Inside Top Accredited Online Medical Assistant Programs (CAAHEP, ABHES)
Today’s best medical assistant programs combine online learning and hands-on training to help you earn top credentials that employers want. Learn how they work, how much they cost, and which hold CAAHP or ABHES accreditation.
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Nursing Medical AssistingFinding the Right Medical Assistant Program: Guidance from Experienced Healthcare Professionals
Medical assistant programs vary a lot beneath the surface: in clinical training depth, externship quality, and how well they prepare students for certification exams. The programs in this guide are all strong options, but the right one for you depends on your schedule, your preferred learning format, and what kind of clinical setting you want to work in. Our experts share what matters most.
Earn a Recognized MA Credential
In most states, MA is an unregulated title. I’ve heard a lot of confusion about this and about employers setting their own standards. What sets you up for success is earning your CMA or RMA credential. Even if your state doesn’t require it, many large health systems do, so you’ll want to find a program that prepares you to sit for the exam.
Prioritize Certification over Degree Type
I’ve worked with and hired medical assistants over the years, and the first thing I look for on a resume is certification, not whether someone has a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Whichever program you choose, make sure the clinical training is thorough because most employers expect you to be ready to jump in with minimal training, and that confidence only comes from solid hands-on preparation. That said, if you may want to continue your education later, an associate degree can be worth considering because the credits are often transferable.
How They Work: A Look at 3 Top Accredited Programs
Online medical assistant programs allow you to earn either a certificate, diploma, or degree on a more reasonable timetable, which is great for those who have full-time jobs (or even part-time jobs!) or family obligations. However, each option has a number of key differences you need to know before choosing a program. Here’s a quick rundown of how each program level differs:
Certificates & Diplomas
- Focused more on speed and quick entry to careers.
- Usually take less than a year to complete.
- Less training can mean lower starting salaries.
Degree Programs
- Mostly associate degrees, which take two years to complete.
- Can be more robust and therefore provide more comprehensive training.
- Tend to lead to higher starting salaries.
Let’s take a closer look at the three types of online medical assistant programs available today.
Medical Assistant Certificate – University of Providence
The University of Providence’s Medical Assistant Certificate is a 10-month undergraduate program aimed at preparing students for the administrative and clinical aspects of medical assisting. Accredited by CAAHEP, it combines online coursework with in-person skill labs in California, Montana, and Oregon, along with a 160-hour practicum. In total the program consists of 16 credits, or five courses, that will give students the necessary experience through labs and practicum. This program even includes additional courses to ensure you are prepared take one of the three medical assistant certification exams: NHA-CCMA, NCCT-NCMA, and AMCA-CCMA.
Duration: 16 credits (about 10 months)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,653
Admissions Requirements:
- Completion of undergraduate application
- Official high school transcripts sent directly to the admissions office
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Proof of CPR certification
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 in high school or prior college coursework
Curriculum:
- Anatomy, Physiology, & Nutrition
- Anatomy, Physiology, & Pharmacology
- Healthcare Ethics, Legal Issues & Infection Prevention Pharmacology
- Administrative Prac & Finance
- Internship & Career Prep
Best For: Students looking to enter healthcare administration quickly, gain some work experience, and consider a bachelor’s degree or beyond down the road.
Programs that might interest you:
Medical Assistant Diploma – Bossier Parish Community College
The Medical Assistant Program at Bossier Parish Community College offers a Technical Diploma. The program includes administrative and clinical training, with hands-on externships in local healthcare settings from private practices to hospitals. Students have the option to complete the required 52 credits as either a full time or part time student. Depending on your schedule you can complete this program in as little as three semesters, which is about a year and a half. The curriculum prepares students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. Classes start in fall and spring, and up to 20 students are selected per cohort.
Duration: 52 credits (about 3 semesters)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,225.92
Admissions Requirements:
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
- Signed the Essential Requirements Form
- Completion of undergraduate application
- Official high school transcripts sent directly to admissions office
- Minimum GPA of 2.50 in high school or prior college coursework
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 7 credits
- Medical Terminology
- Introductory Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Introductory Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab
Program Requirements: 45 Credits
- Health Care Systems and Safety
- Advanced Medical Language
- Medical Supplies and Patient Preparation
- Laboratory Testing
- Laboratory Testing Lab
- Medical Office Administration
- Specialty Areas for Medical Assistants
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology for Allied Health Students
- Pharmaceutical Dosage Calculations and Measurements
- Medical Ethics and Law
- Developmental Psychology
- Medical Assistant Practicum
Best For: Students looking to enter the healthcare field quickly and who prefer more a hands-on learning approach instead of online instruction.
