Search Medical Assistant Programs in MD

Maryland has some great options for medical assisting courses. However, one must consider critical details about the program before enrolling. Things to focus on include the duration of the program, teaching formats, credits to complete, and the whole curriculum.

Enter your zip code here to browse through a list of MA programs near you.

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Cost and Duration

Certificate programs for medical assistants, along with diploma courses and associate degree (AAS), are provided across the state of MD. The duration depends on the program type you go for. While certificates and diplomas are completed by students within a year on average (this usually includes an externship too), the associate programs typically take an additional one year of general education courses (2 years on average).

The cost of the MA programs in the state would also depend on the type of school the students choose and whether they’re in-state or out-state students. Community colleges average around $5000-$10,000 for the medical assistant programs, while private institutes average about $13,000 to $18,000. Approximately $1,500 to $3000 difference can be spotted across in-state vs. out-state fees amongst MA programs of Maryland.

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12 Best Medical Assistant Schools in Maryland for 2023

Click here to know our Ranking methodology

Now that you have made up your mind on becoming a medical assistant, the next crucial choice is to decide on the ideal school for your training. The right school makes your career for years to come. Only accredited schools render you eligibility for the nationally recognized medical assistant certifications, especially the ones accredited by the CAAHEP or the ABHES.

Apart from these, always evaluate other key factorials associated with the school, such as the infrastructure provided, placement opportunities at hand, and add-on services (if any) that the school has in place. Browse through various MD medical assistant programs and schools, rendering education in the field.

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Get information on Medical Assistant programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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Cost $9,165
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 15:1
Recent Retention Rate 68%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body caahep.org
RANKING SCORE

93.60

Hartford College offers both a certificate and a degree option in medical assisting. The curriculum is designed in a way to gear you for immediate employment on graduating from the program. Expect web-enhanced learning and small size classes. The sessions are held around the year with flexible schedules. Over the past 5 years, the school has reported a 100% graduate and satisfaction rates. On-campus commitments are reduced, and so are the costs incurred by the student. All have to complete a 160-hour externship.

Mentors at top healthcare providers, such as MedStar Health, University of Maryland Health System, Pediatric Partners, Potomac Physicians, and John Hopkins, are arranged. The school has an articulation agreement with Towson University too. All 64 credits earned can be transferred into their Bachelor’s program for those keen to take their education further.

In 2017 and 2018, the admission cohort manifested a 94.3% and 98% retention rate, respectively. Fall to Fall Cohort Retention rates in 2020 and 2021 was 62%. Expect comprehensive support services from the school to get those through too that might face difficulties academically. Upon graduating from the MA Associates of Arts degree, you will be able to sit for the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) exam by the AAMA and the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) exam by the ABHES.

Number of Courses Certificate, Associate's Degree
Campus Bel Air, MD
Cost $12,101
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 16:1
Recent Retention Rate 63%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body msche.org
RANKING SCORE

89.85

Frederick College has on offer a medical assistant AAS degree. The associate degree is available in two cohorts (fall and spring). Depending on your availability, you can pick between daytime fall batch and the evening spring batch. There are prerequisite courses that students must pass with a grade C (or better). Even for successful graduation, they need to maintain at least grade C (or better) across all courses excepting the general education modules.

If anyone has completed less than 15 credits in each semester, then you will take more time (add on semesters) to successfully graduate from the degree. This shall be the case for those needing to take developmental English and Math coursework as well. If you want to complete more swiftly, the summer and January terms can be used. The CORE General Education modules may be studied across the semesters. One module has to be the Cultural Competence course.

At the 200 level, students should take at least 9 credits. Those looking to transfer can reference ARTSYS, the Maryland Articulation System. The school also trains in a medical assistant certificate program. It is offered in the daytime fall cohort. Federal and local financial aids are available for qualifying students. The duration of the program is about a year.

Number of Courses Certificate, Associate's Degree
Campus Frederick, MD
Cost $7,935
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 13:1
Recent Retention Rate 75%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body caahep.org
RANKING SCORE

89.85

For Cecil College, students must have a high school diploma or GED. The program is a 900-hour undertaking. At the course end, a 160-hour externship is in place. Background check and drug screening are also mandatory. The students are eligible to take the CMA examination on graduating (fees of which are included in the program cost). The school fosters a diverse and inclusive community.

Those who would like to pursue an Associate of Healthcare Science degree in the future can earn 12 credits towards it across this program. Medical Professionalism to Psychology, many exciting subject areas are part of the curriculum. Statistics show program graduates manifested a 90.91% placement rate for the 2018 cohort.

