17 Best (4-WEEK) Medical Assistant Programs – Online & Campus-Based
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
(Please note, currently, no 4-week medical assistant programs are being offered. To provide our readers with the next fastest alternative option, for our rankings, we have evaluated medical assistant programs that can be completed in 4-18 weeks.)
What are the Best (4-18 WEEK) Medical Assistant Online and Campus-Based Programs in the Nation?
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 17 best 4-18 week medical assistant programs in the nation. The following list includes both online and campus-based programs. You can complete these programs in 4-18 weeks.)
Program Details: The University of Texas at San Antonio offers one of the nation’s best 4-18 week medical assistant programs online. The program is a fast-track program designed to prepare you with the essential skills you need to perform medical administrative duties.
The distance-learning format features synchronous classes twice weekly for three hours each session. The curriculum is divided into three sections: Medical Administrative Assistant, Certification Preparation, and Career Development.
As a student in this program, you will learn essential administrative skills necessary to carry out the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities and medical offices. You will learn to link clinical procedures and processes to billing and coding, assist with administrative procedures and logistics, and facilitate smooth facility operations. Program faculty will guide you as you learn and hone vital skills for your career development, including communication and interview skills, resume writing, and job search skills.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the medical assistant program at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 15 weeks.
Admission Requirements: The 15-week medical assistant program at the University of Texas at San Antonio requires applicants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. You must have reliable internet and a computer or tablet with Microsoft Office Suite installed. All students must pass a drug screen and criminal background check and show proof of current immunizations before progressing to clinicals.
Why Choose This Program
• The University of Texas at San Antonio offers the opportunity to stack credentials through PaCE (Professional and Continuing Education). By utilizing the PaCE option, you can take steps to enroll in additional programs and gain additional certifications, increasing your employability and earning potential.
• The school reports high completion rates and excellent NCCT exam pass rates, which are both indicators that the program prepares students with the education and skills needed to succeed as medical assistants.
Program Details: Pennco Tech in Blackwood, New Jersey, has another excellent 18-week medical assistant program worth considering! The program features an engaging curriculum taught by knowledgeable, experienced instructors.
At Pennco Tech, you will learn basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and clinical office procedures. As a student in this program, you will gain clinical skills to interact with patients, perform laboratory tests, and to assume various office administrative duties. You will learn to perform basic patient assessments and how to maintain electronic health records.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants to earn the CMA credential.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: It takes 18 weeks to complete the medical assistant program at Pennco Tech.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the 18-week medical assistant program at Pennco Tech, you must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification. You must also submit a referral from a counselor, caseworker, or medical professional who can speak to your likelihood of success in the program.
Why Choose This Program
• Pennco Tech has an awesome Career Services Department that offers lifetime career assistance to program graduates. Staff will help you create a professional resume, prepare for job interviews, and connect you with prospective employers.
• At Pennco Tech, you will have opportunities for hands-on learning at places including the CFG Health Network, Virtua Health, Holy Redeemer Healthcare, and Lower Bucks Hospital.
Program Details: The University of the Incarnate Word offers another excellent campus-based 16-week medical assistant program. You will learn skills including how to interview patients, clean and sterilize medical equipment, and prepare examination rooms. Additionally, you will learn hands-on skills, including measuring and recording vital signs, administering injections, administering oral and topical medications, performing venipunctures, and point-of-care testing.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the program at the University of the Incarnate Word in just 16 weeks.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the medical assistant program at the University of the Incarnate Word, you must first complete an online admissions application. The application deadline is the Sunday one week before each term's start date. All applicants must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) AND submit official transcripts from any post-secondary school they have attended. If you have less than 24 transferable credits, you must also provide your high school transcript. Finally, you must consult with an academic advisor and attend an online orientation before registering for classes.
Why Choose This Program
• In addition to taking the national certification exam to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, when you complete this program, you will also be eligible to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician and Certified EKG Technician. You can leverage these additional certifications when applying for jobs, as they will help you become a preferred candidate.
• Small classes that provide individualized learning opportunities and faculty with years of experience in healthcare create the perfect environment for success in the 16-week medical assistant program.
Program Details: The University of West Florida offers one of the nation’s best 4-18 week medical assistant programs. The program features a hybrid learning format with online classes, in-person labs and clinicals taught by current practitioners.
