plenty of exciting perks at Henry Ford, including small class sizes for personalized learning…one of the most affordable tuitions in Michigan…and a top-notch learning environment that includes state-of-the-art equipment and supplies. It’s no secret why Henry Ford’s medical assistant certificate made our top programs list—It boasts a 96% average graduate satisfaction rate and 92% average retention rate over the past five years. As a student here, you’ll be assisted and supported by the best, thanks to the school’s outstanding team of academic advisors and student success navigators.
New Jersey
Newark/Woodbridge/Woodland Park, NJ
Website
Medical Assistant Certificate
Estimated program cost: $23,200
- Opportunity to continue your education through the college’s AAS in Medical Assistant
- Program boasts a contemporary curriculum that’s designed with input from industry experts
Berkeley College’s medical assistant certificate offers the convenience and quality you’ve been searching for! Offered at the Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park campuses, this certificate program provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a competent and trusted medical assistant in a variety of healthcare settings. In just 45 weeks, you’ll receive training in all aspects of the medical assistant profession, from clinical procedures to medical office administration and beyond. Just a few of the benefits of completing your program through Berkeley include a contemporary curriculum designed with input from industry experts…a highly educated and experienced faculty…flexible scheduling options that include day, evening, weekend, and online classes…and excellent support services and resources that include free lifetime career assistance.
North Carolina
Dobson, NC
Website
Medical Assisting Certificate
Estimated program cost: $1,292
- Opportunity to continue your education through the college’s AAS in Medical Assisting
- Outstanding record of student achievement includes an 89% job placement rate, 100% retention rate, and 100% CMA exam pass rate, as of 2016
Surry Community College’s medical assisting certificate boasts a blend of classroom and hands-on learning in areas like insurance processing, billing, routine laboratory procedures, patient care, and ethical/legal issues, thereby ensuring you’re well-prepared to serve as a competent and trusted member of the healthcare team. You’ll enjoy the unique design of this program, which is structured to ensure the skills you learn build upon each course in progression. This program’s success is clear: As of 2016, it boasts an 89% job placement rate, 100% retention rate, and 100% CMA exam pass rate. Few programs can beat their stats!
Ohio
Fremont, OH
Website
Medical Assisting Certificate
Estimated program cost: $4,224
- Opportunity to continue your education through the college’s AAS in Medical Assisting
- Program boasts a 94% national exam pass rate and 100% graduate satisfaction rate, as of 2017
Terra State Community College’s medical assisting certificate earned a spot on our top programs list for its outstanding support services. As a student of this program, you’ll have access to academic support through the Academic Service Center. Tutoring, student success resources, and transfer assistance are just some of the programs and resources offered here. You’ll also have access to an Academic and Career Advisor, who will ensure you’re on track to meet your educational and professional goals. Choose Terra State for your medical assisting education and you’ll be part of a program that boasts a 94% national exam pass rate and 100% graduate satisfaction rate, as of 2017.
Oregon
Milwaukie, OR
Website
Medical Assistant Certificate of Completion
Estimated program cost: $5,047
- Outstanding record of student achievement includes a 100% CMA exam pass rate for the past five years
- Program boasts a 90% job placement rate, as of 2016
If you’re looking for a program with a proven history of success, look no further than Clackamas Community College’s medical assistant certificate of completion program! This top-notch program boasts a 100% average CMA exam pass rate over the past five years and a 90% job placement rate, as of 2016! Offered at the college’s Harmony campus, Clackamas CC’s medical assistant certificate program consists of 49 credits of classroom and hands-on learning in all aspects of the medical assisting profession. Choose this program and you’ll be prepared for success upon graduation, thanks to the school’s Career Center, a one-stop shop for a host of valuable career and employment services.
Texas
Abilene, TX
Website
Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting Level II Certificate
Estimated program cost: $8,189
- Opportunity to continue your education through the college’s AAS in Medical Assisting
- Program boasts a 76% retention rate, as of 2017
In just three semesters, Cisco College’s clinical and administrative medical assisting Level II certificate will take you from student to trusted and competent member of the healthcare team. And if you want to take your education one step further, complete an additional semester of coursework requirements and you’ll earn an AAS in Medical Assisting. We’re also impressed with this college’s academic support programs that include tutoring, academic seminars and workshops, and academic improvement plans, along with its career services that include career testing, a resource library, and job search assistance.
