The Best Medical and Dental Assistant Training Programs on the East Coast
The Best Medical and Dental Assistant Training Programs on the East Coast
As healthcare jobs continue to dominate growth forecasts, medical and dental assisting have become two of the most practical and rewarding paths into the healthcare industry. These careers offer job security, competitive salaries, and require far less time in school than many other medical professions. On the East Coast, a handful of institutions stand out for their accredited programs, strong graduate outcomes, and hands-on training opportunities. Notably, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants (NYSMDA) in Queens holds a prime place on this list for dental assistant training.
Here is a detailed look at the best medical and dental assistant training programs along the East Coast.
Top Medical Assistant Training Programs
1. Goodwin University – East Hartford, CT
Goodwin’s medical assistant program is well-respected across New England. The program offers clinical lab work, classroom instruction, and an externship to provide real-world experience. Accredited by CAAHEP, it boasts high job placement rates and a strong reputation for student success.
2. LaGuardia Community College – Queens, NY
LaGuardia offers a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program through its Continuing Education division. It includes classroom learning, clinical practice, and preparation for the CCMA national certification. The school is known for its affordability and flexible class schedules.
3. New Age Training – New York, NY
This Manhattan-based program offers flexible scheduling (day, evening, weekend options) and ACCET accreditation. The Clinical Medical Assistant program combines lecture-based learning with extensive hands-on training, preparing students to work in a variety of healthcare settings.
Top Dental Assistant Training Programs
1. Boston University – Boston, MA
Boston University’s Dental Assisting Training Program is known for its exceptional facilities and experienced faculty. The program blends classroom theory with direct patient-care experience at BU’s dental school clinics.
2. Porter and Chester Institute – Multiple Locations in CT and MA
With campuses throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, Porter and Chester offers a dental assisting diploma program that includes online lectures, campus labs, and a significant externship component. It’s designed for students seeking a quick path to employment.
3. Bunker Hill Community College – Boston, MA
This CODA-accredited program offers affordable tuition and a comprehensive hybrid curriculum. Students take coursework online and complete clinical externships with local dental practices, gaining hands-on experience.
4. The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants (NYSMDA) – Queens, NY
NYSMDA stands as one of the top dental assistant programs on the East Coast and arguably the best in New York City. Located in Long Island City, NYSMDA offers a full 10-month dental assistant program designed specifically to meet New York State licensure requirements. The curriculum covers dental radiology, chairside assisting, sterilization, and patient communication. Students benefit from structured clinical externships and receive job placement assistance after graduation. Its strategic location allows students access to hundreds of dental offices and clinics across New York City, leading to exceptional hiring outcomes. NYSMDA’s integration of radiology certification and strong licensing preparation makes it a standout choice for serious students entering the field.
Medical and dental assisting offer excellent career options with low barriers to entry and high potential for career advancement. Whether you are seeking a fast-track program in medical assisting at institutions like Goodwin University or LaGuardia, or you’re focused on top dental assisting programs such as those offered by NYSMDA or Boston University, the East Coast offers many outstanding choices. NYSMDA in particular provides an unmatched combination of affordability, licensing preparation, externship opportunities, and proximity to one of the world’s largest healthcare markets.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a real, stable, and respected career—not just a quick way into the workforce—becoming a licensed dental assistant is the way to go. And when it comes to training, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
