Top 50 Affordable Certified Medical Assistant Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, medical assistants are in very high demand, and that demand is expected to grow 29% by 2022, up from 2012 levels. Becoming a certified medical assistant is a fantastic job that could lead to endless opportunities in the medical field! Getting started as a medical assistant is as simple as becoming aware of available certified medical assistant programs, completing the requirements for a medical assistant certification or associate’s degree in nursing within these programs, and then passing the certification exam.

When you’re searching for the right school, you’ll have lots of questions. How much is medical assistant school going to cost you? Are there any online medical assistant schools? Which schools’ medical assisting programs offer the best value? How much is a medical assistant program in your state? These 50 schools offer some of the best and most affordable medical assistant programs in the U.S., so if you’re not sure where to start, this is a great place to look!

Top 10 Affordable Certified Medical Assisting Programs

School	Program Length	Accreditation
El Paso Community College	1 year	Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Daytona State College	1 year/3 semesters	CAAHEP
Pima Community College	31 Weeks	CAAHEP
Southeast Community College	1 year	CAAHEP
Miami Dade College	3 semesters	CAAHEP
Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College	14-28 months	CAAHEP
Houston Community College	1 year	High school diploma or equivalent
Palm Beach State College	13 months	CAAHEP
Imperial Valley College	1 year	CAAHEP
Contra Costa College	2 years	CAAHEP

Most Affordable Certified Medical Assisting Programs

1. El Paso Community College

El Paso Community College offers a three-semester Medical Assisting program as well as a two-year Associate of Science degree in the field. Either program qualifies graduates to take the national certification exam, the first step to jump-starting a new career. This is also one of the more affordable programs available—at least for Texas residents. Out-of-state fees are more than four times higher than resident tuition rates, so if you’re looking for cheap medical assistant programs, you’ll do better to look at schools in your own state.

Program length: 1 year certificate program
Admission requirements: GED or high school diploma; Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment
Tuition: $3,276 for in-state students; $12,789 for out-of-state students
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

2. Daytona State College

Daytona State’s medical assisting program covers everything from necessary medical knowledge and skills to administrative and clerical skills needed to work effectively in a huge variety of medical settings. Students also have plenty of opportunities to put those skills into practice before graduating and taking the certificate exam.

Program Type: Vocational Certificate
Program Length: 1 year/3 semesters
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health Care Providers and AED certification through the American Red Cross
Tuition: $3,636 for in-state students
Accreditation: CAAHEP

3. Pima Community College

Pima Community College allows students to work toward a medical assistant certificate while focusing on one of two concentrations: the Administrative Medical Assistant concentration or the Clinical Medical Assistant concentration. For those who want more specialized courses in both areas, students also have the option of sticking around a little longer to complete both concentrations.

Program Type: Certificate
Program Length: 31 Weeks
Admission Requirements: Applicants must take the Compass assessment and score a minimum of 65 on Reading, 30 on Math, and 50 on the Spelling portions of the test. CPR and first aid certification is also required.
Tuition: $1,388, plus an estimated $1,600 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

4. Southeast Community College

Southeast Community College offers a two-year associate’s program leading to a degree in Medical Assisting and qualification to take the national certification exam. Competitive admissions rates and a 94% job placement/university transfer rate make this an attractive program for many future MA’s. Students learn to work effectively as a link between physicians and patients by developing clinical, administrative, and relational skills necessary to work in medical offices. During the final quarter of their time at SEC, students will complete at least 240 hours of work in a physician’s office to put their new skills into practice.

Program Type: Undergraduate Diploma
Program Length: 12 months
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $3,876 for tuition and fees; another $1,800 estimated for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

5. Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College prepares students for a job in the fast-paced, often-changing medical field. With classes beginning in January, May, and August, students have the flexibility to make the program work with their schedules. Because MDC is located in the center of the Miami-Dade medical community, students will have access to top-notch facilities and get real-world experience in partner physicians offices each semester.

