Key Takeaways:
- South Piedmont Community College and Nash Community College are two of the top colleges for earning an AAS or AS in Medical Assisting.
- Medical assistant jobs are growing fast, with an expected 23% increase in opportunities.
- Earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) in Medical Assisting prepares you for certification and quick entry into the healthcare field.
- Programs typically last one to two years and include both administrative and clinical training.
- Many community colleges and technical schools offer these degrees, with options to study online or on campus.
Healthcare is one of the most robust industries in the U.S. The estimated job growth for Medical Assistants is a rapidly growing 23%, which is much faster than other careers. If you enjoy helping people and are interested in healthcare, a medical assistant associate’s degree program might be right for you.
Earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) in Medical Assisting will give you the opportunity to join the medical field without spending a ton of money or being in school for years and years. Colleges, technical, and vocational schools offer degrees in Medical Assisting that can be completed in one to two years and will help you qualify for certification.
Best Health Degrees has researched some of the available AAS and AS degrees in this field and believe it will help you in your school search. Good luck!
Our Method: Ranking the 25 Best Medical Associate’s Programs
To rank the 25 Best Medical Assistant Associate’s Programs for 2020, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.
1. South Piedmont Community College
This North Carolina college offers a Medical Assisting/Medical Laboratory associate program that holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
You’ll be able to sit for Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This program is designed to provide you with the dual skills needed to be a Medical Assistant. Studies will include:
- Coding
- Healthcare computer applications
- Medical transcription
- Ethical considerations
Clinical studies will prepare you to take patient medical histories and vitals, perform basic laboratory tests, assist physicians, etc.
Fast Fact: Founded in 1962 in Polkton, NC
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
2. Nash Community College
Nash Community College is another North Carolina school, located in Rocky Mount. NCC offers a Medical Assisting Associate of Applied Science degree. You can complete this medical assistant associate’s program in 5 semesters.
Included in the curriculum are studies in:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Legal issues
- Medical terminology
- Medical office administrative procedures
- Exam room and laboratory procedures
- Medical billing and coding
The program requires 68-71 credit hours and includes an externship.
Successful completion of this program will qualify you to sit for the CMA certification. Classes for the MA degree are offered days and evenings.
Fast Fact: Nash Community College has a 96% AAMA exam pass rate
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
3. Davidson-Davie Community College
North Carolina holds its lead in Medical Assisting programs with this AAS degree from Davidson-Davie Community College.
Requiring 64 credit hours, this CAAHEP accredited medical assistant associate’s includes studies in
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Office procedures
- Medical law and ethics
- Insurance coding
- Communication
- Critical thinking
Exam room and laboratory procedures are also part of the syllabus. In addition to the coursework, you’ll complete a clinical practicum. (You’ll need to complete a criminal background check, current immunization records, and drug screen prior to the clinical experience.)
Successful completion of this program will qualify you to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants Certification (AAMA) Examination.
Fast Fact: Exam pass rate of 88%
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
4. Johnston Community College
Johnston Community College, located in Smithfield, NC, offers a CAAHEP accredited AAS in Medical Assisting. This medical assistant associate’s program will provide you with multiple skills necessary to be an effective member of the healthcare team.
This 70 credit hour curriculum includes clinical exams, lab, and administrative office procedures. Among the clinical skills you’ll learn are
- Electrocardiography
- Supervised medication administration
- Taking patient histories and vitals
Administratively, you’ll study medical coding, insurance and reimbursement, ethics, and more. Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diet and nutrition therapy, patient education, writing, and communication are some of the subjects included.
You can pursue this degree with online, day, or evening classes. On graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certification Examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant. Johnston Community College has a 91% exam pass rate compared to the national 65% average.
Fast Fact: Niche rates Johnston Community College at #40 in its “Best Community Colleges in North Carolina” ranking
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
5. Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College has campuses in 40 locations throughout Indiana. You can earn a 60-credit hour AAS in Medical Assisting at one of 18 campuses (see website).
Accredited by CAAHEP, this medical assistant associate’s program will provide you training in the clinical aspect of being a Medical Assistant as well as the administrative portion of a medical office. You’ll take courses in:
- Medical Terminology
- Lab techniques
- Pharmacology
- Clinical experiences
A criminal background check, drug screen, and physical exam are required for this program.
Admission to this program is selective. You’ll apply to Ivy Tech Community College as an undeclared major while you take prerequisite courses and then will make application to the Medical Assisting program.
