Online Medical Assistant Programs in Massachusetts: Top Schools
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or interested in transitioning to a new job in allied healthcare, an online medical assistant program can offer a quick and affordable (maybe even free) pathway to the career you’ve been dreaming of. The best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts put students first, ensuring that they gain the skills and hands-on training needed to succeed professionally while also preparing them for medical assistant national certification. This guide will introduce you to the many online MA program options available to you in Massachusetts today. We’ve also included plenty of useful information on what to look for when selecting the right program for you, how to succeed in your studies, what you can expect to earn as a working Massachusetts medical assistant, and lots more.

Why 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.
An Overview of Online Medical Assistant Program Types in Massachusetts
We’ve spotlighted below three schools offering online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts to give you a better idea of what you can expect to encounter in the MA program you ultimately choose. As you’ll see, both certificate and associate degree program options are available, each with its own requirements and benefits for particular types of students. If your goal is to find the quickest path to starting your MA career, for example, then a certificate program is likely your best bet. If you’re interested in pursuing a more competitive MA job or expanding your career opportunities, then you may want to consider the extra time and expense of earning a medical assistant associate degree. Either way, your program’s format will likely include both online didactic coursework and campus-based classes and labs, as well as an in-person internship or externship in which you’ll receive hands-on experience in a real-world practice setting.
Medical Assistant Certificate Program – MassBay Community College
The Medical Assistant Certificate Program at Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay) features a flexible and convenient curriculum designed to train the next generation of highly-competent medical assistants. The 26-credit hybrid formatted program covers vital topics in medical terminology, electronic health records, pharmacology, and soft skills for medical professionals. Students tackle didactic medical subject matter online through coursework delivered mostly in an asynchronous format, although a small number of classes and labs require on-campus attendance. Students additionally complete hands-on training in the form of a degree-culminating capstone internship attended in person at a program-approved medical practice site such as a hospital, nursing home, or physician’s office.
Duration: One year (two semesters)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $244/credit (Massachusetts residents); $256/credit (New England Regional residents); $450/credit (out-of-state residents). Free to eligible state residents (see the FAQs below for more information).
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent, or associate or higher degree.
- Completion or placement in courses in English and Algebra.
- Completion of Reading Assessment Test with passing score.
- Proof of required immunizations, CPR certification, and passing of a criminal background check.
Curriculum:
- HL103 Medical Terminology
- HL116 Electronic Health Records
- HL117 Soft Skills for Medical Professionals
- MO105 Pharmacology
- MO106 Medical Assistant Skills I
- MO103 Medical Office Insurance and Billing
- MO102 Medical Office Procedures
- MO107 Medical Assistant Skills II
- MO108 Medical Assistant Capstone
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Medical Assisting Certificate – Mount Wachusett Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College offers both medical assistant certificate and associate degree options that include both online and on-campus components. The 29-credit Medical Assisting Certificate program consists of foundational MA coursework in clinical and managerial subjects such as medical terminology, medical administrative procedures, principles of pharmacology, medical law and ethics, and more. Students also complete a four-credit medical assisting externship. Certificate earners are eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. The Medical Assisting Associate Degree program includes an additional two semesters worth of general education and medical/healthcare-specific courses for a total of 62 credits. Associate degree graduates are also eligible for the CMA credential as well as several other professional medical assistant certifications.
Duration: One year (certificate); Two years (associate degree)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $240/credit (Massachusetts residents); $252.50/credit (New England Regional residents); $445/credit (out-of-state residents). Free to eligible state residents (see the FAQs below for more information).
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Proof of required immunizations.
- Pass a criminal background check.