Program Type: Certificate
Program Length: Three semesters
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $3,520
Accreditation: CAAHEP

6. Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College

Ogden, Utah

Ogden-Weber’s Medical Assistant program equips students with the administrative skills, general knowledge, and clinical skills they need to qualify for a wide range of positions in the medical field, from bookkeeping to medical law and ethics and phlebotomy skills. Plus, you’ll enjoy super low tuition rates and an incredibly diverse, fun student body.

Program Type: Certificate
Program Length: 14-28 months
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, background check, ACT or Accuplacer exam
Tuition: $3,438
Accreditation: CAAHEP

7. Houston Community College

Houston, Texas

Whether you already live in the Lone Star State or are thinking about moving there, Houston Community College is a great place to start your career. With one of the largest student bodies of the schools mentioned here, HCC is a bustling, lively campus. There’s always something going on. Out of state and in state tuition for Houston Community College’s Medical Assisting program are very similar here and very affordable.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 44 weeks
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $2,571 plus about $1,355 for books and supplies

8. Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, Florida

Soak up the sun while preparing for a career in medical assisting! Palm Beach State Community College is located in Lake Worth, Florida. The program boasts a 34% graduation rate and impressively low tuition rates for in-state students. The program lasts just 13 months and includes both classroom and experiential experience, so students will be well prepared to sit for the certification exam and to apply for positions in a wide variety of medical settings.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 13 months
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, TABE exam, and attendance at a Medical Assisting information session
Tuition: $3,614 plus about $750 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

9. Imperial Valley College

Imperial, California

Imperial Valley College offers a program that prepares students to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). By preparing students to examine and treat patients, perform routine clinical and administrative tasks, and understand the medical records and legal basics of working in a clinic or physician’s office, this program gives students a thorough understanding of the skills necessary to work as a CMA. Imperial’s program requires 26.5 individual units and a total of 675 actual hours of instruction and externship experience.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 45 Weeks
Admission Requirements: High school diploma, CPR/First Aid certification
Tuition: $1,253 plus about $1,746 for books and fees
Accreditation: CAAHEP

10. Contra Costa College

San Pablo, California

Contra Costa’s Medical Assisting and Office Technician program leads to a Certificate of Achievement and qualification to take the national MA exam. Graduates become clinical medical assistants, administrative medical assistants, medical office managers, hospital admitting clerks, and even pharmacy aides. Because students receive training in both clinical and administrative aspects of the medical field, graduates will enjoy a wide selection of career options. Though this is respected as an excellent program, it does take two years to complete. Many students choose to go to a school that will award an associate’s degree rather than just a certificate for two years of study, but tuition and fees are very affordable.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 24 months
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $1,582 plus about $1,064 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

11. Pensacola State College

Pensacola, Florida

Pensacola State College is home to over 10,000 students, so if you’re looking for a small, cozy college where you’ll know everyone, this isn’t it. But Pensacola State offers a solid certificate in medical assisting. In-state tuition is surprisingly low, but tuition for out of state residents is almost five times higher, so this is a program that you’ll likely only want to consider if you already live in Florida.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 48 weeks
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $3,762 plus about $1,500 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

12. Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin

Wisconsin students often choose Madison Area Technical College’s medical assisting program. Students study everything from medical lab procedures to computer applications, accounting, and medical law and ethics to prepare them for the wide set of skills necessary to succeed as a medical assistant. The one-year technical diploma allows students to get started as an MA quickly, and top-notch instructors make learning efficient and fun.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 32 weeks
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent including 2 years of high school algebra, one year of high school science (or one semester of college-level science with a grade of C or higher), and three years of high school English or one year of college-level English with a grade of C or higher.
Tuition: $4,153 plus around $1,635 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

