As the healthcare industry continues to grow, the demand for qualified medical assistants has risen significantly. Medical assistants play a crucial role in supporting physicians and ensuring smooth operations in healthcare facilities. If you're considering a career as a medical assistant, you may be wondering whether to pursue an associate's degree, certificate, or diploma.

Our recommendation: Employers basically view Medical Assistant degrees, certificates, and diplomas all the same. You should pick a certificate program if you're trying to become a MA as soon as possible, pick a diploma if you are eligible for financial aid and eventually want to get a degree, and pick an Associate's degree if you want to have a degree.

Overview Associate's Degree vs. Certificate vs. Diploma

Certificate Programs: Certificate programs are the shortest and most focused type of Medical Assistant training.

• Length: 4-12 months. They are designed to get you your certification and job as fast as possible
• Who offers them: Private training providers, colleges as part of their professional education division
• Cost: Can range from $3,000 to $10,000
• Payment options: No financial aid. Payment plans are pretty much always available, and some schools may offer loans for those who qualify.
• Online available?: Yes, there are online self-paced and class-based Medical Assistant certification programs
• Externship: Will vary on the school. Online ones will generally not guarantee an externship, but they have career coaches who will try to match you with an externship site. In-person classes have partnerships with doctor's offices or similar that you can extern at.
• Requirements: Often requires a high school diploma, but not all of them. If you do not have a high school diploma, you will only be able to do certificate programs.
• College credit?: No, generally. If they do, the school has a special partnership with only a small number of colleges

Diploma Programs: Diploma Medical Assistant programs are basically certificate programs, but they are offered by colleges and so financial aid may be available.

• Length: 9-12 months long
• Who offers them: Colleges (community college, technical colleges, etc.)
• Cost: Can range from $5,000-15,000. State or community colleges may be cheaper; online options may be cheaper too
• Payment options: Financial aid may be available for those who qualify
• Online available?: Yes, there are online Medical Assistant diploma programs. Self-paced is hard to find but class-based ones are common
• Externship: Same as certificate
• Requirements: Requires high school diploma
• College credit?: Yes

Associate Degree Programs: Associate degree programs offer a more comprehensive education, combining Medical Assistant training with general education courses.

• Length: 18-24 months
• Who offers them: Colleges (community college, technical colleges, etc.)
• Costs: Can range from $10,000-20,000/year. State or community colleges may be cheaper; online options may be cheaper too
• Payment options: Financial aid may be available for those who qualify
• Online available?: Yes, there are online Medical Assistant Associate Degree programs. Self-paced is hard to find but class-based ones are common
• Externship: Same as certificate
• Requirements: Requires high school diploma
• College credit?: Yes

Pros and Cons: Associate's Degree vs. Certificate Program

Associate's Degree

Pros:

1. Financial aid eligibility: Associate's degree programs at accredited institutions qualify for federal financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study programs, which can help alleviate the financial burden for those who qualify.
2. Transfer opportunities: Credits earned from an associate's degree program can often be transferred towards a bachelor's degree or for a Associate's in nursing program. We highly recommend getting a Bachelor's degree!
3. Relationship with employers: Employers may perceive candidates with an associate's degree as more qualified, and your school may have relationships or brand name recognition with employers

Cons:

1. Longer program: Associate's degree programs typically take two years to complete, requiring a more significant time commitment. You may be able to do an accelerated program, but would still take at least 18 months. If you have some college credit to transfer, you may be able to finish faster
2. Higher costs: Due to the longer duration, associate's degree programs tend to be more expensive than certificate or diploma programs.
3. Unnecessary coursework: Some students may find certain general education courses unnecessary for their desired career path.
4. Fewer self-paced options: While much of the coursework may be self-paced, there are very few (if any) self-paced Associate's Medical Assistant options

Certificate Program

Pros:

1. Shorter duration: If you're looking to get a job ASAP, certificate programs are the way to go
2. Can start working sooner: Since it's shorter, you can start working sooner
3. Lower cost: Certificate programs are generally more affordable
4. Easier to find self-paced classes: If you're looking for a self-paced class, certificate programs are much more likely to be self-paced

Cons:

1. Lack of financial aid: Certificate programs do not qualify for federal financial aid
2. Usually need to pay upfront: If you do not have $3,000-$10,000, it can be challenging to pay for a certificate program. There may be loan or workforce options available if you qualify that can make the class cheaper, but you may not qualify for a loan and workforce options take time to qualify for as well.
3. No credits: Credits from certificate programs generally do not transfer to associate's or bachelor's degree programs. We find that most Dreambound users are trying to become a nurse after becoming a Medical Assistant, and you will not be able to get any credit towards your nursing degree