Curriculum:
Certificate:
- MAS 105 Introduction to Medical Assisting
- MAS 130 Medical Terminology and the Body Systems I
- MAS 209 Medical Law and Ethics
- MAS 131 Medical Terminology and the Body Systems II
- MAS 206 Medical Assisting Clinical and Lab Procedures
- MAS 230 Medical Administrative Procedures I
- MAS 208 Principles Of Pharmacology
- MAS 240 Medical Assisting Seminar
- MAS 250 Medical Assisting Externship
Associate Degree:
- MAS 105 Introduction to Medical Assisting
- MAS 130 Medical Terminology and the Body Systems I
- MAS 131 Medical Terminology and the Body Systems II
- MAS 209 Medical Law and Ethics
- MAS 206 Medical Assisting Clinical and Lab Procedures
- MAS 208 Principles Of Pharmacology
- MAS 230 Medical Administrative Procedures I
- MAS 240 Medical Assisting Seminar
- MAS 250 Medical Assisting Externship
- ENG 101 College Writing I
- MAT 143 Statistics
- MAS 207 Medical Specialty Procedures
- PSY 105 Introduction To Psychology
- BIO 109 Concepts in Biology
- MAS 231 Medical Administrative Procedures II
- ENG 102 College Writing II
- PSY 110 Human Growth And Development
- MAS 260 Basic Pathophysiology
- Humanities Elective
Medical Assistant Certificate-Evening Program – Northern Essex Community College
Northern Essex Community College offers a standout Medical Assistant Certificate-Evening track program in which students gain essential MA clinical and clerical skills while also getting the chance to obtain practical training in a real-world healthcare setting. The 32-credit program is presented in a hybrid format in which students complete most coursework online, but on-campus attendance is required two evenings each week for in-person classes and labs. Graduates are eligible to sit for the CMA certification exam. Credits earned can be applied to NECC’s Associate Degree in General Studies: Health Specialization program. NECC offers its medical assistant certificate program in a campus-based daytime track as well.
Duration: 15 months (four semesters including two fall terms and a summer session)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $346/credit (Massachusetts residents); $359/credit (New England Regional residents); $587/credit (out-of-state residents). Free to eligible state residents (see the FAQs below for more information).
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Proof of required vaccinations.
- Pass a criminal background check.
Curriculum:
- BIO101 Human Biology
- BIO102 Human Biology Laboratory or BIO122 Anatomy & Physiology II
- ENG101 English Composition I
- HES115 Medical Terminology
- PSY101 Introduction to Psychology
- MAS100 Introduction to Medical Assisting
- MAS101 Medical Assisting I
- MAS110 Medical Assisting II
- MAS120 Clinical Laboratory Procedures
- HES104 Medical Office Administration
- MAS190 Medical Assisting Practicum
FAQs for Aspiring Medical Assistants in Massachusetts
As you continue your journey toward finding the right online medical assistant program in Massachusetts, you’re bound to have questions. From curriculum details and cost to networking and prerequisites, the following section answers some of our readers’ most common of those questions. If you have more, though, be sure to reach out to the programs you’re considering for help.
How can I network during my program, and does it matter?
Developing and growing your professional network – both during and after your MA training – is crucial if you want to expand your career options. As a student at one of the best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts, you’ll have multiple ways to network. In addition to your fellow students, your experienced instructors can be valuable connections. Schools like Northern Essex Community College and Mount Wachusett Community College also require in-person externships that provide the chance to rapidly expand your professional network. Additionally, you can take advantage of networking opportunities that come with participation in professional organizations like the Massachusetts State Society of Medical Assistants.
Is it difficult to be accepted to Massachusetts online medical assistant programs?
The admissions requirements and processes for top online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts vary from school to school. Some schools may have more open admissions policies, while others, like MassBay Community College, are a bit more selective and require admission into both the school and the program itself. As a result, you’ll want to carefully review a program’s website and/or reach out to the admissions office for each prospective school to ensure you meet all requirements. Generally speaking, though, you’ll likely need a high school diploma or equivalent (like a GED) as well as proof of required immunizations. You’ll also have to pass a criminal background check in order to take part in in-person clinical experiences.
What funding is available for online medical assistant students in Massachusetts?