13. Blackhawk Technical College

Janesville, Washington

Blackhawk Technical College offers high retention rates and low tuition for in-state residents. That awesome combination, coupled with a fantastic reputation for turning out qualified medical assistants and high student satisfaction rates, makes their medical assisting program a smart choice for Washington state residents who want to pursue a career in the medical field. Graduates are able to perform clerical and clinical functions, including bookkeeping and accounting, processing insurance claims, performing diagnostic testing, and providing general patient care. The job placement for graduates from Blackhawk’s program is an impressive 85%.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 1 year
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and passing a keyboarding test
Tuition: $5,070 plus around $1,575 for books and other supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

14. Bossier Parish Community College

Bossier City, Louisiana

Located in Bossier City, LA, Bossier Parish Community College offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting as well as a one-year diploma. Graduates work in ambulatory health care settings all over the country. Both clinical and administrative training gives students experience in front office work (handling insurance, scheduling, and billing, for example) and clinical work like obtaining vital signs, administering medications, and performing basic laboratory tests.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 1 year
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $6,098 plus around $2,106 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

15. Clackamas Community College

Oregon City, Oregon

Affectionately known as “Triple C,” Clackamas Community College is a small school in Oregon City, Oregon. Clackamas offers many medical-related degrees and certificate programs, and the medical assisting program regularly turns out qualified MA’s. With a student population of just over 7,500, you won’t get too lost in the crowd.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 33 weeks; 50 credit hours
Admission Requirements: High school diploma; passing mathematics, writing, and reading placement tests; good physical health
Tuition: $6,166 plus around $2,745 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

16. Rasmussen College

Rasmussen has campuses all over the U.S., and their medical assistant diploma is both well recognized and affordable. Rasmussen’s program takes just about a year to complete and prepares students to sit for both CMA and RMA certification exams.

Program Type: Diploma
Program Length: 12 months; 51 credit hours
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $7,650
Accreditation: ABHES

17. Everett Community College

Everett, Washington

Everett Community College’s medical assisting program just about has it all: low tuition rates, a well-rounded academic program that can be completed in less than a year, and well-qualified faculty.

Program Type: Certificate
Program Length: One year, 85 credits
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $8,056
Accreditation: CAAHEP

18. Genesee Community College

Batavia, New York

Genesee Community College offers a unique medical administrative assistant program–one of few medical assistant schools online. The program can be completed completely in residence or 75% online, giving students plenty of flexibility to make classes work around their everyday lives. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of medical offices. Courses in medical terminology, office technology, and medical office procedures, as well as HR and office management classes, prepare students for a long and successful career in the medical field. GCC offers certificate and AAS programs and has partnerships with many New York universities for those who decide to transfer to pursue a four-year degree.

Program Type: Certificate
Program Length: 32 Weeks
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $6,100, plus $1673 for books and supplies

19. Eastern Idaho Technical College

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Nestled in the tiny town of Idaho Falls, Eastern Idaho Technical college tops the list of institutions offering cheap medical assistant programs. With a graduation rate of 57% and a retention rate of 63%, students tend to love their instructors and the quality of program enough to stick around. Though out-of-state tuition might be a little high, Idaho residents enjoy incredibly low tuition rates and a top-notch education that will prepare them for a rewarding career in medical assisting.

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Program Length: 2 years, 4 semesters and one summer session
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $12,734 for the two-year program
Accreditation: CAAHEP

20. North Iowa Area Community College

Mason City, Iowa

With just over 3,000 students in attendance, North Iowa is another small, cozy school with a great track record for turning out medical assistants. NIACC offers state of the art lab equipment, computers, and office equipment, so students are learning up-to-the-minute skills and techniques.

Program Type: Diploma
Program Length: 1 year
Admission Requirements:
Tuition: $6,204 and about $1,803 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

21. Renton College

Renton, Washington

Renton Technical College offers a huge variety of programs, including a well-rounded and affordable Medical Assisting degree. This two-year degree is completed in six quarters and encompasses 92 credit hours of study, including a practical element that allows students to get hands-on experience. A 79% completion rate speaks highly of the school’s quality and students’ loyalty.