Associate Degree in Medical Assisting – Panola College
The Medical Assisting program at Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a two-year associate degree with 100% online coursework, including two in-person skills labs and 160 hours of clinical practicum with one of the institution’s healthcare partners in Kentucky, Nebraska, Washington, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. The associate degree requires that you take an additional 25 credit hours in general education courses like college algebra and writing. This amounts to a total of 60 required credits to graduate. As of 2022, students from this program report a 93% pass rate on the Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) exam. The program is accredited by CAAHEP.
Duration: 60 credits (2 years)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $14,572
Admissions Requirements:
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
- Completion of undergraduate application
- Official high school transcripts sent directly to the admissions office
- Minimum GPA of 2.25 in high school or prior college coursework
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 25 Credits in statistics, writing, introductory sciences, and leadership
Major Requirements: 25 Credits
- Medical Assisting Administrative Procedures I
- Medical Assisting Administrative Procedures II
- Diseases of the Human Body
- Medical Assisting Practicum I
- Medical Assisting Professional Components
- Medical Assisting Practicum II
Best For: Students looking to enter the medical assisting field with a higher starting salary and who are considering a bachelor’s degree or beyond down the road.
Answers to Common Medical Assistant Student Questions
It’s no surprise that students have a lot of questions about their online medical assistant education. From funding to accreditation to duration, here are the most asked questions by students about online medical assistant programs:
What is the fastest medical assistant program online?
The fastest medical assistant program is six weeks long, provided by Phlebotomy Career Training. Although the curriculum can be completed in as little as six weeks, you will have a total of six months to access the program once you have registered. This accredited program costs $650 to register and includes a voucher for the National Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Exam. All that is required is that you are 18 years of age or older. A high diploma or GED is not required but is preferred. Even though this is an entirely online program, you will still need to complete 204 hours of clinical internship, unless you have prior experience.
Expert Insight
Any medical assistant program that’s “fast”, always make sure it’s properly accredited.
What is the highest pay for a medical assistant hourly?
The highest hourly pay for a medical assistant is $24.86, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly rate for a medical assistant is $19.57, but your pay will vary based on location, level of education, and experience. For example, Washington reports the highest hourly mean wage for medical assistants at $24.21.
Is it hard to pass the medical assistant exam?
The medical assistant exam is designed to be challenging, but not impossible. The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam pass rate in 2023 was 77.28%. Therefore, most people who take the test pass, and if you don’t pass you can retake the exam three times per year. However, you must pay the CCMA exam fee of $160 for each retake.
Can you take the CMA test without going to school?
Yes. You are eligible to take the CCMA if you possess a high school diploma or GED and have at least 1 year of supervised work experience within the last 3 years. Work experience can replace education, but it is important to know that you will have a higher starting pay if you complete a medical assistant degree, diploma, or certificate.
Expert Insight
If you have previous healthcare experience, such as CNA or phlebotomist, you may be able to sit for the CCMA exam without formal education.
Can you work online as a medical assistant?
Yes. Although most medical assistant jobs take place in a doctor’s office or hospital, there are some remote medical assistant jobs. If you choose to pursue a remote career, you will mainly handle administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, billing, and helping patients navigate healthcare systems.
Finding Online Medical Assistant Programs in Your Area
Medical Assistant Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
The cost of medical assistant programs varies widely. Some programs charge by the credit hour, while others charge for the entire program from start to finish in one lump sum – this is especially true when the program is short and will be completed within the span of a typical college semester. For instance, our spotlight schools on this page range from $2,599 to $17,900 for their medical assistant programs.
Before applying to a school, take the time during your admissions process to look at all of the different costs you might incur during the program, a lot of which can be considered “hidden” costs like commuting and food.
To learn how you can finance your education, and for even more detail on cost, please visit our page on financial aid for online medical assistant programs.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
School Name | Program Type Certificate | Tuition & Fees $9,538 |
School Name | Program Type Certificate | Tuition & Fees $12,307 |
School Name | Program Type Diploma | Tuition & Fees $7,646 |
School Name | Program Type Diploma | Tuition & Fees $13,995 |
School Name | Program Type AAS | Tuition & Fees $18,760 |
School Name | Program Type AAS | Tuition & Fees $14,040 |
School Name | Program Type AAS | Tuition & Fees $19,571 |
Medical Assistant Certification Requirements
As part of your online education, you will have to pass a certification exam to ensure that you have met the training and knowledge requirements. Depending on the school and the location of your education you will take either the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam or the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam. This exam certification is necessary for employment as a medical assistant and concludes your education. There are many ways to prepare for the exam, but most importantly there will be non-refundable exam fees to plan for. For a more in-depth look at what these exams entail, refer to the list below.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Depending on what state you live in and the program you enroll in, you can earn your CCMA certification through the National Healthcareer Association. This exam costs $160 and you will need to pay $179 to renew your certification every two years. Some programs include the exam fee with the school fees, but others will require you to pay for it independently. To be considered eligible for the program, you will need a high school diploma or GED and to have completed a medical assistant training or education program within the last five years. Even though you have completed an educational program, you will need to study for the exam and the NHA provides multiple resources for exam preparation: CCMA Online Study Guide, CCMA Practice Tests, CCMA Preparation Package, CCMA Test Plan.
