If you are seeking the skills and knowledge needed to work in healthcare, getting a medical assistant certificate might be the perfect career move. The condensed program allows students to get all the training they will need to enter the workforce in much less time than a standard degree.
A medical assistant college certificate is ideal for those who want the benefits a university provides, such as accreditation and reputation, without the time commitment. To prepare yourself to handle administrative and routine clinical issues in a medical setting, read this guide about the best medical assistant certificate program options.
What Is a Medical Assistant Certificate College Program?
A medical assistant certificate college program is a specialized educational program made to strengthen or develop medical assisting skills. Although this certificate program does not often require prior education, it can be used to build on existing knowledge or make a career switch.
What’s the Difference Between a College Medical Assistant Certificate and Professional Certification in Medical Assistance?
College medical assistant certificates are different from professional Certifications in Medical Assistance as the former is evidence of education in the field, while the latter is proof of passing an examination. Professional certifications in this field are awarded by national bodies and are often standardized, unlike certificates.
A certification program may include a few years of relevant work experience or certain clinical skills in its admission requirements. You will also have to pass a certification exam and may need to pay exam fees. Certificate program requirements are less intensive, as you won’t need relevant job experience or education to enroll. Either program can qualify you for future careers in healthcare.
Medical Assistant College Certificate vs Medical Assistant Certification: Key Differences
| Medical Assistant Certificate | Medical Assistant Certification |
|---|---|
| Students do not need prior knowledge or a healthcare background to start a certificate program. | As it is an assessment, students will have had to train and study medical assistance before taking the certification. |
| It takes 8 to 12 months to complete a certificate program. | Students must sit the length of an exam to get a certification. |
| It requires the completion of course credits. | It requires passing an examination. |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Medical Assistant Certificate at College?
It takes around 8 to 12 months to get a medical assistant certificate at college. The programs require 30 to 33 credits in most cases and can be taken online. Depending on the school, program, and formats offered, the program can be shortened or lengthened.
Best Medical Assistant Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Baker College | Medical Assistant Certificate | $435/credit |
| California State University, San Bernardino | Medical Administrative Assistant with EHR | $3,199 for the program |
| Dakota College at Bottineau | Certificate in Medical Assisting | $239.20/credit |
| Davenport University | Certificate in Medical Assisting | $885/credit |
| Liberty University | Medical Office Assistant Certificate | $390/credit (full-time); $455/credit (part-time) |
| Muskegon Community College | Medical Assistant Certificate | $121.50/credit (in county); $227/credit (in state); $318/credit (out of state) |
| Northern Essex Community College | Medical Assistant Certificate – Day Program | $324/credit (in state); $565/credit (out of state) |
| Purdue University Global | Medical Assistant Certificate | $371/credit |
| Rockhurst University | Certificate in Medical Assisting | $325/credit |
| University Of California Los Angeles | Medical Assistant Program (MAP) | $23,000 for the full program |
Best Undergraduate Medical Assistant Certificate Programs: Explained
The best medical assistant certificates are awarded by universities and colleges and will provide you with a comprehensive body of knowledge for various health careers. Keep reading to discover the best college certificate programs and the courses they offer. The information in the following section was sourced from the respective university websites.
This certificate program at Baker College can be completed in one year. It combines practical experience and formal education to give students the skills and knowledge needed to work as medical assistants. Students learn to administer injections, perform patient assessments, and bill insurance firms. They are prepared to work in outpatient, medical offices, and clinics.
Medical Assistant Certificate Details
- Cost: $435/credit
- Length: 30 credits
- Learning Format: In person, online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, application fee
California State University’s program is ideal for people who want to work in dental offices, doctors’ offices, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. It has a specially designed curriculum that prepares students for the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) examinations. Students learn how to use industry-standard medical tools like the EHR software.
Medical Administrative Assistant with EHR Details
- Cost: $3,199 for the program
- Length: 285 hours
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts
This hands-on certificate from Dakota College at Bottineau prepares students to sit for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) examinations. Students get a basic understanding of diseases and interventions and learn how to carry out administrative procedures and clinical duties in a medical facility.
Certificate in Medical Assisting Details
- Cost: $239.20/credit
- Length: 38 credits
- Learning Format: In person, online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, application fee, ACT or SAT, immunization records
This medical assisting certificate from Davenport University is a building block to a career in the field or an advanced degree. This program is stackable, meaning that you can apply your credits to an associate degree program in the same field at Davenport University. The certificate prepares you for the CMA with practicum experience as well.