Program Type: Associate of Applied Studies
Program Length: About two years
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; COMPASS assessment; criminal background check
Tuition: $7,377, plus about $1,038 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

22. Kapiolani Community College

Honolulu, Hawaii

Top-notch medical assistant programs aren’t limited to the U.S. mainland. Kapiolanai Community College in Honolulu, Hawaii offers a Medical Assisting program that leads to either a certificate of achievement or an associate in science degree after completing program requirements. Both programs include in-class study as well as on-campus lab practic and an externship in partnering doctor’s offices and clinics, making them fantastic programs that allow students to experience real-world medical situations and get hands-on practice before graduating. Graduates go on to work as a clinical medical assistant or an administrative medical assistant in a wide variety of medical offices and hospital settings.

Program Type: Associate in Science Degree or Certificate of Achievement
Program Length: 2 years (64 credits) for the associate’s program or 1 year (33 credits) for the certificate.
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $6,166 for the certificate program, $11,706 for the associate’s degree program for in-state residents
Accreditation: Committee on Accreditation for Medical Assistant Education

23. Mitchell Technical Institute

Mitchell, South Dakota

There aren’t a lot of options for prospective medical assistants in the Dakotas, but Mitchell Technical Institute is an attractive and affordable choice. Earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting in less than two years. Boasting high graduation and retention rates, the same tuition for in state and out of state residents, and relatively low annual costs, Mitchell Tech is a fantastic choice for South Dakota residents and those who want to live there.

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Program Length: Two Years, 70.5 credits
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition and Fees: $14,341
Accreditation: CAAHEP

24. Aiken Technical College

Aiken, Georgia

ATC’s Medical Assistant program is a certificate program that can be completed in just about one year. A small student population and low faculty-to-student ratio gives Aiken a cozy, friendly atmosphere, and a solid medical assisting program effectively prepares graduates to pass the national certification exam and excel in clinics and ambulatory care centers in Georgia and elsewhere.

Program Type: Certificate
Program Length: 40 credit hours (about one year)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; applicants must also be at least 18 years of age.
Tuition: $8,661
Accreditation: CAAHEP

25. Great Falls College

Great Falls, Montana

Montana residents don’t have many medical assisting programs to choose from, but Great Falls College offers an excellent (and affordable) associate’s degree program.

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Length: Two years; four semesters and one summer term
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; typing proficiency
Tuition: $9,171
Accreditation: CAAHEP

26. Penn Foster College

Penn Foster offers online classes that lead to an associate degree in medical assisting. Their online program includes 15 general education credits and 50 credits of targeted medical assistant courses. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical assistant exam and the Certified Medical Assistant exam as well.

Program Type: Associate’s Degree

Program Length: Two years, four semesters

Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Tuition: $4,355

Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

27. Wichita Area Technical College

Wichita, Kansas

Wichita Area Technical College’s focus is giving students a well-rounded understanding of their field. The medical assistant program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and communication savvy they need to excel in the medical field. Students will take classes where they’ll absorb the knowledge and theory they need, then put that information into practice in doctor’s offices and clinics for real-world experience before graduation. WATC offers both a certificate and a two-year associate’s degree program.

Program Type: Technical Certificate, Associate of Applied Science
Program Length: 1 year for the Technical Certificate; 2 years for the Associate’s degree.
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; Compass assessment minimum scores of 40 in Math, 70 in Reading, and 45 in Writing. Prospective students must also attend an information session at WATC.
Tuition: Technical Certificate tuition is $9210.00; the Associate’s Degree program is $10,680.00.
Accreditation: CAAHEP

28. Century College

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Century College is one of just a few Minnesota institutions that offers a medical assisting program. A larger school with over 10,400 students and a retention rate of 50%, Century College has a lot to offer—including low tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state residents.

Program Type: Diploma
Program Length: one year; 51 credits
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; reading and mathematics assessment
Tuition: $9,134, plus about $1,945 for books and fees
Accreditation: CAAHEP

29. Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, Colorado

Enjoy studying to become a medical assistant with the Rocky Mountains as a scenic backdrop. Red Rocks Community College offers a one-year and a two-year medical assisting program; one leads to a certificate, and the other to an associate’s degree.

