Top Medical Assistant Schools

Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry, bridging the gap between patients and healthcare professionals, and providing essential support in both clinical and administrative tasks. The demand for skilled medical assistants continues to grow as the healthcare sector expands, making this an appealing career path for those looking to enter the healthcare field in a relatively short amount of time. A variety of colleges and universities offer accredited programs that provide students with the education and hands-on training necessary to succeed in this field. In this essay, we will explore some of the top medical assistant schools and colleges, discussing the programs they offer, their unique features, and the opportunities they provide for aspiring medical assistants.

Keiser University stands out as a top institution for aspiring medical assistants. Offering an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting, Keiser University prepares students for a comprehensive set of duties under the direction of a physician or healthcare practitioner. The curriculum includes a range of practical skills, such as preparing examination rooms, taking vital signs, assisting with patient exams, and managing administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. Keiser University’s Medical Assisting program is available at several campuses, including Ft. Lauderdale, Lakeland, Pembroke Pines, Tallahassee, Melbourne, and Sarasota, making it accessible to a broad range of students across Florida. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards. Graduates of Keiser University’s program are well-prepared for the workforce, having gained the practical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in various healthcare environments. The university's focus on preparing students for real-world scenarios, coupled with its robust accreditation, makes it a trusted choice for those pursuing a career in medical assisting.

Similarly, Kaplan University offers a highly respected medical assisting program, with the added benefit of flexibility through its online format. Kaplan’s Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree allows students to complete coursework online while also receiving hands-on training that is critical to becoming a competent medical assistant. Kaplan’s program combines traditional classroom instruction with practical training, offering students the opportunity to apply what they learn in real-world medical settings. This combination of theoretical learning and clinical practice ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the duties they will perform on the job, such as taking medical histories, scheduling appointments, and assisting in minor medical procedures. Kaplan’s program is also structured to help students prepare for certification exams. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Kaplan University’s flexible online learning model and comprehensive training ensure that students can earn a degree while balancing other commitments, making it an excellent choice for those who need a more adaptable learning schedule.

Finlandia University, located in Michigan, offers a unique two-year program that prepares students to assist healthcare providers in various medical settings. The Medical Assistant Associate Degree at Finlandia is a five-semester program, which includes one summer semester, allowing students to complete their degree within a relatively short time frame. Students at Finlandia gain practical experience in both administrative and clinical roles, learning essential skills such as patient assessment, record-keeping, and clinical procedures. The program also emphasizes the importance of patient care, preparing students to become empathetic, knowledgeable medical assistants. Finlandia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association for Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC), a respected accrediting body that ensures the institution meets high educational standards. Finlandia’s medical assisting program provides students with the foundational skills and professional training needed to enter the workforce, and the university’s commitment to hands-on learning ensures that students are well-prepared for real-world challenges.

At South University, the Associate of Science in Medical Assisting degree program emphasizes a competency-based approach to education. South University’s program is designed to ensure that students gain mastery over both clinical and administrative competencies, which are essential for success in the medical assisting field. The program is available at the Savannah campus and includes coursework in medical terminology, patient care, and office management, as well as practical experience in clinical settings. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits the Medical Assisting program at South University, which ensures that the curriculum adheres to industry standards and prepares students for certification. The competency-based education model allows students to progress at their own pace, mastering each skill before moving on to more complex material. This approach not only builds confidence but also ensures that graduates are equipped with the practical skills necessary to perform the full range of duties expected of a medical assistant.

Concordia University Wisconsin offers a nationally accredited Medical Assistant program, which prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. The program is structured to allow students to complete their education in a shortened time frame, with an evening program that can be completed in just 13 months and a daytime program that takes nine months. This flexibility makes Concordia’s Medical Assistant program ideal for both traditional students and working professionals who wish to earn their degree while managing other commitments. The program’s rigorous curriculum includes both classroom instruction and practical training, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to perform administrative tasks like billing and scheduling as well as clinical responsibilities like patient assessment and assisting with medical procedures. Graduates of Concordia’s Medical Assistant program are eligible to take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) National Certification Exam, which allows them to become Certified Medical Assistants. This certification is highly regarded in the medical field and opens up a range of career opportunities for program graduates. Concordia University Wisconsin’s commitment to preparing students for certification and career success, along with its flexible scheduling options, makes it a top choice for those pursuing a career as a medical assistant.

The medical assistant programs offered by these institutions provide students with a clear pathway to a rewarding career in healthcare. Programs like the ones at Keiser University, Kaplan University, Finlandia University, South University, and Concordia University Wisconsin offer comprehensive curricula, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. Graduates of these programs are well-prepared for a wide variety of medical assisting roles, whether in private practices, hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings. These programs also provide opportunities for students to earn certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential, which further enhances their career prospects and earning potential.

In addition to the technical skills acquired during the programs, students benefit from attending institutions that offer accreditation by recognized accrediting bodies like the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of quality, which is important both for the students’ education and for their future employers. Moreover, these programs are designed to prepare students for the real-world challenges they will face as medical assistants, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in a fast-paced and rewarding profession.

In conclusion, the medical assistant programs offered by institutions such as Keiser University, Kaplan University, Finlandia University, South University, and Concordia University Wisconsin provide students with an excellent foundation for a successful career in healthcare. These programs are designed to meet the needs of today’s aspiring medical assistants, offering flexible scheduling options, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities for certification. The demand for qualified medical assistants is growing, and these programs ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the needs of healthcare providers and patients alike. Whether students choose an in-person, online, or hybrid learning format, these top colleges and universities provide the tools, education, and training necessary to thrive in the dynamic and essential field of medical assisting.