If you want to start a stable career in healthcare without spending four years in college, earning an associate degree in medical assisting could be your next smart move. Medical assistants are the backbone of clinics and hospitals, handling both patient care and administrative tasks with professionalism and compassion. The demand for qualified medical assistants continues to grow across the country, with thousands of new positions opening every year according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
In this guide, you’ll discover the best accredited schools for medical assisting associate degrees, what to expect from the coursework and clinical training, and how to qualify for national certification. Whether you’re changing careers or starting fresh, this path can lead to a rewarding healthcare role with room to advance.
Key Takeaways
- A medical assisting associate degree prepares you for both clinical and administrative work in healthcare settings, from taking vital signs to managing patient records.
- Accredited programs, like the ones that are recognized by CAAHEP or ABHES, qualify graduates to sit for national certification exams such as the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT).
- Most programs include a hands-on externship or practicum, typically around 160 hours, where students apply classroom knowledge in real medical offices.
- Costs are generally lower than four-year degrees, and many students qualify for Pell Grants, scholarships, or federal financial aid.
- Medical assisting roles offer steady job growth, flexible entry options, and opportunities to build experience toward other healthcare careers like nursing or health administration.
- Online and hybrid formats are available, but all require some in-person clinical training to meet certification standards.
What Is Medical Assistance?
Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties that keep healthcare facilities running smoothly and support licensed practitioners. A medical assistant is a professional who is in charge of clinical duties at a healthcare facility and falls under the supervision of a doctor. This specialist performs administrative tasks, such as making medical appointments, organizing clinical records, and collecting insurance information.
Regarding medical tasks, the medical assistant is qualified for checking vital signs and preparing patients for examinations. They should be prepared for many medical office procedures. Even though this position is not as intense as other medical career options, medical assistants still need extensive education to get the job done.
Medical assistants differ from nurses or certified nursing assistants (CNAs); they typically perform both clinical and administrative duties but do not hold a nursing license. Their scope of practice also varies by state, since medical assistants are often classified as unlicensed personnel and must follow state-specific delegation laws. Readers should check local regulations before performing any clinical tasks.
What Is a Medical Assisting Associate Degree?
A medical assisting associate degree trains students in patient-care and office-management skills while preparing them for national certification exams. An Associate Degree in Medical Assisting is an academic degree awarded by community colleges over two years. These institutions teach students about medical care, auxiliary health techniques, clinical skills, and drug administration. You can get hands-on experience and become eligible for certification exams.
This degree is a good option for people who want to start a career in the health industry but don’t want to become doctors. Studying medical assistance at a community college allows for a flexible schedule and can even be done remotely. You can learn medical assistant skills and administrative procedures online.
When choosing a medical assisting program, check that it’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Graduating from an accredited program makes you eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA [AAMA]) exam. Other common credentials include the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Medical Assisting Associate Degree Requirements
Most medical assisting programs require a high-school diploma or GED and a clean background check before clinical placement. To pursue a medical assistant associate degree, you typically must have at least a high school diploma or a GED. Some schools may require you to have a minimum GPA or SAT score. Because an associate degree is a low-level degree, you don’t need any postsecondary education to apply.
The main requirements you need for a successful career are basic knowledge of the human body and a passion for a career in healthcare. You will get a quality education anywhere if you’re motivated and ready to learn new things. If you’re confident in your career choice, you will thrive in this medical degree.
Most accredited programs include a clinical externship, which is typically around 160 hours, completed in a local clinic or physician’s office. During this time, students practice vital-signs measurement, phlebotomy, EKG recording, and other supervised skills. Programs also often require health screenings, background checks, and proof of CPR certification before beginning externships.
How Much Does a Medical Assisting Associate Degree Cost?
Medical assisting associate programs at public community colleges typically cost far less than four-year degrees and vary by state tuition rates. Costs depend on factors like residency status, delivery format, and institutional type.
In general, a medical assistant degree is more affordable than other options, especially because it is an associate degree. You can learn the same clinical job skills through a streamlined, efficient college program that costs less than a bachelor’s. Later on, you can also transfer credits to a bachelor’s and save money.
Beyond tuition and fees, students should budget for uniforms, textbooks, background checks, immunizations, and certification-exam fees. Some schools may also charge separate lab or technology fees for access to simulation equipment.
Medical Assisting Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay
Students can cover medical assistant training costs through federal grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Medical assistance students often have financial aid options available to them to pay for their degrees.
Many medical assisting associate-degree students qualify for Pell Grants and federal student loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undergraduates enrolled in eligible programs may receive Federal Pell Grants based on financial need. Because medical assisting is considered an undergraduate program, most students are eligible for need-based aid. You can also explore local healthcare scholarships or state workforce-development grants. Before enrolling, ask your school whether CMA (AAMA) exam fees or liability insurance for externships are included in tuition.
Best Medical Assistant Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
Accredited medical assisting associate programs combine classroom learning with clinical experience to prepare students for certification and employment.
