Verified October 2026
Most Affordable Medical Assistant Programs
Where Are the Most Affordable Medical Assistant Programs?
The most low-cost medical assistant programs are at public community colleges and technical centers: in-state residents can finish a CAAHEP-accredited certificate at Carteret Community College for an estimated $1,064 in tuition, or Lake Technical College's 900-hour program for about $2,592. Private career school totals for similar training often pass $18,000, such as Fortis College's $18,572. Compare the 879 programs in this set, then add books, fees and the exam with the MA cost calculator.
- programs
- 879
- schools
- 717
- CAAHEP or ABHES accredited
- 180
- median length
- 40 wk
- median cost (877 priced)
- $14,650
- median externship
- 180 hr
Where Low-Cost Medical Assistant Programs Are
Low-cost medical assistant programs cluster in two places: community colleges that charge by the credit, and public technical centers that charge by the clock hour. Every one of the 12 lowest-cost programs in this set is public. Private career schools, by contrast, quote all-in totals in the five figures, such as $18,459 at Pima Medical Institute and $20,900 at UEI College.
That gap is the biggest money decision you will make. Across the 879 programs in this set, the median cost runs well into five figures. A resident at the right community college pays a small fraction of that for training that leads to the same certification exams.
State tuition policy drives much of it. California residents pay a $46 per-unit enrollment fee at community colleges, North Carolina community colleges charge $76 per credit hour in-state, and Oklahoma technology centers charge in-district adults by the hour or a flat fee. Compare local options on the California, North Carolina and Oklahoma state pages.
The Lowest-Cost Complete Programs, Compared
| Program | Credential and size | Detail | Cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerro Coso Community College (CA) | Certificate, 20.5 units | 1.5-unit externship | $943 | Estimated, plus about $1,230 books and supplies |
| Carteret Community College (NC) | Certificate, 14 credits | CAAHEP accredited | $1,064 | Estimated, before fees |
| Victor Valley College (CA) | Certificate, 24 units | $46 per unit resident rate | $1,104 | Estimated, before fees |
| Kiamichi Technology Center-McAlester (OK) | Certificate, 600 hours | Phlebotomy and EKG | $1,200 | Estimated at $2.00 per clock hour, in-district |
| Red River Technology Center (OK) | Certificate | Clinical portion required | $1,500 | Published total, no textbook, supply or fee charges |
| Pioneer Technology Center (OK) | Certificate, 600 hours | Clinical experience course | $1,500 | Published in-district tuition, plus $1,049 books, fees and supplies |
| Dallas College (TX) | Certificate, 8 months | CAAHEP accredited | $1,980 | Published in-county tuition |
Estimated cost is the published per-credit or per-hour rate times the program’s credits or hours, before fees.
Mt San Jacinto College’s 13-unit certificate is the lowest estimate in the set at $598, but it is a one-semester program. Cuesta College’s 12.5-unit Certificate of Specialization is a one-term add-on rather than full MA training, and Ivy Tech’s 6-credit CCMA prep certificate prepares you for one exam while Ivy Tech’s full program is the technical certificate or degree. Technical College of the Rockies has closed its program to applications for now.
Medical Assistant Programs Ranked by Cost
How this list is ranked: lowest cost first. Cost is the school's published program total where it gives one, or its published per-credit rate times the program's stated credits (labelled "estimated"), read on each school's site in October 2026. Totals and estimates usually exclude some fees, books and exam costs; one program per school.
Mt San Jacinto Community College District: Medical Assisting Preparation Employment ConcentrationMedical Assisting Preparation Employment Concentration
$598estimated costMt San Jacinto Community College District (San Jacinto, CA, public) runs this certificate (1 semester). At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $598 (estimated).