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) – National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Some states and programs require you to pass the NCMA exam provided by the National Center for Competency Testing. The exam costs $119 and then $77 to renew your certification each year. Eligibility for the exam depends on your education level or years of experience. You can either complete a medical assistant program, or obtain one year of fulltime medical assistant experience. However, either route requires that you have a high school diploma or GED. As with all certification exams, you should prepare thoroughly and the NCCT provides various programs to help you succeed on this exam.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants
Medical Assistants
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $36,050 | $45,690 | $59,310 |
| Alabama | $29,630 | $36,100 | $45,040 |
| Alaska | $46,060 | $52,560 | $65,040 |
| Arizona | $38,100 | $45,940 | $51,310 |
| Arkansas | $30,840 | $37,760 | $46,060 |
| California | $39,290 | $49,660 | $77,300 |
| Colorado | $39,130 | $48,400 | $59,760 |
| Connecticut | $38,480 | $47,430 | $59,530 |
| Delaware | $36,540 | $44,490 | $57,280 |
| District of Columbia | $39,620 | $51,050 | $76,900 |
| Florida | $35,880 | $43,680 | $49,040 |
| Georgia | $34,270 | $41,600 | $51,430 |
| Hawaii | $38,580 | $48,410 | $60,030 |
| Idaho | $35,500 | $44,700 | $56,740 |
| Illinois | $36,400 | $46,090 | $56,590 |
| Indiana | $37,060 | $45,110 | $50,480 |
| Iowa | $36,730 | $45,480 | $54,960 |
| Kansas | $35,140 | $39,510 | $48,300 |
| Kentucky | $32,950 | $39,270 | $47,940 |
| Louisiana | $28,970 | $36,320 | $44,460 |
| Maine | $40,220 | $47,580 | $59,220 |
| Maryland | $36,930 | $46,410 | $57,250 |
| Massachusetts | $43,280 | $49,460 | $61,870 |
| Michigan | $35,000 | $39,870 | $48,330 |
| Minnesota | $40,110 | $50,480 | $60,100 |
| Mississippi | $29,210 | $35,360 | $45,070 |
| Missouri | $35,810 | $40,440 | $48,360 |
| Montana | $38,670 | $46,820 | $56,770 |
| Nebraska | $37,940 | $47,370 | $59,450 |
| Nevada | $37,400 | $45,200 | $55,120 |
| New Hampshire | $39,640 | $48,020 | $60,100 |
| New Jersey | $37,010 | $47,210 | $58,070 |
| New Mexico | $34,600 | $39,230 | $47,850 |
| New York | $37,280 | $48,000 | $59,480 |
| North Carolina | $36,010 | $45,140 | $50,850 |
| North Dakota | $37,650 | $45,980 | $58,230 |
| Ohio | $36,050 | $42,810 | $48,560 |
| Oklahoma | $31,880 | $38,750 | $47,640 |
| Oregon | $43,760 | $50,410 | $62,160 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,810 | $43,920 | $48,500 |
| Rhode Island | $39,280 | $47,190 | $56,840 |
| South Carolina | $34,730 | $41,160 | $49,110 |
| South Dakota | $35,980 | $41,870 | $48,960 |
| Tennessee | $34,840 | $39,570 | $48,540 |
| Texas | $31,200 | $39,520 | $49,260 |
| Utah | $35,890 | $45,360 | $56,260 |
| Vermont | $40,570 | $47,250 | $58,420 |
| Virginia | $37,090 | $44,740 | $52,000 |
| Washington | $46,540 | $59,290 | $74,200 |
| West Virginia | $30,890 | $37,180 | $45,350 |
| Wisconsin | $39,480 | $48,680 | $57,990 |
| Wyoming | $31,200 | $40,920 | $51,840 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Medical Assistants