Program Type: Undergraduate certificate or Associate of Applied Science
Program Length: 60 weeks for the certificate program; 75 weeks for the associate’s degree
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $7,500 for the certificate program; $11,000 for the associate’s degree
Accreditation: CAAHEP

30. Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, NC

Wayne Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical assisting. Wayne’s program prepares students to sit for the Medical Assistants’ Certification Exam and to begin working in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital right away. One of most attractive features of Wayne Community College are the small class sizes, averaging just 20-25 students.

Program Type: Associate’s Degree
Program Length: Two Years; 4 regular semesters and one summer term
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, COMPASS placement test, ACT/SAT results
Tuition: $13,470 for the two-year program
Accreditation: CAAHEP

31. West Virginia Northern Community College

Wheeling, West Virginia

West Virginia Northern Community College offers a small-school feel with just about 2,500 students, low tuition, and a respected associate of science degree in medical assisting. Though the school’s graduation rate is low—just 12%—it’s still worth considering. Relatively low tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students makes it a tempting option.

Program Type: Associate in Applied Science Degree
Program Length: Two years; 60 credit hours
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $14,162
Accreditation: CAAHEP

32. Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan

With excellent retention rates and low tuition and fees, Macomb Community College is a smart choice for students who are planning a career in the medical field. Macomb offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting with the option of transferring to a university upon degree completion to pursue a four-year bachelor’s. Macomb Community College also boasts high pass rates for the national certification exam, with an 82% pass rate average over the last five years.

Program Type: associate’s degree
Program Length: two years
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent (unless applying for early admission or dual enrollment)
Tuition: $8,596
Accreditation: CAAHEP

33. Highland Community College

Freeport, Illinois

Another small school with a great medical assisting program, Highland Community College specializes in health sciences professions. Highland’s program leads to an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in medical assisting and qualifies graduated to sit for the national certification exam.

Program Type: Associate of Applied Sciences
Program Length: Two Years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; Kaplan entrance exam; personal statement
Tuition: $9,500
Accreditation: CAAHEP

34. Kennebec Valley Community College

Kennebec, Maine

Maine doesn’t offer as many medical assistant programs as many other states, but Kennebec Valley Community College’s program is both high-quality and low-cost. A smaller college, with an average of just under 2,500 students each year, KVCC boasts a beautiful campus and a long history of offering a fantastic education at a reasonable price. Kennebec’s medical assisting program is a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree accredited by the CAAHEP. Top-notch instructors and facilities prepare students for work in the medical field, either in a clinical or administrative position. 89% of KVCC graduates who take the national certification exam pass on their first try.

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Length: Two years, 64 credits.
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and up-to-date immunizations/medical clearance
Tuition: $15,242 for the two-year program
Accreditation: CAAHEP

35. H. Councill Tenholm State Technical College

Montgomery, Alabama

One of the more popular schools in Alabama, H. Councill Trenholm State College offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting in addition to many other degree programs. Trenholm instructors are well-qualified in their field of expertise as well as in academia; they work hard to use a variety of methodology that makes sense to students with different learning styles.

Program Type: Associate’s Degree
Program Length: Two Years
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; COMPASS assessment; typing proficiency
Tuition: $15,350
Accreditation: CAAHEP

36. Olympic College

Medical Assisting is one of Olympic College’s most popular programs, and with low in state and out of state tuition rates, it’s attractive to students who already live in the area and those who wish to move there. Graduates of the one-year certificate program go on to careers as billing/insurance clerks, lab assistants, medical assistants, medical records technicians, and more.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: One year
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $16,306
Accreditation: CAAHEP

37. University of Akron

Akron, Ohio

At the University of Akron, medical assisting technology students take courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and medical records. They also study administrative skills like typing, accounting, and human relations, so no matter where graduates are placed in a medical office once they graduate, they’ll be well-prepared with the skills they need to be successful. UAkron’s programs have a stellar reputation, but they also have higher tuition rates.