- Cost
- $598estimated: $46/credit × 13
- Length
- 16 wk1 semester
- Credits
- 13
Mt San Jacinto Community College District certificate: cost, length and externship · All 3 medical assisting programs at Mt San Jacinto Community College District
Cerro Coso Community College: Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate of AchievementClinical Medical Assisting Certificate of Achievement
$943estimated costCerro Coso Community College (Ridgecrest, CA, public) runs this certificate (2 semesters). At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $943 (estimated). Externship: Clinical Medical Assistant Externship (1.5 units).
- Cost
- $943estimated: $46/credit × 20.5
- Length
- 32 wk2 semesters
- Credits
- 20.5
- Externship
- Included
- Pharmacology
What the Cerro Coso Community College certificate covers · Every MA option at Cerro Coso Community College, side by side
Carteret Community College: Certificate - Medical AssistingCertificate - Medical Assisting
$1,064estimated costCarteret Community College (Morehead City, NC, public) runs this on campus certificate (2 semesters (fall, spring)). At the published rate of $76 per credit, the program comes to about $1,064 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,064estimated: $76/credit × 14
- Length
- 32 wk2 semesters (fall, spring)
- Credits
- 14
How long the Carteret Community College certificate takes · Carteret Community College school profile and federal awards
Martin Community College: Medical Assisting Certificate (C454001)Medical Assisting Certificate (C454001)
$1,064estimated costMartin Community College (Williamston, NC, public) runs this certificate. At the published rate of $76 per credit, the program comes to about $1,064 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,064estimated: $76/credit × 14
- Credits
- 14
Martin Community College certificate schedule and exams · All 2 medical assisting programs at Martin Community College
Victor Valley College: Medical Assistant Certificate of AchievementMedical Assistant Certificate of Achievement
$1,104estimated costVictor Valley College (Victorville, CA, public) runs this certificate. At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $1,104 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,104estimated: $46/credit × 24
- Credits
- 24
Cuesta College: Medical Assisting, Certificate of AchievementMedical Assisting, Certificate of Achievement
$1,173estimated costCuesta College (San Luis Obispo, CA, public) runs this certificate (2 terms). At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $1,173 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,173estimated: $46/credit × 25.5
- Credits
- 25.5
Cuesta College certificate: cost, length and externship · Cuesta College school profile and federal awards
Kiamichi Technology Center-McAlester: Clinical Medical Assistant (Health Science Education Career Major)Clinical Medical Assistant (Health Science Education Career Major)
$1,200estimated costKiamichi Technology Center-McAlester (McAlester, OK, public) runs this on campus certificate (1 year (full-day adult session) or 2 years (half-day session)). At the published rate of $2 per clock hour, the program comes to about $1,200 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,200estimated: $2/clock hour × 600
- Length
- 40 wk
- Hours
- 600clock hours
- Phlebotomy
- EKG
What the Kiamichi Technology Center-McAlester certificate covers
Montgomery Community College: Medical Assisting CertificateMedical Assisting Certificate
$1,216estimated costMontgomery Community College (Troy, NC, public) runs this certificate. At the published rate of $76 per credit, the program comes to about $1,216 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,216estimated: $76/credit × 16
- Credits
- 16
How long the Montgomery Community College certificate takes · Every MA option at Montgomery Community College, side by side
Stanly Community College: Medical Assisting Certificate (C45400)Medical Assisting Certificate (C45400)
$1,216estimated costStanly Community College (Albemarle, NC, public) runs this on campus certificate (2 semesters). At the published rate of $76 per credit, the program comes to about $1,216 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,216estimated: $76/credit × 16
- Length
- 32 wk2 semesters
- Credits
- 16
Stanly Community College certificate schedule and exams · Stanly Community College school profile and federal awards
Olympic College: Medical Assisting, Certificate of Specialization (CS)Medical Assisting, Certificate of Specialization (CS)
$1,361estimated costOlympic College (Bremerton, WA, public) runs this on campus certificate (Four quarters (fall, winter, spring, summer)). At the published rate of $136.14 per credit, the program comes to about $1,361 (estimated). Externship: Supervised clinical experience.