Utah
Logan, UT
Website
Medical Assisting Certificate
Estimated program cost: $2,910
- Outstanding record of student achievement and success: 96% job placement rate, 100% graduate satisfaction rate, 100% employer satisfaction rate, and 95% national exam pass rate
- Superb career resources include on-campus job placement resources
Bridgerland Technical College’s medical assisting certificate is second to none when it comes to academic excellence. This program features a robust, contemporary curriculum led by an occupational advisory committee consisting of business and industry representatives throughout the region…plenty of hands-on, one-on-one instruction…and outstanding student stats that include a 96% job placement rate, 100% graduate satisfaction rate, 100% employer satisfaction rate, and 95% national exam pass rate. You’ll also have access to superb career planning resources that include on-campus job placement resources to make the transition from student to trusted medical professional an effortless one.
Washington
Mount Vernon, WA
Website
Medical Assistant Certificate
Estimated program cost: $8,512
- Opportunity to continue your education through the college’s AAS in Medical Assistant
- Excellent history of student success includes a 100% employer satisfaction rate and 89% national exam pass rate
Skagit Valley College’s medial assistant certificate comes with impressive statistics that reveal this program’s commitment to academic excellence. In fact, it boasts a 100% employer satisfaction rate and 89% national exam pass rate. The services offered here also speak to this institution’s commitment to student success. Its Counseling and Advising Center promotes student success through academic guidance, tutoring, and other support services.
Bremerton, WA
Website
Medical Assisting Certificate of Specialization
Estimated program cost: $5,666
- Opportunity to continue your education through the AAS in Medical Assisting
- College recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation in 2016/17
Olympic College comes with a distinction few colleges can claim: It was recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation in 2016/17! Their medical assisting certificate of specialization continues this legacy of academic excellence by providing students with a well-rounded course of study that includes classroom, laboratory, and hands-on training in the clerical and clinical aspects of the medical assisting profession. Support here is standard, with students enjoying outstanding career guidance and assistance through the Olympic College Career Center. Services/resources here are focused on career development, internship/volunteerism, and employment planning. Just some of the events focused on the support of student career planning include job fairs, career expos, and internship/community volunteer service fairs.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Medical Assistant Associate Degree Programs
Colorado
Health Sciences
Lakewood/Arvada, CO
Website
AAS in Medical Assisting
Estimated program cost: $8,934
- AA/AS General Education Transfer Program ensures the easy transfer of your credits to any Colorado four-year college or university
- Outstanding job placement rate of 95%
Red Rocks Community College’s AAS in Medical Assisting features 60 semester hours of in-depth, classroom, laboratory, and hands-on training in all aspects of the medical assisting profession. This program easily made our top programs list because of its highly qualified faculty, flexible course schedules, one of the lowest tuitions in Colorado, and outstanding career and academic services for its students. Plus, if you have aspirations of continuing your education at any point, you can feel good knowing that your associate’s degree easily transfers to any of Colorado’s four-year colleges and universities. Choose Red Rock CC for your medical assisting education and you’ll be part of program that boasts a three-year average job placement rate of 95%.
Connecticut
Hartford, CT
Website
AS in Medical Assisting
Estimated program cost: $9,960
- Capital CC ranked among the top 25 schools for adult learners in the nation by The Washington Monthly in both 2017 and 2018
- Outstanding record of student success includes a 100% graduation satisfaction rate, employer satisfaction rate, and a retention rate, as of 2017
If you’re looking for a medical assisting degree program that is second to none in terms of student success, then Capital Community College’s AS in Medical Assisting is the program for you! This program boasts a 100% graduation satisfaction rate, employer satisfaction rate, and retention rate, as of 2017. Plus, it’s housed in a school that’s been ranked among the top 25 schools for adult learners in the nation by The Washington Monthly in both 2017 and 2018. As a student here, you’ll also have access to outstanding career services and resources through the Career and Talent Development department, which also features career-focused events and workshops, hiring events, and career fairs.