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Program Length: Two Years; 60 credits
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $21,892 for in-state students
Accreditation: CAAHEP

38. Stanly Community College

Albemarle, NC

Located in Albemarle, NC, Stanly Community College offers a fantastic medical assistant program at a competitively low cost. Stanly’s program prepares students to work in administrative or clerical positions in the medical field.

Program Type: Associate Degree
Program Length: Two years
Admission Requirements: High school diploma; classes in science, biology, and mathematics preferred.
Tuition: $12,420
Accreditation: CAAHEP

39. Sussex County Community College

Newton, NJ

Sussex County Community College’s small size, affordable tuition, and well-rounded medical assisting program makes it a great choice for New England residents who want to become certified MA’s. SCCC offers a one-year undergraduate certificate that qualifies grads to take the national certification exam.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 1 year
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $12,505
Accreditation: CAAHEP

40. Forrest College

Andersen, South Carolina

Forrest College, located in Andersen, SC, offers an incredible 80% graduation rate, and 83% of students return to Forrest after their first semester. Though the total annual cost is higher than some other colleges offering medical assistant programs on the list, the quality of the programs and high value of instruction might well make up the difference. Forrest’s program leads to an associate in applied science degree, and students will take business classes, clinical/medical classes, and general education classes that prepare them to be an incredibly prepared candidate for entry-level MA jobs immediately upon graduation.

Program Type: Associate’s Degree
Program Length: 24 months
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $23,153, plus about $4,560 for books and supplies for the two-year program
Accreditation: CAAHEP

41. Fox Valley Technical College

Various branches in Wisconsin

With an impressive graduation rate of 34% and a wide variety of degree programs, Fox Valley Technical College is a popular choice for thousands of Wisconsin residents. Their medical assistant technical diploma program is offered at Appleton, Chilton, Oshkosh, and Waupaca campuses. Students complete both in-class study and a supervised practicum, so they’ll be able to apply what they learn before entering the job field.

Program Type: Technical Diploma
Program Length: 33 credits (about one year)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and an academic skills assessment administered by FVTC
Tuition: $8,413
Accreditation: CAAHEP

42. Belmont College

Saint Clairsville, Ohio

Belmont is a tiny college with just about 1,600 students, a respectable graduation rate of 18%, and an excellent associate’s degree program in medical assisting. Belmont’s program incorporates both formal instruction and practical experience so graduates are well-prepared for whatever their jobs throw at them.

Program Type: Associate’s Degree
Program Length: Two years
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $17,490
Accreditation: CAAHEP

43. Nebraska Methodist College

Omaha, Nebraska

Nebraska Methodist College is a faith-based college in Omaha, Nebraska. NMC’s medical assistant program takes 12 months to coplete and leads to a certificate that qualifies graduates to take the national certification exam. Students gain both theoretical classroom experience and practical, real-life experience in an on-campus lab and in actual clinics in the Omaha area. NMC specializes in programs preparing students for careers in healthcare, so their expertise really shines through their MA program.

Program Type: Certificate
Program Length: 12 months; 930 clock hours
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, including demonstrated success in high school or college science and math courses. Students must also be in good physical health in order to complete the program.
Tuition: $13,018 for the one-year program
Accreditation: CAAHEP

44. Orion College

Plantation, Florida

Online medical assisting programs are few and far between, but Orion offers one of the best—and most affordable. Their 16-month Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting can be completed mostly online. A balanced course load covering everything from communication to mathematics and technology effectively prepares students for a rewarding career as an MA.

Program Type: Associate of Science Degree
Program Length: 16 months
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $16,212
Accreditation: CAAHEP

45. Erie Community College

Williamsville, New York

Erie Community College is a large community college located in Williamsville, New York. A student population of over 11,000 and dozens of degree and certificate programs guarantee plenty of diversity. Low tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students also make ECC an appealing choice, and their medical asssiting program is an excellent choice.

