What Are the Top Medical Assistant Programs?
What Are the Top Medical Assistant Programs?
Medical assisting has emerged as one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare. The combination of administrative and clinical skills makes medical assistants essential in hospitals, private practices, and urgent care centers. Choosing a strong program is key to career success. The best schools offer accredited instruction, clinical externships, and high certification exam pass rates. Below are some of the top medical assistant programs in the country.
1. Pima Medical Institute – Multiple Campuses (AZ, CO, WA, TX, CA)
Pima is widely recognized for its focused healthcare training and hands-on learning approach. Its medical assistant programs emphasize real-world clinical skills and prepare students for the CCMA certification. Pima’s strong reputation, flexible schedules, and impressive graduate placement rates place it at the top of many national lists.
2. Goodwin University – East Hartford, CT
Goodwin University is CAAHEP-accredited and known for its small class sizes and strong job placement rates. Its medical assistant program blends classroom learning with clinical externships in local hospitals and clinics. The program boasts high certification exam pass rates and offers excellent support for career readiness.
3. NYSMDA (New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants) – Queens, NY
NYSMDA is one of the most accessible and comprehensive medical assistant programs in New York City. It offers a well-rounded curriculum in both clinical and administrative skills. The program includes phlebotomy, EKG training, patient care, and medical office procedures. NYSMDA stands out for its short program length (about 10 to 12 months), flexible scheduling (day and evening classes), and strong job placement assistance. Its location in Queens gives students excellent access to externship opportunities at some of the city’s leading healthcare facilities.
4. Keiser University – Florida Campuses
Keiser’s medical assisting program is accredited and known for its strong student support and high-quality facilities. Students receive training in patient care, lab procedures, and medical office management. The program offers flexible scheduling and prepares students for national certification exams.
5. Fox College – Bedford Park, IL
Fox College offers an accelerated medical assistant program that can be completed in under a year. It combines classroom learning with significant hands-on clinical experience. The program has an excellent track record of preparing students for immediate employment.
6. San Joaquin Valley College – California Campuses
SJVC’s medical assisting program is highly respected in California. Students are trained in both front office and back office tasks, and the program includes a clinical externship. Graduates have a high job placement rate and are prepared to take the CCMA exam.
7. Renton Technical College – Renton, WA
Renton Technical College offers a highly regarded, CAAHEP-accredited medical assistant program. It provides a balance of administrative and clinical training with a strong focus on hands-on experience.
Conclusion
Medical assisting is a dynamic and secure career choice. Schools like NYSMDA offer unique advantages with their location, fast-track certification programs, and job placement partnerships with top New York City healthcare providers. Whether you choose NYSMDA, Pima, or one of the other outstanding programs on this list, you will be entering a career field with excellent long-term potential and high demand.
If you want, I can also provide a side-by-side comparison of program costs, length, and certification success rates. Just say yes.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a real, stable, and respected career—not just a quick way into the workforce—becoming a licensed medical or 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.