Certificate in Medical Assisting Details
- Cost: $885/credit
- Length: 33 credits
- Learning Format: In person, online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts
This program focuses on the administrative and business aspects of medical assistance, as well as ethical and legal issues in medicine. Students at Liberty University learn about diagnostic, procedural, and medical coding used for insurance claim processing. They also learn risk management, contracts, licensing confidentiality, HIPAA, and professional liability.
Medical Office Assistant Certificate Details
- Cost: $390/credit (full-time); $455/credit (part-time)
- Length: 19 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: High School Self-Certification form, minimum GPA of 1.5, application fee, official transcripts
This Muskegon Community College program sets graduates for careers as medical assistants by teaching them to handle clinical and administrative duties. The main aim of this program is to give these entry-level candidates the clinical experience and knowledge to assist medical personnel in different capacities. Students can take the Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) examination after this program.
Medical Assistant Certificate Details
- Cost: $121.50/credit (in county); $227/credit (in state); $318/credit (out of state)
- Length: 32-36 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts
This certificate program from Northern Essex Community College prepares graduates to work in different health care environments. They will be eligible to write the national certification examination. Students learn to check vital signs, take medical histories, and draw blood as well as work on other outpatient care tasks. The classes are flexible, and current students gain hands-on practice in the clinic.
Medical Assistant Certificate – Day Program Details
- Cost: $324/credit (in state); $565/credit (out of state)
- Length: 32 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts
This certificate from Purdue University prepares graduates for a career in medical assisting with the knowledge to pass the medical assistant certification exam. The curriculum includes hands-on experience in externships and on-site clinical as well as online medical assistant classes. Students will develop skills in medical office, clinical, and laboratory procedures.
Medical Assistant Certificate Details
- Cost: $371/credit
- Length: 58 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts
Students from Rockhurst University can also choose to apply their credits towards an associate degree in the same field. The one-year program prepares graduates to enter the field and take up entry-level positions as a health care professional. Rockhurst University is an excellent school for this certificate because it offers multiple entry points per year so you can choose when to start without missing any deadline to apply.
Certificate in Medical Assisting Details
- Cost: $325/credit
- Length: 32 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts
This University of California Los Angeles program prepares students for a career in medical assisting by combining practical experience and theory. UCLA Extension and UCLA Health partnered to offer this medical assistant program certificate. Students learn to perform administrative tasks, use health information system technologies, and perform basic clinical tasks.
Medical Assistant Program (MAP) Details
- Cost: $23,000 for the full program
- Length: 68 credit units
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, HESI scores, interview
Medical Assistant College Certificate Program vs Medical Assistant Associate Degree
A medical assistant college certificate offers you the credentials you need to work as a medical assistant. It often includes lectures and fieldwork with direct supervision. A medical assistant training program usually prepares you to write a certification examination. On the other hand, the medical assistant associate degree is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for the workforce.
An associate degree is longer since it includes different electives and general courses on top of the core medical assistant courses. Associate degrees sometimes come with fieldwork or internships that can prepare graduates for certification. Here are some differences between the certificate and associate degree:
- Program length. Most medical assisting certificates can be completed in less than a year, at most a year and a half. A medical assistant associate degree requires two full-time years of study to get the award.
- Education. Due to the length of the program, associate degree holders get to learn more general education aside from their major. Certificate programs are shorter, so students get streamlined training that focuses mostly on medical assisting functions.
- Experience. Both associate degrees and certificate programs offer students an opportunity to gain experience during the program. Students get to work in clinics under the supervision of medical professionals. However, those in associate degree programs may have more time and opportunities because of the longer duration.
- Job opportunities. Certificate holders can easily find potential employers in clinical and administrative settings. However, it may become difficult to secure work in specialist offices as they require more education. Associate degree holders may have a better chance of specialization and preparation for advanced certification.
- Public perception. The type of program you choose can be affected by public perception. For instance, some employers may prefer a candidate with an associate degree to one with a Certificate in Medical Assistance because of the perceived experience level. This does not apply to all employers.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Medical Assistant Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate medical assistant certificate is worth it because it prepares you for a career within a short period. The cost of this certificate is significantly lower and it gives you the skills needed to take the certification examination. Most of these programs are flexible and include hands-on training to increase your chances of securing a job.
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Best Medical Assistant Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| City Colleges of Chicago | Medical Assisting, Advanced Certificate | $146/credit (in district); $384/credit (in state); $481/credit (out of state) |
| Delta College | Clinical Medical Assistant Advanced Certificate | $2,328/semester (in district); $3,656/semester (out of district) |
| Lake Michigan College | Medical Assisting Advanced Certificate | $168.25/credit (in district); $238.25/credit (out of district) |
| University of Cincinnati | Medical Assisting Technical Certificate | $2,582/term (in state); $5,850/term (out of state) |
Best Graduate Medical Assistant Certificate Programs Explained
The best medical assistant certificates are also available as graduate certificate programs. These advanced programs are for students with a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree who wish to expand on their knowledge and skills. We dive into the best Graduate Certificates in Medical Assistance below.