Fast Fact: Enrollment at Ivy Tech Community College is in excess of 75,000 students
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
6. Guilford Technical Community College
Guilford Technical Community College, located in Jamestown, NC, provides Medical Assisting that’s CAAHEP accredited. As with other Medical Assisting programs, admission to this program is competitive.
The AAS degree requires 68 credit hours for completion, which includes some general education courses. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics including:
- Patient Education
- Laboratory Procedures
- Symptomatology
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Public Speaking
- Medical Terminology
- Administrative Office Procedures
- Exam Room Procedures
A Clinical Practicum will give you hands-on experience using what you’ve learned.
This is a CAAHEP accredited program and the school had an 86% CMA exam pass rate reported for 2017.
Fast Fact: North Carolina’s “first training school, established through the cooperative efforts of education and industry” (1955)
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
7. Southwestern College
Located in Chula Vista, California, Southwestern offers an AAS in Medical Assisting that can be completed in 39 credit hours with an additional 18 credit hours in general education courses.
You’ll enroll in courses in:
- Medical terminology
- Billing and coding
- Pharmacology
- Electronic health records (EHR)
- Anatomy and pathophysiology
- Clinical procedures
A clinical practicum is part of the curriculum in an ambulatory healthcare setting. You’ll also enhance your computer skills in healthcare applications and programs.
Some of the clinical aspects of this CAAHEP accredited degree involve phlebotomy, completing EKGs, and routine laboratory tests. On the administrative side, you’ll learn billing and coding, appointment scheduling, handling of patient health records, and more.
Fast Fact: Niche gives Southwestern College an overall C+ grade
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
8. Mayland Community College
You’ll receive solid training with this Medical Assisting degree from North Carolina’s Mayland Community College in Newland and Spruce Pine.
The administrative curriculum includes studies in:
- Computer operations
- Insurance reimbursement and collection
- Billing and coding
- Appointment scheduling
On the clinical side, you’ll learn a Medical Assistant’s role in patient exams, laboratory procedures, as well as administration of medication (under supervision).
If you’re a North Carolina resident, you may attend Mayland Community College tuition free through the North Carolina Community College Grant and/or North Carolina Lottery Educational Scholarship. To qualify for these opportunities, you’ll need to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Fast Fact: Ranked 32nd in the “Top 50 Community Colleges” by Washington Monthly
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
9. Bossier Parish Community College
This Louisiana community college has an AAS Medical Assistant program that requires 60 credit hours of study. Once completed, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam.
CAAHEP accredited, the curriculum provides a strong foundation in Medical Assistant studies in:
- Medical terminology
- Medical office administration
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Healthcare ethics and law
- Psychology
You’ll also participate in labs (laboratory testing and anatomy and physiology) as well as a practicum experience. Other subjects you’ll cover with this degree are communication and public speaking, applied algebra, and writing courses.
As with other Medical Assistant programs, admission is competitive, with only 20 students selected for each program class. The program begins in the fall and spring each year.
Fast Fact: Bossier Parish Community College was established in 1966 as a pilot program to the eventual establishment of community colleges throughout Louisiana
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
10. Carteret Community College
You’ll need 68/69 credit hours for this AAS Medical Assistant degree from Morehead City, NC’s Carteret Community College.
This CAAHEP accredited program will prepare you for all aspects of Medical Assisting and includes coursework, laboratory, and clinical experiences. Among your studies will be
- Medical terminology
- Psychology
- Insurance billing and coding
- Patient education
- Medical office procedures
- Laboratory procedures
- Exam room processes
- Clinical experience
Admission requires you be accepted to CCC as well as submit a Health Science Interest form.
Fast Fact: Carteret Community College ranks in the top 100 of Niche’s “Best Community Colleges in America”
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
11. Lower Columbia College
Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington, has a Medical Assisting AAS degree.
This cohort program requires prerequisite classes in English and healthcare communication. Before cohort admission, you can take beneficial courses in:
- Medical terminology and vocabulary
- Human anatomy
- Blood borne pathogens
- Human resources management
- Math
- Healthcare law
- Ethics
Additionally, you’ll complete a clinical preceptorship utilizing your skills and knowledge.
The Medical Assisting Program Handbook provides you more detailed information on this CAAHEP accredited degree, including details on admission, the program’s quarterly system, background and drug screen checks, tuition cost, and more.
