Online Maryland Medical Assistant Programs: View and Compare
Becoming a medical assistant in Maryland offers strong pay and standout career growth, and the fastest way to get there is with an accredited medical assistant program with online coursework. Discover the best online MA programs in Maryland, learn what medical assistants do, where they work, and what they earn, and get expert guidance to help you choose the right program.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
HealthcareMedical CodingPre-NursingWhy Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Jump To Section
Exploring Online Medical Assistant Programs in Maryland
Starting a career in medical assisting begins with choosing the right educational path. If your goal is to enter the workforce quickly and keep costs low, a medical assistant certification prep course can be an efficient option. If you’re looking for broader training and more long-term career flexibility, an associate degree in medical assisting may be a better fit.
No matter which credential you choose, most online medical assistant programs in Maryland include a blend of learning formats, such as:
- Online coursework covering core medical and administrative topics
- In-person classes or lab sessions for hands-on skill development
- Clinical experiences at approved healthcare sites, including hospitals, clinics, or physician offices
This hybrid structure ensures you gain both the knowledge and real-world experience needed to succeed on the job. Check out real programs available in Maryland today.
Certificate Medical Assistant Program – Howard Community College
The hybrid-formatted Medical Assistant program at Howard Community College offers students the chance to prepare for entry-level MA jobs in as little as four months.
The program’s curriculum consists of three courses, each requiring separate registration and tuition payments.
The Medical Assistant Theory course covers the full range of didactic MA topics and is delivered in an online format. The Medical Assistant Training: Skills course provides students with hands-on training that develops technical skills and work habits essential to competent MA practice. The course is attended in person on Tuesdays and Saturdays on HCC’s Columbia campus.
Students also take part in a six-week (16 to 20 hours per week) clinical practice experience at a program-approved medical facility in the Medical Assistant Training: Internship course.
Duration: Four months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $3,655
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- 18 years or older
- Proof of required vaccinations
- Pass a criminal background check
- Speak, read, and write English
Curriculum:
- Medical Assistant Theory
- Medical Assistant Training: Skills
- Medical Assistant Training: Internship
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program – Morgan State University
Convenience and flexibility are major features of the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) course available through Morgan State University. This self-paced course is delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format that allows students to access and complete their studies according to their schedules. While an externship is strongly encouraged, it is not a requirement.
Course completion qualifies graduates to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification examination. The current total program cost of $3,295 includes 12 months of access to course content and CCMA exam voucher. There are no prerequisites for admission, but a high school diploma or equivalent is needed to sit for the CCMA exam. Students can enroll at any time.
Duration: Estimated 540 course hours. 12 months maximum access to course content
Mode: 100% online.
Cost: $3,295
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete the online application
Curriculum:
Coursework topics include medical terminology, scheduling systems, medical law, ethics, and patient privacy protections. Students additionally learn standards for ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, and how to protect the privacy of patient information.
Certificate in Medical Assisting – Towson University
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program at Towson University is presented in a hybrid format consisting of six modules that combine online, self-paced learning and campus-based clinicals with 160-hour externships attended at program-affiliated medical practice facilities.
Students choose from among three clinical schedule options:
- 12 weeks total (two 3-hour weeknight sessions per week)
- 12 weeks total (one 6-hour weekly session)
- Accelerated six weeks total (two 6-hour sessions per week)
The entire program is designed to be completed in 518 total clock hours. Graduates are eligible to sit for the CCMA national certification exam. Several program start dates are available annually.
Duration: 518 hours. Total program length varies by students’ chosen study pace.
Mode: Hybrid.
Cost: $4,899
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- 18 years of older
- Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers certification
- Proof of required vaccinations
- Pass a criminal background check and drug screening
- Health insurance
Curriculum:
- Clinical communication
- Concepts, suffixes, and prefixes of medical terminology
- Organization of the human body
- Chemistry, matter, and life
- Infection control
- Disease and disease-producing organisms
- Vital signs and body measurement
- Metabolism, nutrition, and body temperature
- Body systems: endocrine
- Endocrine system: glands and hormones
- Minor surgical task
- Body systems: integumentary
- Body systems: blood and immunity
- Phlebotomy and related testing
- Heredity and hereditary diseases
- Body systems: muscular
- Pharmacology
- Skeletal system: bones and joints
- Body systems: cardiovascular and lymphatic
- Skeletal system: bones and joints
- Body systems: male reproductive
- Body systems: female reproductive, pregnancy and birth
- OB/GYN procedures
- Development and birth
- Body systems: nervous and mental health
- Nervous system: the spinal cord and spinal nerves
- Special senses: ears and eyes
- Pediatric procedures
FAQs for Medical Assistant Students in Maryland
Digging into the education requirements and career prospects of becoming a medical assistant takes time and effort. To help get you started, here are answers to five questions often asked by prospective medical assistants in Maryland.
How long is a medical assistant program in Maryland?
While some schools claim online MA program lengths of six weeks or less, you can expect to spend at least a few months in your Maryland-based medical assistant program, particularly when it comes to completing an internship or externship.
The time it takes you to complete your medical assistant program in Maryland depends on several factors, including credential type (certification course, diploma, certificate, associate degree) and the specific program you choose. Examples of online medical assistant programs in Maryland with notably shorter program lengths include the three spotlighted above.
How important is accreditation for Maryland medical assistant programs?
Proper accreditation is very important. It’s the means by which you can be assured that the MA education and training you receive meets important standards of academic quality. In turn, it’s how you can be certain that your MA program will provide you with the skills you need for competent practice as a professional medical assistant.