This City Colleges of Chicago program prepares you to work as a healthcare professional that handles clinical, administrative, and laboratory procedures in the clinic. Students gain the skills they need to take professional examinations from the American Medical Technologists as Registered Phlebotomy Technicians and Registered Medical Assistants.
Medical Assisting, Advanced Certificate Details
- Cost: $146/credit (in district); $384/credit (in state); $481/credit (out of state)
- Length: 31 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: Undergraduate degree
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, interview
This program from Delta College covers medical assistance in a modern light. Students take part in hands-on education at state-of-the-art laboratories. The program offers a patient care environment stimulation to give students confidence in the field. Students work on clinical rotations, and labs, and take lectures. Course topics include medical terminology and the healthcare system.
Clinical Medical Assistant Advanced Certificate Details
- Cost: $2,328/semester (in district); $3,656/semester (out of district)
- Length: 24 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent (Certificate can be used as the base for an associate degree)
- Other Requirements: Transcripts
This Lake Michigan College program prepares students for entry-level roles as skilled medical assistants. The curriculum covers clinical and administrative tasks such as drawing blood and filing insurance claims. Graduates are prepared to take the CMA examination.
Medical Assisting Advanced Certificate Details
- Cost: $168.25/credit (in district); $238.25/credit (out of district)
- Length: 43 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Meet with the director of Health Sciences, transcripts
This program from University of Cincinnati helps graduates develop technical skills, critical thinking, information literacy, effective communication, and social responsibility skills. The curriculum prepares them to take the CMA examination. The program requirements for entry are strict and it can be completed in one year.
Medical Assisting Technical Certificate Details
- Cost: $2,582/term (in state); $5,850/term (out of state)
- Length: 37 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: Undergraduate degree
- Other Requirements: Reflective essay, get admittance to the US Blue Ash College and the pre-health progressions non-degree program
Medical Assistant Graduate Certificate Program vs Medical Assistant Master’s Degree
The main difference between medical assistant graduate certificate programs and medical assistant master’s degrees is completion time. Certificates are faster, most only lasting one year Although a master’s degree can last only one year, most take up to two. The earning potential is another factor that differentiates certificates and master’s degrees. Here are more differences between both:
- Completion time. Certificate students have a faster pathway to the workforce because some programs only last six months to one year. Master’s degrees can take two years for full-time students to complete.
- Curriculum. Master’s degrees in Medical Assistance encompass other important courses that shape your general knowledge. In certificate courses, the main focus is on medical assistant skills.
- Institution. To get a Graduate Certificate in Medical Assistance, you can enroll in a university, college, or institute that offers such certificate programs. However, master’s degree programs are only available in universities.
- Salary and employment outlook. Generally, graduates with master’s degrees earn more than their counterparts with lower degrees. Graduates can expect to make a healthy salary in outpatient care centers, physician offices, and hospitals. Certificate holders do not earn as much.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Medical Assistant Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate medical assistant certificate is worth it because it gives you a chance to enter a budding field with a great outlook. A quick certificate can position you in the high-demand medical assistance field. According to PayScale, the average annual salary of a medical assistant graduate certificate holder is $43,000.
Medical Assistant Certificate Program Coursework
Medical assistant certificate programs offer common courses including anatomy and physiology, medical administration, introduction to billing and medical coding, and clinical and diagnostic procedures. Below, we detail what students learn in these core courses.
Anatomy and Physiology
This introductory course familiarizes students with medical terms by using suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations, root words, and pronunciation of words. The physiology aspect focuses on the organization of the cardiovascular, hematoxylin, integumentary, lymphatic, hematic, and immune systems in the body.
Medical Office Basics
This course introduces students to the daily activities of the medical office to prepare them as medical administrative assistants. Some topics in this course include law and ethics, professional behavior, telephone techniques, daily operations, and law and medicine. The course also covers correspondence, appointment scheduling, and HIPPA regulations.
Clinical and Diagnostic Procedures
This course covers the fundamentals of medical assisting. It focuses on vital signs, infection control, clinical laboratory, medication administration, pharmacology, nutrition, and immunology. Students learn about general physical examinations, surgical procedure assisting, phlebotomy, hematology, and emergency preparedness.
Medication Administration
This course introduces students to safe dosage calculations and medical administration based on factors such as the weight and age of the patient. They learn to administer injections and oral medications. Students will also learn about documentation, method of delivery, and rights of medication administration to prevent errors and follow the law.