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bryant & Stratton College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Central Alabama Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting Technology | SACSCOC |
| The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting | Higher Learning Commission |
| Fox College | Applied Associate in Medical Assisting | Higher Learning Commission |
| Monroe College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Remington College | Associate Degree in Medical Assisting | ACCSC |
| Dakota College at Bottineau | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting | Higher Learning Commission |
| Herzing University | Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services | Higher Learning Commission |
| State Fair Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting | Higher Learning Commission |
| American National University | Associate Degree in Medical Assisting | DEAC |
When comparing schools, focus on four factors: accreditation (CAAHEP or ABHES), required clinical hours, certification eligibility, and transparency of job-placement rates. Be cautious of programs that do not specify externship arrangements or eligibility for national certification exams, since these details are crucial for future employability.
Best Online Medical Assistant Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
Online medical assisting associate programs deliver academic courses remotely while requiring in-person labs or externships for hands-on skills training.
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| American National University | Associate Degree in Medical Assisting | Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) |
| Dakota College at Bottineau | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting | Higher Learning Commission |
| Herzing University | Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services | Higher Learning Commission |
| State Fair Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting | Higher Learning Commission |
What’s the Average Medical Assisting Associate Degree Salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median medical assistant salary was $44,200 as of late 2025.1 Medical assistants play a critical role in healthcare by managing both clinical and administrative tasks, and compensation varies based on experience, location, and certification level.
Actual pay for medical assistants can differ significantly based on location, credential, and healthcare setting. MAs working in hospitals and outpatient clinics generally earn more than those in small physician practices. Certification status, such as holding the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT), can also improve earning potential.
Top Medical Assisting Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
Medical assistants can work in clinical, administrative, and specialized roles across hospitals and outpatient care centers. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average.1
These entry-level medical positions are the top choices for new graduates.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant | $40,6402 |
| Medical Records Coordinator | $50,2503 |
| Medical Back Office Assistant | $42,3644 |
Best Medical Assistant Associate Degree Jobs Explained
Each medical assistant role differs slightly in focus, from front-office coordination to direct patient care support.
Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant –Medical assistants typically work in outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, or urgent care centers. The ability to multitask between front-office duties (like scheduling and billing) and back-office clinical support (like vital signs and specimen handling) is crucial. Strong communication and comfort using electronic health record (EHR) systems are major assets.
Medical Records Coordinator – These professionals manage and secure patient data, maintain digital health files, and ensure compliance with privacy regulations. Attention to detail and familiarity with healthcare software are key skills for this role.
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Medical Back Office Assistant – Back-office MAs prepare exam rooms, assist with procedures, and maintain clinical supplies. Many also process lab orders and sterilize instruments.
Entry-Level Medical Assistant – New graduates often start as entry-level MAs handling scheduling, insurance verification, and basic patient prep. With experience and certification, advancement to lead MA or office manager positions is possible.
Benefits of a Medical Assistant Associate Degree
Earning a medical assisting associate degree offers fast, affordable entry into a high-growth healthcare career with strong job security. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 142 percent over the next decade, which ensures that there will be consistent demand for skilled graduates.1
- You can build your career quickly. At a community college, you can earn an associate degree in as little as 18 months and start working in the field.
- There is high potential for career growth. The better you perform your duties and the more experience you gain, the more career opportunities you will have.
- You can save money. As a community college student, you will save thousands of dollars on tuition compared to attending a four-year institution.
- The job outlook is strong. The job market for those with a medical assistant associate degree is broad and expanding.
- You can get on-the-job training. Once you enter the job market, you will have the opportunity to receive additional training from medical staff and supervisors.
Your associate degree can also serve as a stackable credential. Many schools allow graduates to apply MA coursework toward bachelor’s programs in health administration, healthcare management, or nursing prerequisites. While transfer acceptance varies, this flexibility makes the degree a strong first step into long-term healthcare careers.
Should You Get an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting?
A medical assisting associate degree is a practical choice for career starters or changers seeking quick entry into the healthcare field. Investing time and money to further your career will always be a good decision. While you may start your career as a medical assistant, your job opportunities will increase as you gain professional experience. This is why getting a medical assisting associate degree is a great way to start your career.
If you’re considering this career, compare it with similar entry-level healthcare roles like phlebotomy technician, EKG technician, or medical billing specialist. These positions have overlapping skills but different focuses, for example, phlebotomists concentrate on blood draws, while billing specialists focus on administrative coding. Medical assisting offers a balanced mix of both patient care and office management.
Medical Assistant Associate Degree FAQ
These common questions cover program length, certification, and state licensing rules for future medical assistants.
How long will it take to become a medical assistant?
You could start working as a medical assistant in about two years with an associate degree.
What’s the difference between a medical assistant (MA), registered medical assistant (RMA), and a certified medical assistant (CMA)?
The difference lies in the certifying organization and eligibility requirements. CMAs are certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), RMAs by American Medical Technologists (AMT), and other credentials like CCMA or NCMA come from additional testing bodies. Employers may have preferences based on their region or clinical setting.
Do online MA programs require in-person clinicals?
Yes. Even “fully online” MA programs include externships where you perform supervised clinical hours at an approved healthcare site.
Do I need a license to be a medical assistant?
Most states do not license medical assistants, but they regulate the procedures an MA can perform under supervision. Always check your state’s scope-of-practice rules before starting work.
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