Medical Assistant Schools & Programs

Medical assistants earn a median salary of $38,270 per year, and the field is projected to grow 14% through 2032, much faster than average. Training programs prepare you for a versatile role that combines patient care with front-office operations, making medical assisting one of the most accessible entry points into allied health. With both clinical and administrative responsibilities, medical assistants are essential to keeping physician offices, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics running efficiently.

What Is a Medical Assistant Program?

Medical assistant programs train students to perform both clinical and administrative duties in physician offices, urgent care centers, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices. Clinical training covers taking vital signs, drawing blood, administering injections, and assisting with examinations. Administrative training covers scheduling, medical records management, insurance processing, and patient communication. This dual skill set makes medical assistants uniquely versatile in healthcare settings. Most programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which are considered the industry standard for quality training.

What You’ll Learn

• Taking and recording vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, oxygen saturation)
• Phlebotomy (blood draws) and specimen collection for laboratory testing
• Administering medications and injections as directed by a physician
• Performing basic clinical procedures like EKGs, wound care, and suture removal
• Medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology fundamentals
• Electronic health records (EHR) systems including data entry and chart management
• Insurance verification, prior authorizations, and medical billing basics
• Patient intake, scheduling, and front-desk operations
• Infection control protocols and OSHA safety compliance
• Basic pharmacology including medication preparation and dosage calculations

How Long Does Training Take?

Certificate programs in medical assisting typically take 9 to 12 months of full-time study and are the fastest route to employment. Associate degree programs take approximately 2 years and include general education courses that may transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. Most programs include an externship of 160 to 200 hours in a clinical setting, which provides supervised patient care experience. Tuition for certificate programs generally ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 at community colleges and vocational schools, while associate degree programs may cost $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the institution. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement may be available to help offset costs.

Admissions & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Background check and drug screening (required for clinical externships)
• Current immunizations including Hepatitis B, TB test, and flu shot
• CPR/BLS certification (required before starting externship)
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, assist patients, and perform repetitive tasks
• Some programs require prerequisite courses in biology, math, or medical terminology

Licensing & Certification

Medical assistants are not licensed in most states, but national certification is strongly preferred by employers and may be required for certain clinical tasks. The major credentials include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), which requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) are also widely recognized. Certifications must be renewed every few years with continuing education credits.

Career Outlook & Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% employment growth for medical assistants from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 117,800 annual job openings nationwide, driven by an aging population and expanding outpatient care. The median annual wage is $38,270, with the top 10% earning more than $57,400. Mean annual wages reach $42,097 across all settings. Entry-level positions typically start around $22,960, while experienced medical assistants in specialty practices or metropolitan areas can earn significantly more. Certification and specialization tend to increase earning potential (BLS, OEWS, May 2024).

Where You’ll Work

Medical assistants find employment across a wide range of healthcare settings. The most common workplaces include physician offices, outpatient care centers, urgent care clinics, and hospitals. Specialty practices in areas like dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, and pediatrics also hire medical assistants. Some medical assistants work in ambulatory surgical centers, public health clinics, or corporate wellness programs. Most positions involve standard weekday hours, though urgent care and hospital roles may include evenings and weekends.

Online vs In-Person Options

Medical assistant programs are commonly offered in hybrid formats. Didactic coursework including anatomy, medical terminology, billing procedures, and EHR systems can often be completed online. However, clinical skills like phlebotomy, injections, EKGs, and patient assessment require hands-on lab practice and a supervised externship in a healthcare setting. Fully online programs exist but may not be accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, which could disqualify you from sitting for the CMA exam. Verify accreditation before enrolling to ensure your training meets certification requirements and employer expectations.

Browse by Location

• View all locations: Medical Assistant by state

Career Guide

Medical assisting offers a strong foundation for a long-term healthcare career. Whether you plan to stay in the field or use it as a stepping stone, understanding the day-to-day responsibilities, advancement opportunities, and specialization options can help you make an informed decision. Our career guide covers everything from typical work schedules to salary negotiation tips and continuing education pathways.

Career Guide: Medical Assistant →

FAQs

What is the difference between a medical assistant and a nurse?

Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks under direct physician supervision and typically complete 9 to 24 months of training. Nurses (LPNs and RNs) have more extensive clinical training, can perform a wider range of medical procedures, administer medications independently, and are licensed by the state. Nursing programs are longer and require passing the NCLEX licensing exam.

Do medical assistants need to be certified to work?

Certification is not legally required in most states, but it is increasingly expected by employers. Many healthcare organizations will only hire certified medical assistants, and certification may be required to perform certain clinical tasks like administering injections or drawing blood, depending on state law. The CMA, RMA, and NCMA are the most widely recognized credentials.

Can medical assistants specialize?

Yes, medical assistants can specialize in areas like podiatry, ophthalmology, optometry, or cardiology by gaining experience in specialty practices or earning additional credentials. Some medical assistants also advance into roles like clinical team lead, office manager, or health information technician with additional training or education.

How much do medical assistant programs cost?

Tuition varies widely depending on the type of institution and program length. Certificate programs at community colleges and vocational schools typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, while associate degree programs may cost $10,000 to $30,000. Additional costs include textbooks, scrubs, certification exam fees (approximately $150 to $250), and background check fees. Many schools accept financial aid, and some employers offer tuition reimbursement.

What is the job outlook for medical assistants?

The BLS projects 14% growth from 2022 to 2032, translating to roughly 117,800 openings per year. This growth is driven by an aging population requiring more preventive care and an expansion of outpatient medical facilities. Medical assisting consistently ranks among the fastest-growing healthcare support occupations in the country.

Can I work as a medical assistant while pursuing a nursing degree?

Yes, many students work as medical assistants while completing nursing prerequisites or attending nursing school. The clinical experience you gain as a medical assistant, including patient interaction, vital signs, and EHR documentation, provides practical skills that translate well to nursing. Some healthcare employers also offer tuition assistance or flexible scheduling for employees pursuing further education.

Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024 where available, supplemented by industry salary surveys. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.

Browse Medical Assistant Schools by State

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.