Top 15 Medical Assistant Schools in the U.S. for 2026

We have analyzed various medical assistant programs throughout the United States, prioritizing factors such as proper accreditation, the quality of the curriculum, opportunities for practical, hands-on training, and the program's effectiveness in preparing students for their careers.

FHCA Medical Assistant Program

FHCA’s Medical Assistant Program is designed for students seeking focused, career-ready training with strong certification preparation. Experienced instructors guide students through both classroom learning and clinical components, including unpaid practicum experience and clinical externships in real-world healthcare settings, to support entry into the healthcare workforce.

FHCA’s Medical Assistant Program is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE), the Florida state agency that oversees private postsecondary institutions. This state-level oversight ensures the program meets established educational and operational standards.

While some institutions describe their training as a certificate and others as a diploma, the distinction is often administrative or regulatory. At FHCA, students receive comprehensive clinical and administrative training aligned with national certification preparation, supported by state regulatory approval that provides an added layer of quality assurance.

UCLA Health Medical Assistant Program

This program is ideal if you’re seeking hospital-based training with strong clinical exposure, including hands-on experience assisting with patient examinations, and preparation for national certification exams in a healthcare system setting. Students benefit from dedicated mentors who provide guidance and support throughout their training, helping them build confidence and develop essential skills for future leadership roles.

Pima Medical Institute

A solid option if you want hands-on, career-focused training with multiple campus locations and an emphasis on fast workforce entry. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and credentials needed to access local job opportunities and enhance their career opportunities in the healthcare field.

Goodwin University – Medical Assistant Program

Best suited if you’re prioritizing accreditation, small class sizes, and strong certification exam preparation with structured externships. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and develop leadership skills throughout the program, preparing them to lead in healthcare settings.

New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants (NYSMDA)

Well-known in New York for intensive clinical and administrative training designed to prepare graduates quickly for certification and employment. The program features structured classroom instruction, providing a traditional, instructor-led environment to build foundational knowledge and skills.

Anne Arundel Community College

A cost-effective community college option offering flexible pathways through certificate or associate degree programs with broad foundational training. Students benefit from access to the latest healthcare technology and digital platforms, which enhance hands-on learning and prepare them for tech-driven healthcare environments.

Delaware Technical Community College

A strong public option if you’re seeking associate-level education with a focus on diagnostic testing, office procedures, and externship experience.

West Georgia Technical College

Designed for you, if you’re looking for practical, entry-level training through diploma or certificate programs aligned with national exam preparation. The program also offers flexible scheduling options, making it ideal for students who need to balance their studies with other responsibilities such as work or family.

Miami Dade College – Medical Assisting

An accelerated pathway ideal if you want to complete training quickly and enter clinical or hospital settings without a long degree track. Miami Dade College offers a medical assisting certificate program that can be completed in one year and prepares students for employment in various medical settings.

Ivy Tech Community College

Best if you’re interested in an associate degree that combines clinical skills, medical coding, and long-term career flexibility.

Berkeley College – Medical Assistant Program

A private college option offering accredited programs with strong exam outcomes and career placement support for healthcare-focused students.

Allen School of Health Sciences

A good fit if you’re seeking a program in the New York area and needing flexible scheduling and hands-on certification-focused training in a vocational setting. As part of their clinical training, students learn to assist with patient examinations and administer medications, preparing them for real-world medical assisting roles.

Penn Foster – Online Medical Assistant Career Diploma

Ideal for self-paced learners who need flexibility and want an affordable online route to medical assistant certification preparation. The online curriculum covers cognitive skills, including medical theory, anatomy, and healthcare law, ensuring students gain a strong foundation in essential knowledge areas.

West Kentucky Community & Technical College

A practical public college choice offering affordable certificate and associate options aligned with regional healthcare workforce needs. The curriculum combines foundational medical theory with hands-on practical training, ensuring students are prepared for real-world medical assistant roles.

Greenville Technical College – Medical Assistant Program

Focused on hands-on learning and clinical readiness, making it a strong option if you’re seeking applied training in healthcare environments. The program emphasizes clinical practice and hands-on training through real-world experiences, ensuring students are well-prepared for employment in medical assisting and related healthcare roles.

What Do Medical Assistants Do?

Medical assistants duties and skills play a critical role in healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities often include:

• Preparing patients for exams
• Taking vital signs
• Assisting physicians during procedures
• Administering medications
• Assisting with patient examinations
• Managing patient records
• Scheduling appointments and handling billing

As of May 2022, Florida employed 58,530 medical assistants.

How to Prepare for Medical Assistant School 

Preparing for medical assistant school starts with understanding program requirements and setting realistic expectations. We recommend reviewing admission criteria, strengthening foundational skills in science and communication, and planning ahead for coursework and clinical training so you can enter your program confident and ready to succeed.

• Review admission requirements
  Check medical assistant requirements and prerequisites such as a high school diploma or GED, immunizations, background checks, and basic health screenings. Most medical assistant programs in Orlando require a High School Diploma or GED for admission. Some Orlando programs may also require proof of immunizations or negative TB/Hepatitis tests.
• Research program accreditation
  Prioritize programs aligned with national certification standards, as this impacts exam eligibility and employer preference.
• Strengthen foundational skills
  Refresh basic knowledge in anatomy, medical terminology, and communication to ease the transition into coursework.
• Plan your schedule and finances
  Consider class hours, clinical requirements, and tuition costs so you can balance school, work, and personal commitments.
• Understand certification pathways
  Know which exams you’ll be eligible for after graduation and how your program prepares you for them.

Which Medical Assistant Certification Is the Best?

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is widely regarded as the gold standard, with strong employer recognition nationwide. While other certifications like the RMA and NCMA are also accepted, program alignment plays a key role in certification success. FHCA’s Medical Assistant Program is designed to prepare students for nationally recognized exams through focused training and real-world skill development.

Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Florida, but it is encouraged to improve job prospects.

Accredited programs, especially those approved by CAAHEP or ABHES, are the best preparation routes for these exams.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Top Medical Assistant Programs

What Is the Highest Paid Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants tend to earn higher salaries when working in specialty practices such as cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, or outpatient care centers. Pay can also increase with experience, certifications, geographic location, and expanded administrative responsibilities.

What Are the Medical Assistant Degree Requirements?

Most medical assistant programs require a high school diploma or GED for admission. Programs may award a certificate, diploma, or associate degree and typically include coursework in clinical procedures, medical terminology, anatomy, and healthcare administration.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?

Certificate and diploma programs can often be completed in 9 to 18 months, while associate degree programs generally take about two years to finish.

Do You Need Certification to Work as a Medical Assistant?

Certification is not always legally required, but many employers prefer or require nationally certified candidates. Certification can improve job prospects and earning potential.

Can You Become a Medical Assistant Online?

Some programs offer online coursework for administrative and theoretical topics, but most require in-person clinical training or externships to meet certification and employer requirements.