- Cost
- $1,361estimated: $136/credit × 10
- Length
- 44 wk
- Credits
- 10
- Externship
- Included
Admission and cost of the Olympic College certificate · All 2 medical assisting programs at Olympic College
South Piedmont Community College: Medical Assisting CertificateMedical Assisting Certificate
$1,368estimated costSouth Piedmont Community College (Polkton, NC, public) runs this hybrid certificate (6 months). At the published rate of $76 per credit, the program comes to about $1,368 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,368estimated: $76/credit × 18
- Length
- 26 wk6 months
- Credits
- 18
South Piedmont Community College certificate: cost, length and externship · Every MA option at South Piedmont Community College, side by side
Imperial Valley College: Certificate of Achievement in Medical AssistingCertificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting
$1,380estimated costImperial Valley College (Imperial, CA, public) runs this certificate. At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $1,380 (estimated). Externship: Externship (uniform required).
- Cost
- $1,380estimated: $46/credit × 30
- Credits
- 30
- Externship
- Included
Moreno Valley College: Administrative/Clinical Medical Assisting, CertificateAdministrative/Clinical Medical Assisting, Certificate
$1,380estimated costMoreno Valley College (Moreno Valley, CA, public) runs this certificate. At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $1,380 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,380estimated: $46/credit × 30
- Credits
- 30
- Pharmacology
How long the Moreno Valley College certificate takes · All 2 medical assisting programs at Moreno Valley College
San Jose City College: Medical Assisting: Clinical - Certificate of Achievement Level 3Medical Assisting: Clinical - Certificate of Achievement Level 3
$1,426estimated costSan Jose City College (San Jose, CA, public) runs this certificate. At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $1,426 (estimated). Externship: Clinical externship in a doctor's office, clinic, hospital or laboratory.
- Cost
- $1,426estimated: $46/credit × 31
- Credits
- 31
- Externship
- Included
- Phlebotomy
- EKG
Prepares for- CMAAAMA
- RMAAMT
- NCMANCCT
San Jose City College certificate schedule and exams · Every MA option at San Jose City College, side by side
Orange Coast College: Medical Assisting CCMA Eligible Program, Certificate of AchievementMedical Assisting CCMA Eligible Program, Certificate of Achievement
$1,472estimated costOrange Coast College (Costa Mesa, CA, public) runs this certificate (Two semesters). At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $1,472 (estimated). Externship: 160-hour on-the-job experience in a medical office or clinic.
- Cost
- $1,472estimated: $46/credit × 32
- Length
- 32 wkTwo semesters
- Credits
- 32
- Externship
- 160 hours
Admission and cost of the Orange Coast College certificate · Orange Coast College school profile and federal awards
Pioneer Technology Center: Medical AssistingMedical Assisting
$1,500published totalPioneer Technology Center (Ponca City, OK, public) runs this on campus certificate. The school publishes a program total of $1,500. Externship: Medical Assistant Clinical Experience course.
- Cost
- $1,500published total
- Hours
- 600clock hours
- Externship
- Included
- Phlebotomy
- EKG
- Billing and coding
- Pharmacology
Prepares for- CMAAAMA
- NCMANCCT
Pioneer Technology Center certificate: cost, length and externship
Red River Technology Center: Health Careers Certification - Clinical Medical Assistant Career MajorHealth Careers Certification - Clinical Medical Assistant Career Major
$1,500published totalRed River Technology Center (Duncan, OK, public) runs this on campus certificate. The school publishes a program total of $1,500. Externship: Clinical portion required.
- Cost
- $1,500published total, 2026-27
- Externship
- Included
- Phlebotomy
West Valley College: Clinical Assistant Certificate of AchievementClinical Assistant Certificate of Achievement
$1,587estimated costWest Valley College (Saratoga, CA, public) runs this certificate. At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $1,587 (estimated). Externship: Internship placement in a local clinical setting.