Intro to Billing and Medical Coding
This course teaches students how to bill in the case of insurance companies. Students learn the guidelines, knowledge, and principles needed to work in this field. The course starts with an overview of medical billing, medical coding, coding terminology, and medical record documentation. Before the course ends, students will review different coding work environments.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Medical Assistant Certificate from College?
With a medical assistant certificate from college, you can work in the health field and assist medical professionals. A graduate medical assistant certificate may increase your earning potential because it allows you to take a more advanced certification examination. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the job outlook for medical assistants is set to grow by 18 percent.
Best Medical Assistant Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| EKG Technician | $75,380 |
| Registered Phlebotomy Technician | $57,800 |
| Certified Surgical Technician | $48,530 |
| Medical Office Assistant | $37,190 |
| Nursing Unit Clerk | $37,030 |
Best Medical Assistant Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
The best medical assistant certificate jobs are well paid. Even though you cannot become a registered nurse by taking a medical assistant certificate program, there are other interesting and fulfilling roles you can fill. Read below to discover the best jobs for medical assistant certificate holders.
Electrocardiograph technicians support cardiologists by identifying and treating heart conditions with specialized equipment. They conduct stress tests, electrocardiograms, and telemetry tests. The tests they conduct help determine a patient’s heart status and prevent heart attacks.
- Average Salary: $75,380
- Job Outlook: 14% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Experience and training in healthcare, associate degree, medical assistant certificate
Phlebotomy technicians draw blood samples for donors and patients. They may also be responsible for preparing blood samples for testing and diagnostics. The experts prepare laboratory equipment, update patient records, and explain procedures to patients to put their minds at ease.
- Average Salary: $57,800
- Job Outlook: 11% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Basic phlebotomy, medical assistant certificate
Surgical technicians or technologists are responsible for supporting surgeons in the operating room. They pass supplies and sterile instruments, set up surgical equipment, hold internal organs when needed, and pass retractors. These experts may also be responsible for taking specimens to the lab for analysis.
- Average Salary: $48,530
- Job Outlook: 9% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Associate degree, medical assistant certificate, experience in the field
Medical office assistants work in clinics, medical practices, and healthcare settings to support medical professionals. They often handle office duties such as accounting, medical billing, filing insurance claims, and scheduling patients. These experts often work behind a desk in the medical office.
- Average Salary: $37,190
- Job Outlook: 18% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Medical assistant certificate
Unit clerks provide clerical and administrative support to nurses in the clinical unit. These experts work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, intensive care units, and surgical wards. They ensure that lab reports, medical records, and patient records are stored and filed correctly.
- Average Salary: $37,030
- Job Outlook: 2% decline from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Medical assisting certificate and working knowledge of the medical field
Should I Also Get a Medical Assistant Certification?
Yes, you should get a medical assistant certification because it can increase your chances of securing a job. This certification increases your credibility, helps you stand out, and shows that you have the administrative skills employers seek. Medical assistant certifications also help you to advance in your career.
Best Medical Assistant Certifications
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The CMA certification is one of the most common ones and it is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. This certification allows medical assistants to handle administrative and clinical tasks.
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). This certification shows that professionals have the interpersonal skills to work as medical assistants. American Medical Technologists offer it.
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA). This certification is like the CCMA but focuses on assisting physicians as opposed to office administration. It is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This certification shows that medical assistants are skilled in clinical procedures. Their main focus is not office administration. The NHA offers it and is for professionals who want to specialize in clinical support.
- Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified (PMAC). This certification is for professionals who want to work as podiatrist assistants. It is recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Medical Assistant Worth It?
Yes, a College Certificate for Medical Assistants is worth it because it can carve a clear path into the medical support career. Some certificates can be applied to associate degrees or other advanced degrees, which reduces the time and cost needed to further your education. College certificates for medical assistants prepare you to take professional certifications to increase your chances of securing a job.
Medical Assistant Certificates FAQ
The best medical assistant certification is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification. It is one of the most popular ones today and is widely recognized nationwide. The American Association of Medical Assistants offers the certification to professionals who want to work as medical assistants.
The fastest way to get your medical assistant certification is to enroll in a medical assistant certificate program. This program often takes six months to a year to be completed. The training will give you the skills needed to work with healthcare teams and sit for the medical assistant certification examination.
Yes, a medical assistant can work without getting certified. However, the field is very competitive and busy. There will be other candidates vying for the same position. It is ideal to write the certification examination and stand out among others if you want to work on a health care team.
The states that require certification for medical assistants include Washington, Idaho, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Although the other states do not require certification for medical assistants, it is recommended to get the certification anyway.
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