Georgia
Valdosta/Coffee, GA
Website
Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting
Estimated program cost: $6,600
- Outstanding record of student success includes a five-year job placement rate of 99%
- Contemporary curriculum standards developed with the guidance of business and industry leaders
Whether you choose the Valdosta or Coffee campus, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s associate’s degree in medical assisting is the comprehensive path to a successful and gratifying career in medical assisting you’ve been searching for. There’s no better indication of a program’s quality than the success of its graduates, and at Wiregrass Georgia, success is clear: this program boasts a five-year job placement rate of 99%! And it’s no wonder—curriculum standards have been developed with the guidance of business and industry leaders, so you can feel good knowing the program includes only the most contemporary aspects of the medical assisting profession. And if you have aspirations of continuing your education, you’ll also feel good knowing that credits here easily transfer to the colleges and universities within the University System of Georgia.
Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
Website
AAS Medical Assistant
Estimated program cost: $27,920
- Accelerated degree program can be completed in just 16 months
- Superb, hands-on training in the college’s simulated medical laboratory classrooms
In just 16 months, International Business College’s AAS Medical Assistant will prepare you to become a valuable member of the healthcare team. Choose this degree program and you’ll enjoy outstanding, one-on-one access to faculty, plenty of hands-on experiences in simulated medical laboratory classrooms, and a comprehensive course of education covering the clinical, laboratory, and administrative aspects of the medical assisting profession. This accelerated course of study also includes outstanding career resources that include networking techniques, professional resume creation, and interviewing skills practices.
Maryland
Cumberland, MD
Website
AAS in Medical Assistant
Estimated program cost: $7,500
- Outstanding record of student achievement includes a 100% pass rate on the CMA exam and 100% job placement rate, as of 2016
- Outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning in clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, and administrative tasks
Allegany College of Maryland’s AAS in Medical Assistant features a comprehensive curriculum that’s complemented with plenty of hands-on learning. As a student here, you’ll engage in classroom learning, as well as in practical learning that includes training in clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, and administrative tasks in a realistic setting. The success of this program’s graduates is clear: graduates from the program’s 2016 cohort enjoyed a 100% pass rate on the CMA exam and 100% job placement rate. Student success here is proven!
Massachusetts
Gardner, MA
Website
AS in Medical Assisting
Estimated program cost: $13,320
- Program boasts small class sizes for a personalized learning experience
- Easy transfer options to many of the colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts
Mount Wachusett Community College’s AS in Medical Assisting is everything you’d expect in a quality medical assisting degree – and more! You’ll begin by completing the college’s medical assisting certificate and then satisfy the additional curriculum requirements needed to earn your associate’s degree. Just some of the many features of this program that caught our attention include small class sizes (a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio)… easy transfer options to many of the colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts…and outstanding career services that include job search tools, salary negotiations, resume tips, on-campus recruiting, and more.
Michigan
Alpena, MI
Website
AAS in Medical Assistant
Estimated program cost: $9,179
- Recipient of the Aspen Prize for Community Excellence – one of just 150 community colleges in the nation to earn this distinction
- Outstanding student resources include a dedicated, state-of-the-art laboratory and computer simulation skills programs
Alpena Community College’s AAS in Medical Assistant is an optimal blend of administrative and clinical courses designed to prepare you to become a trusted medical assistant in a variety of healthcare settings. This two-year course of study features a host of coursework in areas such as medical terminology, physiology, insurance billing, office procedures, and much more, all of which allow you to be well-prepared to take the CMA exam and immediately enter the exciting medical field. Just some of the resources afforded to the medical assisting students of Alpena CC include a dedicated, state-of-the-art laboratory, computer simulation skills programs, and outstanding faculty support and guidance. Choose Alpena CC and you’ll be part of this college’s superb legacy of excellence, which includes holding the Aspen Prize for Community Excellence – one of just 150 community colleges in the nation to earn this distinction!
Minnesota
Health Science Technology
Anoka, MN
Website
AAS Medical Assistant
Estimated program cost: $10,318
- Flexible curriculum includes your choice of day or evening courses and spring, summer or fall semester start date.