- Cost
- $1,587estimated: $46/credit × 34.5
- Credits
- 34.5
- Externship
- Included
- EKG
How long the West Valley College certificate takes · West Valley College school profile and federal awards
Laredo College: Medical Assistant, Certificate IMedical Assistant, Certificate I
$1,600estimated costLaredo College (Laredo, TX, public) runs this on campus certificate (Prerequisite semester plus 2 semesters). At the published rate of $50 per credit, the program comes to about $1,600 (estimated). Externship: Clinical I and Clinical II - Medical/Clinical Assistant rotations.
- Cost
- $1,600estimated: $50/credit × 32
- Length
- 32 wkPrerequisite semester plus 2 semesters
- Credits
- 32
- Externship
- Included
- Pharmacology
Laredo College certificate schedule and exams · All 2 medical assisting programs at Laredo College
Canada College: Medical Assisting Certificate of AchievementMedical Assisting Certificate of Achievement
$1,610estimated costCanada College (Redwood City, CA, public) runs this certificate. At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $1,610 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,610estimated: $46/credit × 35
- Credits
- 35
Admission and cost of the Canada College certificate · Every MA option at Canada College, side by side
Most Affordable CAAHEP and ABHES Accredited Programs
How this list is ranked: lowest cost first. Cost is the school's published program total where it gives one, or its published per-credit rate times the program's stated credits (labelled "estimated"), read on each school's site in October 2026. Totals and estimates usually exclude some fees, books and exam costs; one program per school.
Carteret Community College: Certificate - Medical AssistingCertificate - Medical Assisting
$1,064estimated costCarteret Community College (Morehead City, NC, public) runs this on campus certificate (2 semesters (fall, spring)). At the published rate of $76 per credit, the program comes to about $1,064 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,064estimated: $76/credit × 14
- Length
- 32 wk2 semesters (fall, spring)
- Credits
- 14
Carteret Community College certificate: cost, length and externship · All 2 medical assisting programs at Carteret Community College
Stanly Community College: Medical Assisting Certificate (C45400)Medical Assisting Certificate (C45400)
$1,216estimated costStanly Community College (Albemarle, NC, public) runs this on campus certificate (2 semesters). At the published rate of $76 per credit, the program comes to about $1,216 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,216estimated: $76/credit × 16
- Length
- 32 wk2 semesters
- Credits
- 16
What the Stanly Community College certificate covers · Every MA option at Stanly Community College, side by side
Olympic College: Medical Assisting, Certificate of Specialization (CS)Medical Assisting, Certificate of Specialization (CS)
$1,361estimated costOlympic College (Bremerton, WA, public) runs this on campus certificate (Four quarters (fall, winter, spring, summer)). At the published rate of $136.14 per credit, the program comes to about $1,361 (estimated). Externship: Supervised clinical experience.
- Cost
- $1,361estimated: $136/credit × 10
- Length
- 44 wk
- Credits
- 10
- Externship
- Included
How long the Olympic College certificate takes · Olympic College school profile and federal awards
South Piedmont Community College: Medical Assisting CertificateMedical Assisting Certificate
$1,368estimated costSouth Piedmont Community College (Polkton, NC, public) runs this hybrid certificate (6 months). At the published rate of $76 per credit, the program comes to about $1,368 (estimated).
- Cost
- $1,368estimated: $76/credit × 18
- Length
- 26 wk6 months
- Credits
- 18
South Piedmont Community College certificate schedule and exams · All 3 medical assisting programs at South Piedmont Community College
Pasadena City College: Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting - Administrative and ClinicalCertificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting - Administrative and Clinical
$1,840estimated costPasadena City College (Pasadena, CA, public) runs this certificate (11 months full-time; 24 months part-time). At the published rate of $46 per credit, the program comes to about $1,840 (estimated). Evening classes are offered.
