A medical assistant is a healthcare professional, often working in a doctor's office alongside a physician to perform medical and administrative tasks. This career doesn't require a bachelor's or master's degree. Instead, someone can become a medical assistant with a postsecondary non-degree program. This career is growing rapidly, meaning there's plenty of opportunity for aspiring medical assistants.
20 Best Medical Assistant Programs
The best medical assistant programs will be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which is the industry-standard accreditor for health education. They should also:
Cost less than $35,000
Graduate at least half of their students
Have institutional accreditation (meaning the entire school is accredited)
Here are 20 of the best medical assistant programs that meet and exceed this criterion in alphabetical order:
How to Choose the Right Medical Assistant Program
There are many outstanding medical assistant programs to choose from, which can make it difficult for students to identify the right program for them.
First, it's important to assess the reputation and accreditation of the programs you're considering. It's critical that your program is accredited, meaning it's been reviewed by a national or regional accrediting organization and has been verified to provide quality education.
It's also important to consider how the program fits within your lifestyle. Some programs are offered both online and in-person, while others are only available in person. Additionally, some programs require daytime classes, while others offer evening classes.
Finally, consider how the program will help you start your career after graduation. Many programs offer internships, externships, or career placement services to help you progress in your medical assisting career.
How to Become a Medical Assistant
While there's no standard education required to become a medical assistant, most have a postsecondary award such as a certificate. Community colleges and technical schools offer these programs and allow students to earn their certificate in less time than an associate degree.
Most states don't require medical assistants to be certified, though plenty in the field choose to pursue certifications such as:
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
As for training, medical assistant programs offer hands-on training to prepare you for your medical assisting career. Other than that, most training happens on the job.
Other Ways to Become a Medical Assistant
As we mentioned, there is no set educational path to become a medical assistant. In many cases, medical assistants have only a high school diploma. Employers may require these students to take courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy in high school.
Alternatively, some students may choose to obtain more education before becoming a medical assistant. While most medical assistant programs are certificate programs, some institutions offer these programs as associate degrees, which could help professionals to stand out.
Paying for Medical Assistant Classes with Financial Aid
Maxine Williams Scholarship Fund
Who qualifies for the scholarship: Students enrolled in and who have completed a minimum of one quarter or semester at a medical assisting program.
What it covers: $1,000
Deadline: February 15
Outstanding Student Award
Who qualifies for the scholarship: Students enrolled in a medical assisting or related allied health program who are nominated by a program director.
What it covers: $250
Deadline: March 1
Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions Scholarship of Excellence
Who qualifies for the scholarship: Students enrolled in a college or school that is an institutional member of ASAHP and who have successfully completed at least one term in any health discipline.
What it covers: $1,000
Deadline: June 4