Diploma Program

Pros:

1. Shorter duration than Associate's: If you're looking to get a job ASAP but a certificate isn't a good fit for you, diplomas are much shorter than Associate's programs
2. Can start working sooner: Since it's shorter, you can start working sooner
3. Lower cost: Diploma programs are generally more affordable than Associate's programs
4. Financial aid eligibility: Diploma programs at accredited institutions qualify for federal financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study programs, which can help alleviate the financial burden for those who qualify.
5. Transfer opportunities: Credits earned from a diploma program can often be transferred towards a bachelor's degree or for a Associate's, which can be helpful if you'd be looking to pursue further education (which we highly recommend)

Cons:

1. Higher costs: If you do not qualify for financial aid, may be more expensive than certificate programs
2. Longer than certificates: Diploma programs can't be as accelerated as certificate programs are
3. Fewer self-paced options: There are more self-paced options than for Associate's, but there aren't as many self-paced diploma programs as there are certificate

Examples of Medical Assistant Programs

Associate's Degree Programs

• South University (Online): South University's Associate of Science in Medical Assisting program prepares students to become multi-skilled allied health professionals capable of performing a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks in various healthcare settings. This competency-based education program emphasizes mastery of both clinical and administrative competencies, validated through tests, performance objectives, and a clinical externship.
• Herzing University (Online): The Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting Services program is designed to introduce students to the overall operation of a physician’s office. Students undergo training to assist physicians in the examination room, perform routine laboratory procedures, and handle various administrative functions such as financial records, correspondence, and insurance forms. A distinctive feature of this program is that students are prepared for and can sit for the Medical Assisting Certification Exam during their program, enhancing their employment opportunities (though it is not a state-specific requirement).

Certificate Programs

• Medcerts: Fully online, at your own schedule 24/7, 28 weeks long. After completion, MedCerts will work to match you with an externship site close to you. Not available for Wisconsin, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Washington, or Louisiana residents. This class makes you eligible to obtain your Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant certification.
• CareerStep: Step into the world of medical assistance through our all-encompassing curriculum. Seamlessly transition into a fulfilling career with our online medical assistant training. Acquire crucial skills and pertinent knowledge aligned with the role. Our program readies you to embark on the journey of becoming a Certified Medical Assistant by covering the knowledge and skills you need to successfully sit for industry-recognized certifications including a Certified Phlebotomy Technician and a Certified EKG Technician.

Diploma Programs

• Carrington College (Multiple Locations): Carrington College offers a Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting that can be completed in as little as 9 months. The program includes hands-on training in clinical procedures, medical office operations, and medical terminology.
• Herzing University (Online): The Diploma in Medical Assisting is designed to provide students with a combination of didactic and hands-on learning experiences, preparing them for entry-level positions as medical assistants. The program covers both clinical and administrative aspects of medical assisting, enabling graduates to work competently in various healthcare settings. Students will gain proficiency in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathology, ethics, professionalism, medical insurance, electronic medical records, clinical procedures, laboratory procedures, and patient privacy. Successful completion of the program will also prepare students to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

Do Employers Prefer Associate's, Certificate, or Diploma?

Dreambound has helped thousands of people start their Medical Assistant journey. We have found no evidence that employers prefer having a candidate with an Associate's degree versus a certificate or diploma. In fact, some employers do not even require certification. The job environment for medical assistants is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 16% growth in employment for medical assistants from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. So, employers can't afford to be choosy when there are more openings than people looking for jobs!

That's why we recommend a Medical Assistant certification if you just want to become a MA and have no interest in further education (and can afford the certification cost). If you're looking to become a nurse or obtain further education, diploma or Associate's is a better call.

Difference between CMA, RMA, CCMA

There are several certifications available for medical assistants, each with its own requirements and recognition. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) are the most common. The CMA certification is generally considered the most widely recognized by employers. However, we have not observed a huge difference between each in terms of job outcomes, so we don't recommend taking the specific certification into consideration.

Conclusion

Choosing between a medical assistant degree or certificate ultimately depends on your individual goals, financial situation, and desired career path.

• Pick an associate's degree if you're looking to get a degree or want access to financial aid if you're eligible
• Pick a diploma if you're looking to be an MA fast and want access to financial aid if you're eligible
• Pick a certificate if you're looking to be an MA fast and can afford the price

Regardless of your choice, all options can lead to a rewarding career as a medical assistant in the growing healthcare industry!