- Cost
- $1,840estimated: $46/credit × 40
- Length
- 48 wk11 months full-time; 24 months part-time
- Credits
- 40
- Billing and coding
Prepares for- CMAAAMA
Dallas College: Medical Assisting Generalist CertificateMedical Assisting Generalist Certificate
$1,980published totalDallas College (Dallas, TX, public) runs this on campus certificate (8 months (full-time)). The school publishes a program total of $1,980.
- Cost
- $1,980published total
- Length
- 35 wk8 months (full-time)
Dallas College certificate: cost, length and externship · Dallas College school profile and federal awards
Collin County Community College District: Medical Assisting (MA), Level 1 CertificateMedical Assisting (MA), Level 1 Certificate
$2,015estimated costCollin County Community College District (McKinney, TX, public) runs this on campus certificate. At the published rate of $65 per credit, the program comes to about $2,015 (estimated). Externship: At least 160 clinical (externship) hours in a physician's office.
- Cost
- $2,015estimated: $65/credit × 31
- Credits
- 31
- Externship
- Included
What the Collin County Community College District certificate covers · All 2 medical assisting programs at Collin County Community College District
Lake Technical College: Medical AssistingMedical Assisting
$2,592published totalLake Technical College (Eustis, FL, public) runs this certificate (Approximately 30 weeks). The school publishes a program total of $2,592. Externship: 190-hour practicum.
- Cost
- $2,592published total, 2026-27
- Length
- 30 wkApproximately 30 weeks
- Hours
- 900clock hours
- Externship
- 190 hours
- Phlebotomy
- EKG
- Pharmacology
Prepares for- CMAAAMA
- RMAAMT
- CCMANHA
Tarrant County College District: Level 1 Certificate in Medical Assistant (CRT1)Level 1 Certificate in Medical Assistant (CRT1)
$2,960published totalTarrant County College District (Fort Worth, TX, public) runs this on campus certificate. The school publishes a program total of $2,960. Externship: Onsite practicum/clinical coursework at partner facilities.
- Cost
- $2,960published total, 2026-27
- Credits
- 40
- Externship
- Included
Tarrant County College District certificate schedule and exams
Vance-Granville Community College: Medical Assisting Diploma (D45400)Medical Assisting Diploma (D45400)
$3,192estimated costVance-Granville Community College (Henderson, NC, public) runs this diploma. At the published rate of $76 per credit, the program comes to about $3,192 (estimated).
- Cost
- $3,192estimated: $76/credit × 42
- Credits
- 42
- EKG
- Pharmacology
Prepares for- CMAAAMA
Admission and cost of the Vance-Granville Community College diploma · All 2 medical assisting programs at Vance-Granville Community College
All 879 Affordable Medical Assistant Programs
Filter by credential, format, CMA (AAMA) eligibility, skills, exam, schedule and state; tick up to three programs to compare them side by side.