You’ll want to confirm that the program you choose is both programmatically and institutionally accredited. Programmatic accreditation relates to the quality of medical assisting programs. The two main accreditors of U.S.-based MA programs are the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Institutional accreditation concerns the overall academic quality of the school offering the medical assistant program. It is administered by independent Department of Education-recognized regional and national accrediting agencies.
You can check current programmatic and institutional accreditation status by using the Department of Education accreditation search engine.
Is financial aid available for online medical assistant programs in Maryland?
Fortunately, there’s a wide range of potential financial aid sources available to qualifying medical assistant students, including scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, student loans, and more. If you’re like the vast majority of medical assistant students out there, you’re probably going to need some help to fund your MA education.
Financial aid opportunities may be limited for students in certain types of MA programs, particularly non-credit certification courses. That’s why it’s critical to contact the financial aid office or a program representative at each of the schools you’re considering before enrollment to see what funding help may be available to you.
How can I find my first medical assistant job once I’ve completed my MA education program?
Start by taking advantage of the job placement or career support services offered through your education program itself. MA graduates also often find their first medical assistant job with the healthcare facility at which they completed their clinical internship or externship.
Don’t underestimate the importance of cultivating a professional network that you can tap into when looking for work. One excellent networking resource is membership in the American Association of Medical Assistants. Also, be sure to check out this Maryland Department of Labor job search engine.
What can a medical assistant do in Maryland?
Essentially, medical assistants aid physicians and other medical team members in patient care and treatment. By law, MAs must only practice under the direct supervision of a physician. Specific medical assistant clinical and administrative tasks typically include (depending on the specific job) a combination of the following:
- Taking medical histories and vital signs
- Answering telephone calls
- Scheduling appointments
- Ordering medical and office supplies
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Collecting specimen samples
- Helping physicians with patient examinations
- Handling electronic medical record documentation
- Submitting medical billing and insurance claims
- Applying and changing sterile dressings
- Aiding with electrocardiography
- Providing instruction and education to patients
Maryland Professional Certifications and Development Courses
Maryland does not require or offer licensing or certification of medical assistants. Students intending to work as MAs in the state will want to consider obtaining national medical assistant professional certification. That’s because most employers require or strongly prefer medical assistant applicants with national certification.
The good news is that graduates of top online MA programs in Maryland, including those mentioned in this guide, are eligible to sit for the exams for one or more certifications. Examples include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants, the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association, and the Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) from the National Association for Health Professionals.
Like licensure and certification, continuing education is not a requirement for Maryland-employed medical assistants. However, renewal requirements for national certifications typically include completion of CE hours. For example, NRCMA certification holders must complete 10 CE credits annually to keep their certifications active. Those with CMA certification must renew their credentials every 60 months by either completing 60 CE credits or retaking the CMA exam.
Salary Expectations & Career Pathways for Medical Assistants in Maryland
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Maryland | $37,040 | $45,060 | $55,500 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $36,850 | $45,070 | $54,790 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $33,510 | $39,580 | $48,350 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $37,640 | $42,020 | $61,460 |
| Salisbury, MD | $34,800 | $41,030 | $49,650 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 14,400 | 16,660 | 2,260 | 15.70% | 2,200 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Maryland
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Anne Arundel Community College
- Anne Arundel Community College’s Certified Clinical Medical Assisting program boasts a 96% pass rate on the National Healthcareer Association certification exam, demonstrating strong student success and program quality.
- The Medical Assisting certificate program achieved a 100% job placement rate for 2023 graduates, reflecting excellent employment outcomes and employer demand.
- Students in the Medical Assisting A.A.S. degree program may qualify for Maryland’s Health Manpower Shortage Tuition Reduction, offering in-county tuition rates as a financial benefit for eligible residents.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Washington Adventist University
Takoma Park, MDProgram Details
- AAA Accreditation
- $11,468 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Washington Adventist University
- The Medical Assistant program offers high clinical placement rates through supervised practicum experiences in actual patient care settings, ensuring practical readiness for employment.
- The program provides access to fully equipped medical assistant labs staffed by expert faculty, allowing hands-on skill refinement essential for successful clinical performance.
- Graduates become eligible for nationally recognized certifications through an accredited curriculum aligned with industry standards, enhancing job market competitiveness and employer recognition.
Program Details
- AAA Accreditation
- $11,468 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,356 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Harford Community College
- Harford Community College's Medical Assisting program boasts a five-year job placement rate of 86.05%, demonstrating strong employment outcomes for graduates.
- The program includes a 160-hour unpaid externship in an ambulatory healthcare setting, providing essential real-world clinical experience to enhance employability.
- Harford offers a small, student-centered, and flexible classroom learning environment, ideal for personalized instruction and accommodating diverse student needs.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,356 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,368 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Frederick Community College
- The Medical Assistant program offers strong educational partnerships with business, labor, and public sector agencies, enhancing student networking and clinical placement opportunities.
- Students benefit from a student-centered learning environment where faculty and staff are accessible, supportive, and committed to individual student success.
- The program prepares graduates to be eligible for nationally recognized certification exams, ensuring employment readiness and professional credibility.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,368 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,206 Avg. Aid Amount
- 20% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Prince George’s Community College
- The Medical Assisting program awards 32 college credits to students holding current Registered Medical Assistant (AMT) or Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) credentials, accelerating degree completion.
- The program features a high-tech clinical simulation in state-of-the-art labs combined with a required 160-hour internship at local healthcare facilities, enhancing practical experience and employer readiness.
- Graduates are highly sought after by metropolitan area employers, reflecting strong regional employer partnerships and high clinical placement rates.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,206 Avg. Aid Amount
- 20% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
Keep Learning
Online CNA Classes in Maryland: Compare Schools, Get Info & More
Online ABSN Programs in MD: Top Schools and Program Insights
Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Maryland: Top Programs