In this program, you will complete 96 clock hours of classroom time and an 80-clock-hour externship, where you will learn to perform general patient care and administrative healthcare duties. You will learn vital skills, including how to measure vital signs and perform EKGs, phlebotomy, and other essential laboratory tests. You will learn to administer injections and other medications and how to assist providers with examinations and procedures. Additionally, you will learn to update and maintain electronic health records (EHR).
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: It takes 16 weeks to complete the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program at the University of West Florida.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the program offered at the University of West Florida is a rather simple process. No degree application is required. Candidates must submit a copy of their high school diploma or General Education Diploma. Applicants with a history of a felony or misdemeanor charge related to the sale of drugs are restricted from admission. If you have traffic violations or other issues affecting your driver’s license, they must be resolved before beginning the externship. Additionally, you must provide a copy of your current immunization record.
Why Choose This Program
• The University of West Florida maintains low student-teacher ratios to ensure individual attention and guidance throughout the program.
• The CCMA Class Coordinator at the University of West Florida assists students with placement for the clinical externship. Their guidance ensures that you will have the best experience under the direction of experienced healthcare professionals.
Program Details: The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers another of our featured 4-18 week medical assistant programs. The program is designed with working students in mind, with classes four days per week in the evening.
The curriculum consists of five classes and a clinical practicum. You will study the Structure and Function of the Body, Food, and Fitness, Foundations for Clinical Medical Assistant, Diagnostic Procedures for Medical Assisting, and Clinical Reviews and Medical Emergencies. The Medical Assistant Residency Program will prepare you by teaching diverse competencies relevant to the medical assistant role.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The medical assistant program at the Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences takes 15 weeks to complete.
Admission Requirements: Prospective students for the 15-week medical assistant program at the Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences must complete an online application and provide official high school and/or college transcripts from all institutions you have attended. First-time college students must have a 2.0 or higher high school GPA. Transfer students must have a 2.0 or higher college GPA and at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours of completed college coursework. All candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. At times, applicants are asked to submit a personal essay or letters of recommendation, but these do not necessarily need to be submitted with your initial application.
Why Choose This Program
• The medical assistant program at the Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a for-credit pathway. You will earn 16 college credits, putting you on the path to a higher degree when you are ready.
• As a student in the program, you will study on Christ Hospital's main campus, which means you will have opportunities to network with and learn from top healthcare professionals.
Program Details: At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, you will find another of the nation’s best 4-18 week medical assistant programs. The program is presented in a hybrid format that includes both online and face-to-face learning. New classes begin in the spring, summer, and fall semesters yearly. Classes meet two days a week, which makes this a perfect program for working students or those with families or other responsibilities.
The program is 136.5 clock hours and offers an optional clinical externship. The curriculum includes classes to prepare you to perform and read EKGs, administer safe phlebotomy and medication procedures, and assist with physical examinations and minor surgeries. You will study Medical Terminology, Vital Signs, and Medical Law and Ethics.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: It takes 18 weeks to complete the medical assistant program offered at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Admission Requirements: Candidates for the medical assistant program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga must complete an admissions application and submit proof of high school graduation or the equivalent. There are no prerequisite requirements for admission. However, CMA students must be at least 18 years old to participate in the optional externship and must be willing to submit to a drug screening and background check and provide current immunization records.
Why Choose This Program
• Many graduates of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s medical assistant program find employment with the school’s employer partners. It is common for students to receive job offers pending graduation and passing of their certification examinations.
• UTC reports above-average pass rates for graduates who take the national CMA certification exam.
Program Details: Cuesta College offers another excellent 18-week medical assistant program with opportunities to begin your studies in the fall or spring semester. The program is a 14-credit pathway that includes lectures and skills lab practices on campus and clinical externship hours.
In this medical assistant program, you will learn Concepts of Anatomy and Physiology, Professionalism for the Healthcare Provider, and Medical Terminology. The program prepares students for entry-level employment as medical assistants by teaching verbal and written communication, medical office management skills, basic and advanced clinical skills, and professional employment marketing skills.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The medical assistant program at Cuesta College is a one-semester or 18-week program.
Admission Requirements: Candidates for the Cuesta College medical assistant class must be 18 or older at the start of class. You must provide a copy of a photo ID and proof of high school graduation or a GED certificate. Although an admission exam is not required, prospective students need proficient math skills to help them calculate medication dosages. Once admitted to the program, to continue to the clinical externship, you must obtain Standard First Aid certification either through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Additionally, you must pass a background check and drug screen.