- Program boasts small class sizes and outstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders
Day and evening classes to accommodate your busy schedule…your choice of a fall, summer or spring start date…and a unique combination of both a diploma and associate’s degree are just some of the features of Anoka Technical College’s AAS Medical Assistant degree program that earned it a spot on our top programs list. Upon graduation, students of this program will earn both an accredited diploma and AAS degree. And if you have aspirations of continuing your education, all 27 general education credits are Minnesota Transfer Curriculum courses! Choose Anoka for your medical assisting education and you’ll be part of a college that boasts small classes, outstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders, and credentialed, highly qualified instructors.
Missouri
Springfield/Kansas City, MO
Website
AOS Medical Assistant (Associate of Occupational Science)
Estimated program cost: $23,500
- Options to complete the program through a daytime or evening/weekend course schedule
- Accelerated program can be completed in as little as 15 months
If an accelerated course of study is what you crave, look no further than the WellSpring School of Allied Health’s AOS Medical Assistant program! In as little as 15 months, this program will provide you with the training and skills you’ll need to serve as a competent and valued medical assistant. Whether the college’s Springfield or Kansas City campus works best for you, this associate’s degree will provide you with a comprehensive course of study that’s designed to prepare you for success on the CMA exam and immediate placement in a healthcare setting. Choose the Daytime option and you’ll complete this program in just 15 months; choose the Evening & Weekend program and you’ll complete it in just 24 months – the choice is yours!
New York
Albany/Malta Extension Center/Greece/Henrietta/Liverpool/Syracuse/Amherst/Buffalo/Orchard Park, NY
Website
AAS in Medical Assisting
Estimated program cost: $36,660
- Program offered at nine campuses throughout New York
- Superb career services offered through the school’s Career LifePrep experience
Offered at nine campuses throughout New York, Bryant & Stratton College’s AAS in Medical Assisting is sure to be located near you. This comprehensive course of study offers a robust blend of classroom, laboratory, and practical training that prepares you for success on the CMA exam and in the healthcare field in settings such as private practices, hospitals, clinics, and more. As a student of Bryant & Stratton, you’ll have access to outstanding career support services through the college’s Career LifePrep experience – your resource for personalized career plans, resume development, interview prep, strategic job search assistance, and more.
North Carolina
Tarboro/Rocky Mount, NC
Website
AAS in Medical Assisting
Estimated program cost: $5,168
- Outstanding record of student achievement includes a 100% CMA exam pass rate in 2016
- Superb job placement rate of 100% in 2016
Edgecombe Community College’s AAS in Medical Assisting’s outstanding exam passage rate immediately earned it a spot on our top programs list. In fact, as of 2016, 100% of its students passed the CMA exam on their first attempt. It comes as no surprise that the 2016 cohort also enjoyed a 100% job placement rate! Choose Edgecombe CC for your medical assisting education and you’ll feel good knowing that you’re part of a program that comes with an outstanding track record of student success.
Wilkesboro, NC
Website
AAS in Medical Assisting
Estimated program cost: $4,712
- Superb record of student success includes a 100% retention rate, 93% job placement rate, and 100% employer and graduate satisfaction, as of in 2017
- Opportunity to transfer your credits to UNC-Greensboro’s BS in Public Health
If you’re looking for a program that’s backed by impressive statistics, then Wilkes Community College’s AAS in Medical Assisting is for you! This degree program boasts a 100% retention rate, 93% job placement rate, and 100% employer and graduate satisfaction, as of in 2017—all of which speak to this program’s outstanding commitment to program quality and student success. As a student of Wilkes CC, you’ll be eligible to continue your education through the school’s transfer agreement with UNC-Greensboro’s BS in Public Health. You’ll also enjoy the college’s outstanding career counseling services that include workshops, events, and job search assistance.
Ohio
Zanesville, OH
Website
AAS in Medical Assisting
Estimated program cost: $10,962
- Outstanding record of student success includes a 100% CMA exam pass rate and 100% five-year graduate and employer satisfaction
- Exciting opportunities to continue your education through transfer agreements with Ohio’s colleges and universities
With a 100% CMA exam pass rate and 100% five-year graduate and employer satisfaction, Zane State College’s AAS in Medical Assisting knows what it takes to produce competent, qualified medical assistants who serve as valuable members of the healthcare team. This comprehensive course of study, which includes an optimal blend of coursework in both the administrative and clinical aspects of the medical assisting profession, is designed to easily transfer to a four-year degree through any of Ohio’s colleges and universities. It’s record of student achievement simply can’t be beat!