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Program Length: 2 years
Admission Requirements: High school diploma with 85% average in high school classes
Tuition: $25,630
Accreditation: CAAHEP

46. Sullivan University

Louisville, Kentucky

Sullivan University’s Medical Administrative Assistant Diploma gives students very specific, in-depth preparation to work in a medical office in an administrative role. Graduates will be proficient in desktop publishing, computer applications, medical transcription, accounting, records management, medical software, and medical law and ethics, among other skills.

Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
Program Length: 12 months, 72 credit hours
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent as well as an entrance evaluation or SAT/ACT scores.
Tuition: $26,790 plus about $2,400 for books and supplies
Accreditation: CAAHEP

47. Highline College

Des Moines, Washington

Highline College’s Medical Assisting associate’s degree prepares students for the administrative, communicative, and clinical skills necessary to work in a physician’s office. From bookkeeping to medical legal knowledge, graduates have a comprehensive knowledge base on which to build a career in medical assisting. Highline’s medical assistant program takes two years to complete and leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Tuition is lower for in-state residents than others, but it’s not the least expensive program out there.

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Program Length: Two Years; 90 credits
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: Approximately $29,320 for in-state residents for entire two-year program
Accreditation: CAAHEP

48. YTI Career Institute

Altoona, Lancaster, and York, Pennsylvania

YTA’s unique 21-month program leads to an Associate in Specialized Technology degree and qualifies to take the national certification exam to become a CMA. Because medical assistants end up working in administrative roles as well as clinical ones, the YTI program covers everything from medical records systems, scheduling, accounting, and medical law and ethics to clinical work including examination prep, administering vaccinations, removing sutures, drawing blood, and even assisting in minor surgery and injury care. YTI instructors are experts in their field, and students will have the opportunity to try out their new skills through externships at real medical clinics before graduation. Though YTI’s tuition rates are higher than some others, high graduation and retention rates make it a tempting option.

Program Type: Associate’s Degree
Program Length: 21 months
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Tuition: $30,240 plus around $2,900 in books and fees
Accreditation: CAAHEP

50. Mount Aloysius College

Cresson, Pennsylvania

Compared to other schools on this list, Mount Aloysius has the highest tuition rates by far. But it also has a fantastic associate’s program, high graduation and retention rates, and plenty of financial aid opportunities to offset the costs of attendance. The school’s in-state and out-of-state tuition is the same, and the gorgeous campus makes going to class a pleasure.

Program Type: Associate’s Degree
Program Length: Two Years; 60 credits
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; current AHA CPR certification; up-to-date vaccinations
Tuition: $61,406
Accreditation: CAAHEP

These schools were ranked based on their tuition rates, retention and graduation rates, and type of program. One-year certificate programs are required to provide gainful employment information. Where applicable, information on tuition and program length was pulled from gainful employment data sheets. In some cases, tuition and fees may have changed. Where it was available, the cost of books and supplies was included for your information, but because it was not available for all the programs, those costs do not affect the way schools are ranked. Admission requirements often vary and are updated frequently as well, so double-check the admission requirements of schools you are interested in by contacting the admissions personnel themselves.

Don’t hesitate to contact the schools that you’re interested in—even if it seems like they’re out of your price range. Often, scholarships and financial aid bring the cost of attendance of even high-priced schools well into the range of affordability. Talking to an admissions representative about program specifics and digging a little deeper for financial aid information is sure to pay off in the long run.

As your expertise, skills, and knowledge increases as a medical assistant this experience is an excellent spring board into becoming a nurse or into becoming a licensed practical nurse. If this is a career path that would increase your vocational satisfaction then check whether your credits will be transferable to another college or university in case you wish to continue your studies elsewhere, or apply your certificate or degree program toward a bachelor’s degree after you graduate, a step that will further your career even more. For more information regarding the medical assistant jobs, medical assistant classes, medical assistant fields, and certification boards, the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as U.S. News and World Report offer valuable information to help you find out more about the field you’re considering.