Why Choose This Program
• The medical assistant program at Cuesta College is a credit-granting pathway, which means you may have the option of transferring credits to another program if you later choose to earn an additional certificate or degree.
• Cuesta College has an excellent School of Nursing and Allied Health! Graduates of the 18-week medical assistant program have the option of returning to the school with preferred admission for the LPN or RN program, making it easier to take their careers to the next level in healthcare.
Program Details: If you are looking for the top 4-18 week medical assistant programs and want somewhere that offers face-to-face learning, Texarkana College has a program worth considering. The program features a part-time schedule with classes scheduled in the evenings.
In Texarkana College’s medical assistant program, you will learn to perform functions relevant to clinical assisting in medical offices. The curriculum includes classes focused on routine laboratory procedures, diagnostic testing, phlebotomy, and ethics. You will learn to perform venipunctures, administer medications, take and monitor vital signs, and perform and read electrocardiograms. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification exam.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Students at Texarkana College can complete the medical assistant program in just 16 weeks.
Admission Requirements: The first step in applying to the medical assistant program at Texarkana College is to complete an online application. You must provide your official high school or GED transcript as well as any college transcripts if you earned credit at any post-secondary institution. All prospective students must submit proof of current immunizations.
Why Choose This Program
• The Certified Medical Assistant program offered at Texarkana College is one of the most affordable programs available, costing less than $3,000! The school offers flexible payment plans, making it easier for you to begin your studies without worrying about finances.
• Texarkana College’s medical assistant program offers an optional Clinical Externship at a local health facility, which provides excellent opportunities for hands-on learning. Many students who participate in the externship secure employment offers from the host sites.
Program Details: One more of the best 4–18-week medical assistant programs we have found is offered at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The program is designed to prepare students to function in clinical medical assistant roles in diverse healthcare settings. Students participate in classroom and online learning with classes offered twice weekly in the evenings.
The medical assistant program covers key areas of study, including clinical responsibilities of the medical office, HIPAA, legal aspects of healthcare, regulatory patient care, and patient confidentiality. Students learn to take vital signs and perform routine diagnostic tests, such as administering EKGs and performing venipunctures. Some of the classes you will take include Anatomy and Physiology, Patient Care, Teamwork, and Communication Skills, Principles of Health Coaching, and Medical Terminology.
In addition to classroom learning, students participate in open skills days and a clinical training externship.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: It takes 18 weeks to complete the Clinical Medical Assistant program at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.
Admission Requirements: The 18-week medical assistant program at Penn State Erie, TBC is a non-degree program. Applicants must complete an Undergraduate Non-degree Enrollment Form. Candidates must be 18 or older and must provide copies of high school, GED, and/or college transcripts.
Why Choose This Program
• The program at Penn State Erie is approved for funding through CareerLink, making it possible for qualified students to attend the program with no out-of-pocket expenses. (To see if you qualify, follow the link above and reference the Service Application ID: 169153.)
• At Penn State Erie, you will work closely with your academic advisor and career coach, who are dedicated to helping you gain the most from your education as you prepare to begin your career as a Certified Medical Assistant.
Program Details: Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College offers the Medical Assistant Career Track Program. The program was designed to give students a comprehensive learning pathway to prepare them for administrative and clinical skills in healthcare.
Under the direction of experienced staff and preceptors, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to respond to the growing need for healthcare professionals with multiple entry-level skills. The 16-week medical assistant program has classes two evenings per week and two Saturdays each month. In this program, you will take classes, such as Medical Administration, EKG, Basic Phlebotomy, and Medical Terminology.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The medical assistant program at Eastern West Virginia CTC takes 16 weeks to complete.
Admission Requirements: Candidates interested in the 4-18 week medical assistant program at Eastern Virginia Community and Technical College must complete an application for admission. Additionally, all applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the HEAPS Workforce application. Qualified applicants receive up to $2,000 toward tuition costs.
Why Choose This Program
• Faculty for the medical assistant program at EWV-CTC have decades of experience in the field and remain in active practice, which means they will provide you with insight into the most up-to-date information in the field of medical assisting from personal experience and expertise.
• Upon completion of the 16-week medical assistant program at Eastern Virginia CTC, you will be eligible for multiple certification exams through the National HealthCareer Association: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant.