Lancaster/Pickerington, OH
Website
AAS in Medical Assisting Technology
Estimated program cost: $10,052
- Superb record of student success includes a 100% and a national exam passage rate of 100% for the 2016 cohort
- Opportunity to advance your education through one of the university’s many bachelor’s degrees in areas like healthcare administration and technical and applied studies
With a job placement rate of 100% and a national exam passage rate of 100% for the 2016 cohort, one thing’s clear: Ohio University’s AAS in Medical Assisting has what it takes to prepare you for the exciting and fulfilling medical assisting profession. This superb program blends classroom, laboratory, and clinical learning into one, comprehensive course of study that’s designed with your success in mind. And if you have aspirations of continuing your education, your associate’s degree will easily transfer to the university’s many bachelor’s degrees in areas such as healthcare administration, technical and applied studies, communication studies, or specialized studies.
Oregon
Albany, OR
Website
AAS in Medical Assistant
Estimated program cost: $10,665
- Program is delivered in the college’s new Health Occupations Center, which comes complete with outstanding resources and state-of-the-art equipment
- Outstanding record of student success includes a five-year average exam passage rate of 95% and a five-year job placement rate of 92%
Linn Benton Community College’s AAS in Medical Assistant is a robust, well-rounded program that features outstanding resources and state-of-the-art equipment within the new Health Occupations Center. Thanks to a comprehensive course of study in both the clerical and clinical aspects of the medical assisting profession, this program boasts a five-year average exam passage rate of 95% and a five-year job placement rate of 92%—making it a shoo-in for our top programs list. As a student of Linn Benton CC, you’ll have full access to the college’s career services, which include job search skills and resources, resume and cover letter assistance, and a dedicated career coach who’s there to ensure your success beyond graduation.
Pennsylvania
Johnstown, PA
Website
AAS in Medical Assisting Technology
Estimated program cost: $8,640
- Program boasts a strong record of student achievement that includes a 100% exam pass rate, as of 2016
- College is ranked first among all two-year public institutions in Pennsylvania for its graduation rate
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College’s AAS in Medical Assisting Technology offers a well-rounded course of study that’s designed to prepare you for success on the CMA exam and to serve as a trusted and valued medical assistant in a variety of healthcare settings. Offered at the Richland campus, this associate’s degree boasts a low, student-to-faculty ratio for a personalized course of study and a strong record of student success that includes a 100% CMA exam pass rate, as of 2016. Choose Pennsylvania Highlands Community College for your medical assisting education and you’ll be part of an institution that is ranked first among all two-year public institutions in Pennsylvania for its graduation rate!
Washington
Port Angeles, WA
Website
AAS in Medical Assisting
Estimated program cost: $10,337
- Outstanding record of student success: 100% average graduate satisfaction rate, 100% average employer satisfaction rate, 100% exam passage rate, and 93% average job placement rate between 2016 and 2018
- Superb career services include job search assistance, transfer opportunities, and career exploration
Student achievement in Peninsula College’s AAS in Medical Assisting program is proven and impressive! In fact, this program comes with an impressive record of success, including a 100% average graduate satisfaction rate, 100% average employer satisfaction rate, 100% exam passage rate, and 93% average job placement rate between 2016 and 2018. These stats are proof positive that this program is designed with your success in mind! As a student of this program, you’ll have outstanding access to the college’s career services, which include job search assistance, transfer opportunities, and career exploration.
Pasco, WA
Website
AAS in Medical Assistant
Estimated program cost: $10,236
- Outstanding record of student success includes a job placement rate of 90%, as of 2016
- Program quality overseen by a physician medical director
Three quarters of coursework and a 198-hour externship comprise Columbia Basin College’s AAS in Medical Assistant program, a well-rounded, robust course of study that’s designed to prepare you to become a competent medical assistant in a variety of healthcare settings like physician offices, clinics, HMOs, hospitals, and more. Taught by experienced certified medical assistants and overseen by a physician medical director, Columbia Basin’s medical assistant associate’s degree is committed to student excellence. It therefore comes as no surprise that this program boasts a job placement rate of 90%, as of 2016.