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 811,000 | 912,200 | 101,200 | 12.5% | 112,300 |
| Alabama | 13,100 | 15,360 | 2,260 | 17.3% | 1,910 |
| Alaska | 2,260 | 2,480 | 230 | 10.2% | 300 |
| Arizona | 23,990 | 29,750 | 5,760 | 24% | 3,760 |
| Arkansas | 5,030 | 6,080 | 1,050 | 20.9% | 760 |
| California | 113,600 | 139,400 | 25,800 | 22.7% | 17,580 |
| Colorado | 12,970 | 16,500 | 3,530 | 27.2% | 2,080 |
| Connecticut | 10,390 | 11,610 | 1,220 | 11.7% | 1,430 |
| Delaware | 3,040 | 3,530 | 490 | 16% | 440 |
| District of Columbia | 2,810 | 3,300 | 500 | 17.8% | 410 |
| Florida | 59,990 | 73,820 | 13,830 | 23.1% | 9,320 |
| Georgia | 26,040 | 33,080 | 7,040 | 27.1% | 4,210 |
| Hawaii | 3,860 | 4,400 | 540 | 13.8% | 540 |
| Idaho | 5,060 | 6,610 | 1,550 | 30.7% | 850 |
| Illinois | 23,500 | 26,060 | 2,550 | 10.9% | 3,190 |
| Indiana | 22,670 | 25,300 | 2,630 | 11.6% | 3,110 |
| Iowa | 5,330 | 6,350 | 1,020 | 19.1% | 800 |
| Kansas | 5,080 | 5,640 | 560 | 11.1% | 690 |
| Kentucky | 14,360 | 15,920 | 1,560 | 10.8% | 1,950 |
| Louisiana | 14,370 | 15,180 | 810 | 5.6% | 1,830 |
| Maine | 4,250 | 4,770 | 530 | 12.4% | 590 |
| Maryland | 16,230 | 18,450 | 2,210 | 13.6% | 2,280 |
| Massachusetts | 16,470 | 17,960 | 1,490 | 9% | 2,190 |
| Michigan | 24,010 | 27,140 | 3,130 | 13% | 3,350 |
| Minnesota | 11,740 | 13,610 | 1,870 | 15.9% | 1,690 |
| Mississippi | 3,740 | 4,790 | 1,050 | 28.1% | 610 |
| Missouri | 12,880 | 14,370 | 1,490 | 11.6% | 1,760 |
| Montana | 2,400 | 2,750 | 340 | 14.3% | 340 |
| Nebraska | 2,620 | 2,970 | 340 | 13.1% | 370 |
| Nevada | 7,490 | 9,710 | 2,220 | 29.6% | 1,240 |
| New Hampshire | 3,000 | 3,420 | 420 | 14.2% | 420 |
| New Jersey | 23,050 | 27,120 | 4,070 | 17.7% | 3,380 |
| New Mexico | 6,790 | 7,660 | 870 | 12.8% | 940 |
| New York | 42,340 | 47,960 | 5,620 | 13.3% | 5,920 |
| North Carolina | 24,300 | 28,160 | 3,860 | 15.9% | 3,500 |
| North Dakota | 660 | 750 | 100 | 14.9% | 90 |
| Ohio | 23,540 | 25,300 | 1,760 | 7.5% | 3,070 |
| Oklahoma | 10,500 | 11,670 | 1,170 | 11.2% | 1,430 |
| Oregon | 12,340 | 14,680 | 2,340 | 19% | 1,840 |
| Pennsylvania | 26,680 | 29,480 | 2,800 | 10.5% | 3,610 |
| Rhode Island | 3,380 | 3,630 | 250 | 7.3% | 440 |
| South Carolina | 11,580 | 13,620 | 2,050 | 17.7% | 1,700 |
| South Dakota | 1,180 | 1,380 | 200 | 16.9% | 170 |
| Tennessee | 19,150 | 22,220 | 3,070 | 16% | 2,760 |
| Texas | 71,610 | 87,160 | 15,550 | 21.7% | 10,970 |
| Utah | 10,150 | 13,420 | 3,270 | 32.2% | 1,720 |
| Vermont | 1,130 | 1,220 | 100 | 8.7% | 150 |
| Virginia | 16,090 | 18,150 | 2,060 | 12.8% | 2,380 |
| Washington | 17,630 | 21,150 | 3,530 | 20% | 3,010 |
| West Virginia | 4,560 | 5,520 | 960 | 21.1% | 690 |
| Wisconsin | 13,120 | 14,860 | 1,740 | 13.3% | 1,830 |
| Wyoming | 1,020 | 1,190 | 170 | 16.2% | 150 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
How to Choose the Right Medical Assistant Program (Video)
Get a quick overview of what to look for in a quality MA program, including accreditation, curriculum, and clinical requirements. Helpful if you’re comparing schools or unsure where to start.