Fast Fact: Lower Columbia College was established in 1934
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
12. South Central College
You can earn your AAS in Medical Assisting degree from this North Mankato, Minnesota college in 60 credit hours.
The medical assistant associate’s program requires general education courses in arts and sciences (English, communication, ethics, etc.) in addition to the required technical courses. These courses include studies in
- Electronic health records
- Terminology
- Nutrition
- Radiography skills
You’ll also learn skills in exam room procedures, laboratory testing, and medical office procedures. Clinical experience working in an ambulatory healthcare setting is required. The clinical practicum will help you develop your competencies.
This degree is accredited by CAAHEP and can lead to CMA certification as well as a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management.
Fast Fact: SCC offers over 50 degree programs
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
13. Minnesota West Community College
Within two years or less, you can earn an AAS as a Medical Assistant from Minnesota West Community College. You’ll also be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam.
Among the courses you’ll take are:
- Medical Office Procedures
- Medical Office Procedures
- Human Biology
- Developmental Psychology
- Disease Conditions
- Laboratory Skills
- Medical Coding
- Body Structure and Function
- Medical Coding
- Reimbursement and Insurance in Healthcare
- Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science
- Clinical Procedures
A Medical Assistant Practicum is a culmination of your studies.
Because of the clinical experience, Minnesota requires a background check for students in this program.
Fast Fact: MWCTC is ranked one of Niche’s “Best Community Colleges in America”
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
14. Alexandria Technical and Community College
Calling Alexandria, Minnesota home, this college has a Medical Assistant Specialist degree that can be completed in 60 credit hours. The curriculum will give you a broad skill set necessary to become a qualified Medical Assistant.
Your studies will be a combination of clinical and nonclinical topics in the following:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Health information
- ICD-10 introduction
- Medical terminology
- Electronic health records
- Communication
The syllabus is designed to prepare you for a variety of healthcare jobs from medical receptionist to medical transcriptionist. You’ll also be required to take general education courses as part of this degree.
If you’re still in high school, you can jump-start your Medical Assistant Specialist program through ATCC’s Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program which allows you to take college courses without tuition or book costs. Check with an admission advisor if you’re interested in this option.
Fast Fact: Alexandria Technical and Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
15. Davenport University
If you live in the Lansing or Grand Rapids area of Michigan, you may want to explore Davenport University’s Medical Assisting (MEDA AAS) degree.
Accredited by the CAAHEP, this program requires 61 credit hours of study and will prepare you to sit for American Association of Medical Assistants (CMA) and/or the American Medical Technologist Exam (RMA) certification exams. The broad-based curriculum, which includes topics in:
- Anatomy And Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Law and ethics
- Introduction to psychology
- Composition
- Other clinical subjects
You’ll study patient care in a clinical setting, basic laboratory procedures, and participate in a clinical practicum.
This degree will prepare you for an entry-level position and Davenport University reports 100% of employers are satisfied with graduates of this MEDA AAS program.
Fast Fact: Money ranks Davenport University as one of its “Best Colleges For Your Money 2019”
Degree Awarded: MEDA AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
16. South University
South University offers a Medical Assisting degree at its Savannah, GA, campus. The program has earned CAAHEP accreditation necessary for graduates to sit for the certification exams.
The curriculum requires 92 quarter hours including core courses and general education classes. You’ll take English, basic communication, math and statistics, and natural sciences, etc. as part of the general curriculum. Core course topics include
- Studies in anatomy and physiology
- Medical insurance and coding
- Pathophysiology
- Medical office procedures
You can expect to complete a medical assisting practicum experience. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take certification test review courses.
South University reports a graduate satisfaction rate over 80%.
Fast Fact: South University is in 9 locations (including online) with the oldest being the Savannah campus established in 1899
Degree Awarded: AS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
17. Remington College
The Medical Assistant Associate degree is available in one of 8 cities with Remington College campuses (listed on website).
The curriculum for the AS includes classes in:
- Health Science Business Procedures
- Medical Laboratory Procedures
- Pharmacology
- Specialty Exams
- Urinalysis
- Microbiology
- Healthcare Insurance
- Cardiac Specialty Procedures
Additionally, you’ll study reimbursement procedures, coding and billing, law and ethics, and an externship.
As part of your tuition at Remington College, the cost for your first attempt at the Certified Clinical Medical Assisting (CCMA) exam is covered, as is the cost for CPR certification.