Number of Courses Certificate
Campus North East, MD
Cost $8,431
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 15:1
Recent Retention Rate 42%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body caahep.org
RANKING SCORE

89.55

This school has a Continuing Education Certificate for medical assistants in place. This MA program here is accredited by the CAAHEP. The total duration for the program is 11-13 months. Students are required to be computer literate, and internet access is mandatory for all. As far as financial aid opportunities are concerned, the college offers full functioning support policies, including Continuing Education Opportunity Grant, Scholarship – Workforce Development Sequence, Partial Payment facilities, Tuition Waiver for qualifying applicants, Tuition fees sponsored by Employer/Sponsor.

From flu vaccinations to tetanus shots and negative PPDs, before the start of clinical, students need to furnish these reports as per the required schedule. Physical requirements include you to be able to lift and move around objects (minimum weight 50 pounds), position and lift patients when required, move around swiftly from task to task, and within closed environments. Good motor coordination is essential as well to handle delicate instruments and carry out precise medical tasks.

Number of Courses Certificate
Campus Baltimore, MD
Cost $8,186
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 18:1
Recent Retention Rate 61%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body caahep.org
RANKING SCORE

89.15

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a certification program in medical assisting are offered here. Some transfer agreements are in place with selected schools for students who would like to transfer-in or out of the AACC. Total credit hours that must be completed are 60 for the associate’s degree, whereas 32 credits are required to complete the certificate program. They also have an unpaid 160-hour externship at the end of the course module.

Medical Assisting Certificate Review Board result for 2020 shows – Admission cohort 94.44% Retention, Graduate Exam Passage 95%, and 75% Job Placement.

On course completion, students are eligible to test for the following coveted credentials: AAMA’s CMA certification, AMT’s RMA certification, NHA’s CCMA, and CMAA certifications. Students need to necessarily attain at least a grade C across all courses, with a GPA of 2.0 and above. Students must also submit AHA approved basic life care and CPR certificate before the assigned deadlines.

The MA course at the school can be rendered a Health Manpower Shortage designation. This will reduce the tuition fees to be paid by some of the enrolled Maryland students. Specific course-specific requirements are in place. You must be 18 years or above on the first day of MDA 140 and MDA 142 modules. You should be eligible to take the ENG 101 / ENG 101A classes. Students should have taken the arithmetic placement test (with a score of 27).

Candidates can also opt for additional studies in medical assisting. It is the Electrocardiogram and Intravenous Therapy Letter of Recognition, which renders much career development to MAs already in the workforce too.

Number of Courses Certificate, Associate's Degree
Campus Arnold, MD
Cost $4,952
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 16:1
Recent Retention Rate 69%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body msche.org
RANKING SCORE

88.40

The school has a medical assisting certificate in place. Basic occupational requirements include a minimum of 18 years of age and a high school diploma or GED. Expect study time (including college-level lessons) outside of the class hours. Before you start your clinical training, all tests got to be passed successfully. MMR, Varicella immunity, negative TB test or chest x-ray have to be submitted. Under the US Department of Education’s approval, the MA program here is eligible for the Pell Grant funding.

This program also provides Veterans Education Benefits. The total approx. Number of Hours to Cover 448 You will be eligible for the NHA’s medical assistant credential. The students are prepared to take the CCMA exam by NHA at an additional cost at the end of the program.

Number of Courses Certificate
Campus Westminster, MD
Cost $5,160
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 17:1
Recent Retention Rate 75%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body caahep.org
RANKING SCORE

87.95

This school is offering its MA program in the summer and fall batches. Classes for these semesters are to follow a distance learning format (remote or hybrid). New applications are being accepted right now. The MA program here is a Clinical Medical Assistant course. The externship takes place at the office of the local healthcare service. The entire program extends for around 96 hours. Drug screening and background check is a must for all students before attending the externship.

On successful graduation, students can take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. This MA program is the Veterans Administration approved. A tuition installment plan is also applicable. The Clinical Practicum and Externship of 90 contact hours (40 lab hours and 50 externship hours) is in place at the Montgomery. To attend this add-on program, you must have completed the first 96-hour clinical medical assistant classroom course outlined above.

Number of Courses Certificate
Campus Germantown, MD / Rockville, MD / Takoma Park, MD / Gaithersburg, MD / Wheaton, MD
Cost $9,266
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 16:1
Recent Retention Rate 66%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body caahep.org
RANKING SCORE

87.20

Prince George’s offers an AAS medical assisting program. The total credits to complete are 60. The curriculum includes didactic, laboratory, and externship components. From law and ethics in Allied Health (3 credits) to Systems Terminology (3 credits), from computerized medical practice (3 credits) to technical writing in medicine (3 credits), the required courses cover key essential as well as unique subject areas. These prepare you for an entry-level job as an MA comprehensively.

There is another certificate program of 36 credits, which is a short term course. Another key feature is the school’s career coach feature. Take career assessments online, browse through different occupations available, and the programs for each.