As a college student, you’re acutely aware that attending an online medical assistant program in Massachusetts means investing in your future. But for many prospective MA students, coming up with the money to pay for their education can be a daunting task. Thankfully, many of the best medical assistant programs in the state are offered through highly affordable (and sometimes free) public community colleges. Additionally, qualifying students attending an accredited program (like those mentioned in this guide) can access a wide range of financial aid options that include loans, scholarships and grants, and work-study opportunities. To find out about potential funding help for your MA education, contact the financial aid offices at the schools you’re considering.
What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Massachusetts?
Finding affordable medical assistant training can be overwhelming. The cost of your online medical assistant program in Massachusetts will inevitably depend on the particular school and program you attend. But if you’re a Massachusetts resident with a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet other eligibility requirements, you may be able to have your community college tuition and fees paid for entirely plus receive a book and supply allowance of up to $1,200 through the State’s MassReconnect or MassEducate programs. If not eligible for free community college, you can expect to pay per-credit costs starting in the low- to mid-$200s. For example, the current per-credit costs at Mount Wachusett Community College are $240 for state residents, $252.50 for New England Region residents, and $445 for out-of-state residents. And per-credit costs at Massasoit Community College are currently $224 for Massachusetts residents and $430 for out-of-state residents.
What subjects do medical assistant programs in Massachusetts cover?
Curriculum requirements vary somewhat from program to program, but students in most online MA programs in Massachusetts can expect a course of study that combines online and campus-based medical and administrative classes with in-person clinical externships typically attended at program-affiliated medical facilities in the school’s local area. In regard to specific topics covered, the Medical Assistant Certificate – Evening program at Northern Essex Community College offers a good example of what students in any MA program can expect to learn with courses in medical office administration, medical assisting, clinical laboratory procedures, and medical terminology. Additionally students in associate degree MA programs will complete a number of general education and additional medical/healthcare related courses.
Certifications and Advanced Training in Massachusetts
Neither a state license nor national certification is needed to work as a medical assistant in Massachusetts (or most other states, for that matter). However, obtaining national certification can prove to be a valuable credential on your resume. In fact, many of the top employers of medical assistants in the state either prefer or require job applicants to possess national medical assistant certification. The two most common national certifications for MAs in the U.S. are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants and the Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) from the National Association for Health Professionals. Thankfully, the best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts prepare you for eligibility to sit for the certification exam for one or both of these credentials.
Continuing education is also not a state requirement for MAs in Massachusetts. However, you will need to meet certain renewal requirements to keep your national MA certification active. CMA holders must renew their credential every 60 months through completion of a minimum of 60 CE credits or retaking the CMA exam. Those holding the NRCMA credential must complete 10 CE credits annually.
Medical Assistant Salary and Job Prospects in Massachusetts
As with most other states in the nation, Massachusetts has a high demand for professionals in the allied health field, including medical assistants. While the estimated job growth for medical assistants across the nation is currently 13.8% from 2022 to 2032, the growth in Massachusetts is slightly higher at 15.2%. This translates to an average of 830 job openings across the state for new medical assistants.
Regarding income, medical assistants in Massachusetts can expect a median annual wage of $47,770. Those just starting out are likely to be in the 10th percentile, earning $38,790, while more experienced medical assistants can reach the 90th percentile, earning $59,300. Your earnings are also influenced by your location, as those working in the Boston area will see median wages of $47,960, whereas those in the New Bedford area might earn a median of $43,440. Below, you will find a wealth of information to help you explore the salary and job outlook for medical assistants in Massachusetts.
Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
---|---|---|---|
U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
Worcester, MA-CT | $38,480 | $47,090 | $59,280 |
Springfield, MA-CT | $37,620 | $46,090 | $53,540 |
Pittsfield, MA | $37,500 | $45,730 | $49,750 |
New Bedford, MA | $35,580 | $43,440 | $55,470 |
Leominster-Gardner, MA | $37,920 | $46,150 | $58,010 |
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,390 | $47,960 | $59,930 |
Barnstable Town, MA | $38,400 | $47,310 | $56,930 |
Massachusetts | $38,790 | $47,770 | $59,300 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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 ↕ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Massachusetts | 5,460 | 6,290 | 830 | 15.20% | 830 |
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.