Program Details: Ozarks Technical Community College of Springfield, Missouri, offers another of the nation’s best 4-18 week medical assistant programs. The program offers two formats, allowing you to choose a plan of study that you feel is most suited to your learning needs.
The first option is the evening path, which features evening classes two days per week. This pathway includes 160 in-person clinical hours during the week, which means attending clinicals twice weekly in addition to your evening classes. The second program option is to follow the apprenticeship pathway, which meets Monday through Friday for eight hours daily. The apprenticeship path may include classroom or clinical site learning.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The medical assistant program offered at the Ozarks Technical Community College is a 16-week program.
Admission Requirements: Candidates desiring admission to the 16-week medical assistant program at the Ozarks Technical Community College must complete an application for admission and schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor. You must provide your official high school transcript and college transcripts from any post-secondary school you have attended, if applicable. Before participating in clinical hours, you must also submit to a criminal background check and drug screening.
Why Choose This Program
• Ozarks Technical Community College has a close clinical relationship with CoxHealth, a locally owned health system based in Springfield, Missouri. Many students in the program take advantage of networking opportunities between the school and CoxHealth and are offered jobs after graduation.
• With a mix of online learning and face-to-face class sessions, you can enjoy more flexible scheduling, making it possible to devote more time to family and other responsibilities without neglecting your studies.
Program Details: Great Bay Community College is home to another outstanding 12-week medical assistant program. The program is offered in partnership with the Core Physicians and Wentworth-Douglas Physician Corporation. Students are admitted four times per year in either the spring, summer, fall, or winter term.
The medical assistant program consists of eight weeks of classroom instruction and hands-on lab experiences. The curriculum includes but is not limited to instruction in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Technical Aspects of Phlebotomy, Pharmacology, Cardiac Life Cycle, and Electronic Medical Records. Additionally, you will complete a four-week clinical externship with at least 160 hours of in-person training at local medical offices.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The medical assistant program at Great Bay Community College can be completed in just 12 weeks.
Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the 12-week medical assistant program at Great Bay Community College must be 18 years old or older and have a high school diploma, GED, or HiSet certificate. You must complete a program application, submit a resume, and interview with the medical assisting program team. Additionally, you must submit a copy of your current immunization record, pass health and drug screenings, and pass a criminal background check.
Why Choose This Program
• Students in the Great Bay Community College medical assistant program can take the WorkReadyNH course free of charge. The course is offered by the New Hampshire Workforce Commission and is designed to help strengthen your application and enhance your success. The course focuses on strengthening interview skills, preparing a professional resume, increasing workplace sensitivity, enhancing customer service skills, and improving communication with patients and peers.
• Great Bay Community College reports graduates of the CCMA program have scored 10% above the national average on national certification exams! These excellent pass rates indicate the program aligns with national standards for medical assistant education and demonstrates effective teaching and leadership on behalf of the faculty.
Program Details: The Community College of Rhode Island offers a 16-week medical assistant program. The program includes 12 weeks of online and classroom instruction and a four-week clinical externship.
In the medical assistant program, you will learn a wide array of skills, including how to triage patients, collect specimens for laboratory testing, and perform EKGs. Additionally, you will learn about the social determinants of health, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The program’s clinical coordinator arranges the externship, which is completed through Integrated Healthcare Partners, the school’s leading employer of program graduates. The four-week externship includes 120 hours of in-person training, during which you will put classroom learning into action by participating in hands-on patient care and medical office assignments.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: It takes 16 weeks to complete the medical assistant program at the Community College of Rhode Island.
Admission Requirements: The 16-week medical assistant program at Community College of Rhode Island is open to Rhode Island residents with a GED or high school diploma. Although knowing a second language is not required, bilingual students are encouraged to apply. You must provide a copy of your high school or GED transcript and transcripts from any college or university where you attempted to earn credits. All students must have current immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccine and any required boosters.
Why Choose This Program
• If you are ready to start your career in the healthcare field but worry about the cost of an education, the medical assistant program at the Community College of Rhode Island is an awesome choice! This program is free of charge for all qualifying accepted students!
• Community College of Rhode Island Career Services provides students with services and support for successful career planning, including job placement assistance.
Program Details: At Lakewood University in Ohio, you can begin your healthcare career as a medical administrative assistant through the school's career-focused, fully online medical assistant program.