Number of Courses Certificate, Associate's Degree
Campus Largo, MD
Cost $9,840
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 11:1
Recent Retention Rate 60%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body caahep.org
RANKING SCORE

86.10

Cross-training is provided at the school across both clinical and administrative skills. The key feature of the program here is not one but two clinical practica (220 hours) experiences that students get to derive practical work experience. The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) designates the MA program here as a Health Manpower Shortage Program. The exam pass rate for the CMA certification exam is an impressive 100% for the cohort 2017, as per the MAERB 2019 outcome.

Students entering the clinical phase have to achieve a grade point (minimum) of 2.0. They should also pass the school’s Placement Assessment or complete all required courses. Expect to foster your patient communication skills, both verbally and written. Critical thinking is what the course imbibes in the students at all levels. The school also houses a Medical Assistant Club for making it all more engaging, fun, and insightful.

Number of Courses Associate
Campus Cumberland, MD
Cost $9,151
Type Public
Student-faculty Ratio 17:1
Recent Retention Rate 65%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body msche.org
RANKING SCORE

85.30

The school’s MA program is a medical assisting certificate. The total credits to complete are 34. On successful completion, the accredited program makes you eligible for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. For graduating from the program, you must attain a grade C or better in all courses. Admission to this program is competitive. Transfer students are welcome by select schools; however, max number of credits that can be transferred in is 25.

Students must render a valid CPR certificate and health insurance papers. For the CPR, only the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers and the American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers are accepted as credential providers. Full-time students begin their studies in the fall semester. The first semester is divided into two mini sessions.

Number of Courses Certificate
Campus La Plata, MD / Leonardtown, MD / Prince Frederick, MD / Hughesville, MD
Cost $16,132
Type Private
Student-faculty Ratio 22:1
Recent Retention Rate 58%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body caahep.org
RANKING SCORE

78.05

This school offers a diploma for medical assistants. On completing it, you can work at a chiropractor’s office, physical therapist’s office, anesthesiologist’s office, or outpatient clinics. All State renders a rather career-centric MA course. They train you to land real jobs and provide complete employment assistance services even after post-graduation such as interview techniques and preparation, job leads, access to valuable classroom career presentations, attendance in career fairs, insights on how to land that telephonic interview, and apt filling in of job applications.

The unique feature this college offers is its updated curriculum, which is time and again revised to meet the current practices of treating patients, equipment upgrades, etc.  The college has a separate financial aid office, which helps needy students with scholarships and grants.

Number of Courses Diploma
Campus Baltimore, MD
Cost $16,751
Type Private
Student-faculty Ratio 25:1
Recent Retention Rate 47%
Financial Aid Yes
Placement Services Yes
Counseling Services Yes
Accreditation Body abhes.org
RANKING SCORE

71.40

To begin with, Fortis College is a national name with schools across the country. A medical assistant degree from a nationally recognized university is a win-win (especially if you ever want to relocate). You can talk to the Fortis admissions representative to find out easy enrolment procedures. The Fortis’ MA program alone is trained at AL, FL, OH, TN, NJ, PA, IN, LA, TX, and VA in addition to Maryland.

Basic requirements for all programs here call for high school graduation or equivalent. Personal information sheet must be filled in by all. Personal interviews are usually held with admission specialists who analyze your career goals with you and ensure the ideal program for you is selected. You can also take a tour of the college. The school gives the right to all students to get familiar with all the facilities of the school from beforehand.

Number of Courses Certificate
Campus Landover, MD / Towson, MD
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Medical Assistant Degree Finder in Maryland

Courses in medical assisting range from MA certificates, diplomas, and associate. Each of them, if rewarded via accredited schools, can make you eligible for national certifications. However, different job requirements may specifically ask you to achieve associate’s or otherwise. Browse through the different degree options in MD using this quick widget.

Search Medical Assistant Programs

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Training and Certification Requirements for Maryland Medical Assistants

You don’t need to be certified to become a medical assistant in MD by law. There is no state licensure rendered to MAs. The basic legal requirements include a high school diploma or GED. Any specialized training post that is also not defined mandatory by law.

However, please note that, in reality, most employers do seek for medical assistants with a coveted national certification in place. Formal medical assisting training from a reputed school also builds much confidence amongst employers. Thus, in order to guarantee a promising career ahead, a medical assisting specific program and certification from the national credentialing bodies are highly encouraged.

Aspiring MAs can opt for these national certifications in Maryland:

Out of these, the CMA is most recognized nationally. The AAMA exam can be taken at any of these cities housing Prometric Centers in the state:

  • Baltimore
  • Hyattsville
  • Bethesda
  • Towson
  • Columbia
  • Salisbury

Medical Assistant Schools in the Nearby States

You might be interested in the potential programs in Maryland’s neighboring states. –

medical assistant

Written by : Casey Gardner

Casey Gardner is both a healthcare support professional and an accomplished content creator.  She has been working as a certified health care professional with marketable skills as a physician assistant,  and a qualified medical assistant for last two decades. She has dedicated her nursing career to produce over hundreds of content pieces since 2001, and her work has been published both online as well as offline.

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