Remington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Fast Fact: Remington is a private, non-profit college system
Degree Awarded: AS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
18. New England Institute of Technology
You’ll learn the administrative and clinical side of Medical Assisting with this Associate degree program from NEIT.
When you graduate from this program, you’ll have the education to be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. Studies include a blend of:
- Medical office procedures
- Medical terminology
- Medical ethics and law
- Electronic patient records
- Communications
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical experience and project
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medication administration
- Clinical care
Located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, NETI is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as the CAAHEP.
Fast Fact: NETI is a private, non-profit technical university and offers over 50 degree programs
Degree Awarded: AS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
19. Stanly Community College
This North Carolina school has been educating students for over 40 years and has a Medical Assisting AAS degree you can complete in 68 credit hours. The CAAHEP accredits this program.
You’ll enroll in a well-rounded curriculum, which includes subjects in
- Medical terminology
- Drug Therapy
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical office
- Exam room and laboratory procedures
- Management
This curriculum also has a clinical practicum experience for you to apply what you’ve learned to a real world medical facility.
Stanly Community College has an average enrollment of over 10,000 students and reports an 83% curriculum success rate (students with a grade of “C” or better).
Fast Fact: Stanly Community College is considered to be one of the “Best Community Colleges in America” according to Niche
Degree Awarded: AAS
Click here to learn more about the medical assistant associate’s program!
Should I Get a Medical Assistant Associate’s Degree?
If you’re interested in healthcare and enjoy helping people, you may want to consider an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) in Medical Assisting. This is one of the fastest-growing job opportunities in healthcare, estimated to grow at a rapid rate of 23% between 2018-2028.
Community colleges offer AAS and AS degrees and you can earn your degree in one to two years. Courses will provide you the skills and training needed to become a certified Medical Assistant (CMA) of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Healthcare is a field that values certification as a sign that you’ve gained the education necessary to care for and help patients, as well as assist physicians and other clinical professionals. A two-year degree also will provide you with leadership and management skills that will benefit your career.
You’ll study both clinical and administrative subjects that Medical Assistants are expected to understand. On the clinical side, you’ll learn
- administration of medication (under supervision)
- basic anatomy and physiology
- medical terminology
- laboratory techniques
- taking patient histories
Administratively, you’ll take courses in:
- billing and coding
- insurance and reimbursement
- scheduling of patients
- management of patient records
Many programs will require internships or externships in clinical and administrative experiences.
Having a degree in Medical Assisting will make you more attractive to employers and can also influence your salary.
Should I Choose an Online or On-Campus Medical Assistant Associate’s Degree?
During the COVID pandemic, we saw colleges and universities move on-campus coursework to an online format. Fortunately, many of those schools already have distance education divisions that helped make the transition.
The good news is that you can earn your Medical Assistant degree online, while you continue to work and spend time with your family. Depending on your particular situation, you may want to review online programs and determine if the courses are for you. You should take into account your personal learning preference. Some students prefer the interaction of a classroom setting and some would rather work on their own, at their own pace.
Colleges and schools offer accredited online AAS and AS degrees that provide the same curriculum and faculty as an on-campus experience. A majority of schools offer the same tuition for distance education students as for campus attendees and frequently don’t charge out-of-state tuition and fees. One word of caution, be sure the program you choose will meet any requirements your state may have for MAs. An admission advisor can help you determine that.
The majority of programs we listed are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and all institutions are accredited. This accreditation is offered for online and on-campus degrees and will help you qualify to sit for certification and registration exams.
So, in the end, the decision is up to you. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll receive the education needed to become a valued Medical Assistant.
How Much Can I Make with a Medical Assistant Associate’s Degree?
It’s possible to become a Medical Assistant by diploma/certificate or specific on-the-job training. However, an AAS or AS in Medical Assisting is preferred by many employers and that’s demonstrated by a better salary and job responsibilities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assistant salaries can range from $35,020-$57,830. The median annual salary estimate is $44,200. Your education and training, along with where you live and work, will determine your salary. When considering salary, don’t forget to include other compensation such as paid sick leave, health insurance, paid time off, retirement package, etc.
You can find employment in physician practices, hospitals and health systems, outpatient care facilities, etc. and with a 12% estimated job growth, jobs are available all over the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data on Medial Assistant job opportunities and average salary across the nation.
Related Rankings:
15 Best Online Medical Assistant Associate’s Programs