The 16-week medical assistant program features classes, including Competency-Based Education and the Medical Assistant, Administrative Pharmacology Applications, Medical Billing and Reimbursement, and Safety and Emergency Practices. You will learn to efficiently manage a healthcare office, enhance professional communication, understand the framework of healthcare, work with various healthcare systems, and process medical claims.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The medical assistant program at Lakewood University is designed to be completed in 16 weeks.
Admission Requirements: Candidates for the 16-week medical assistant program must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, GED, or the foreign equivalent, and be able to read and write English fluently. All candidates must have access to the internet and basic computer skills. In addition to completing a program application and submitting your high school or GED transcripts, you must provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
Why Choose This Program
• At Lakewood University, you will have a dedicated Student Success Coach to assist and guide you throughout the program.
• Although the program features an online format, students have instructor guidance and unlimited tutoring available.
Program Details: U.S. Career Institute offers a 16-week online medical assistant program. The program offers theoretical instruction and practical skills training to prepare you for an entry-level clinical medical assistant position.
The curriculum consists of 27 self-paced lessons. You will build an understanding of medical terminology and human anatomy as it relates to medical assisting. You will learn to perform and document routine medical clinical procedures, gain knowledge of how to effectively educate patients about diagnostic tests, therapies, insurance requirements, and examinations.
The program includes clinical skills and practicum through which you will become familiar with common patient therapies and assist with special examinations and minor surgeries. The course concludes with an in-person practicum that involves practice in all aspects of the medical assistant course.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the online medical assistant program at U.S. Career Institute in as little as four months.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the 16-week medical assistant program at U.S. Career Institute, you need a minimum high school diploma or GED. You must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
Why Choose This Program
• In addition to dedicated instructors and student services staff, at U.S. Career Institute, you will have one-on-one career coaching with a career advisor.
• The program boasts of a well-qualified and experienced medical assistant instructor who is a registered nurse with diverse clinical experiences. Her knowledge and skills will benefit you as you gain insight into, and develop essential skills to prepare you for the role of a clinical medical assistant.
Program Details: You will find another outstanding 16-week medical assistant program at San Juan Unified School District. The program features step-by-step clinical and back-office training to prepare students to become Certified Clinical Medical Assistants.
The medical assistant program is divided into two parts: an Introduction to Medical Terminology and Work Skills and Clinical Medical Assisting. You will learn insurance coding and billing, customer service techniques for the healthcare provider, and medical office computer training. You will study medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology, as well. The clinical part of the program provides hands -on training, teaching you patient interview skills, how to measure and record vital signs, collect laboratory specimens, and assist with medical procedures.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the clinical medical assistant program at San Juan Unified School District in 16 weeks.
Admission Requirements: Prerequisites for admission to the 16-week medical assistant program include the following. You must have a high school diploma or GED and submit official transcripts. Candidates must have basic computer skills, including the ability to create, email, and save documents, and have a minimum typing speed of 25 words per minute. Additionally, you must provide written proof of a negative TB test performed within two weeks of the class start date.
Why Choose This Program
• Graduates of the San Juan Unified School District medical assistant program have outstanding pass rates on national certification exams among first-time testers.
• The school offers NCCT prep assistance and job placement assistance for all students in the program.
Program Details: At NIU College, you can gain the knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in a fulfilling career as a medical assistant. The program is one of the top 4-18 week medical assistant programs we have found. The school offers flexible scheduling with morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend classes, so you can take classes and study when it is most convenient for you. Small classes provide valuable one-on-one time with instructors to help facilitate learning and promote success.
The medical assistant program is a 240-hour pathway that includes classroom theory and lab procedures. An optional clinical externship is available to all students. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Electrocardiography, a Certificate of Phlebotomy, and a Clinical Medical Assisting Diploma.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The medical assistant program at NIU College is a 12-week program.
Admission Requirements: Prospective students must speak and write English fluently. You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and submit official transcripts. All applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug test.
Why Choose This Program
• NIU College is dedicated to helping students achieve their career potential and does so by offering generous tuition financing and other financial aid options. The school offers “Work Source,” which provides tuition assistance for unemployed students, grants for U.S. citizens, and works with the California Department of Rehabilitation to ensure funding for qualified students.
• The school offers job placement assistance to all students, which results in excellent job placement rates following graduation.
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.