879 programs
- Certificate
- Cost
- $575estimated: $46/credit × 12.5
- Credits
- 12.5
- Certificate
- Cost
- $598estimated: $46/credit × 13
- Length
- 16 wk1 semester
- Credits
- 13
- Certificate
- Cost
- $943estimated: $46/credit × 20.5
- Length
- 32 wk2 semesters
- Credits
- 20.5
- Externship
- Included
- Pharmacology
- CertificateCAAHEPCMA (AAMA) eligible
Certificate - Medical Assisting at Carteret Community College: Admission, Cost and Length
Carteret Community College school facts and programs · Morehead City, NC
- Cost
- $1,064estimated: $76/credit × 14
- Length
- 32 wk2 semesters (fall, spring)
- Credits
- 14
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,064estimated: $76/credit × 14
- Credits
- 14
- CertificateCAAHEPCMA (AAMA) eligible
CCMA Development Prep Certificate at Ivy Tech Community College: Cost, Length and Externship
Ivy Tech Community College school facts and programs · Indianapolis, IN
- Cost
- $1,070published total, 2025-27
- Length
- 16 wk1 semester
- Credits
- 6
- CCMANHA
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,104estimated: $46/credit × 24
- Credits
- 24
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,173estimated: $46/credit × 25.5
- Credits
- 25.5
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,200estimated: $2/clock hour × 600
- Length
- 40 wk
- Hours
- 600clock hours
- Phlebotomy
- EKG
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,216estimated: $76/credit × 16
- Credits
- 16
- CertificateCAAHEPCMA (AAMA) eligible
Medical Assisting Certificate (C45400) at Stanly Community College: Admission, Cost and Length
Stanly Community College school profile and campuses · Albemarle, NC
- Cost
- $1,216estimated: $76/credit × 16
- Length
- 32 wk2 semesters
- Credits
- 16
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,219estimated: $46/credit × 26.5
- Length
- 48 wk3 semesters
- Credits
- 26.5
- Externship
- Included
- CCMANHA
- CertificateCAAHEPCMA (AAMA) eligible
Medical Assisting, Certificate of Specialization (CS) at Olympic College: Cost, Length and Externship
Olympic College school facts and programs · Bremerton, WA
- Cost
- $1,361estimated: $136/credit × 10
- Length
- 44 wk
- Credits
- 10
- Externship
- Included
- CertificateCAAHEPCMA (AAMA) eligible
Medical Assisting Certificate at South Piedmont Community College: Admission, Cost and Length
South Piedmont Community College school facts and programs · Polkton, NC
- Cost
- $1,368estimated: $76/credit × 18
- Length
- 26 wk6 months
- Credits
- 18
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,380estimated: $46/credit × 30
- Credits
- 30
- Externship
- Included
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,380estimated: $46/credit × 30
- Credits
- 30
- Pharmacology
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,426estimated: $46/credit × 31
- Credits
- 31
- Externship
- Included
- Phlebotomy
- EKG
- CMAAAMA
- RMAAMT
- NCMANCCT
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,472estimated: $46/credit × 32
- Length
- 32 wkTwo semesters
- Credits
- 32
- Externship
- 160 hours
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,500published total
- Hours
- 600clock hours
- Externship
- Included
- Phlebotomy
- EKG
- Billing and coding
- Pharmacology
- CMAAAMA
- NCMANCCT
- Certificate
- Cost
- $1,500published total, 2026-27
- Externship
- Included
- Phlebotomy
No programs match these filters.
Program facts come from each school's own pages, reviewed October 2026. Cost is the school's published program total, or its published per-credit rate times the stated credits, marked "estimated"; totals often leave out books, fees and exam costs. Length is converted to weeks from the school's wording. Accreditation and "CMA (AAMA) eligible" come only from the CAAHEP and ABHES directories, captured October 12, 2026. Exam badges show the certification exams the program's page names.
Affordable and Accredited: The CMA Route Without the Price Tag
If you want the CMA (AAMA), you need a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. Of the 879 programs in this set, 180 are accredited, and several of the least expensive are among them:
| Program | Length or size | Cost | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carteret Community College (NC) | 2 semesters, 14 credits | $1,064 estimated | On campus, fall start |
| Stanly Community College (NC) | 2 semesters, 16 credits | $1,216 estimated | Day classes, fall start |
| Pasadena City College (CA) | 11 months, 40 units | $1,840 estimated | Day and evening classes; names the CMA |
| Collin County Community College District (TX) | 31 credits | $2,015 estimated | At least 160 clinical hours in a physician’s office |
| Lake Technical College (FL) | About 30 weeks, 900 clock hours | $2,592 tuition | 190-hour practicum; 96.5% exam passage, 100% placement (2020-2024) |
| Tarrant County College (TX) | 40 credits | $2,960 published | Practicum at partner facilities |
| Vance-Granville Community College (NC) | Diploma, 42 credits | $3,192 estimated | 73.77% five-year job placement |
| Erwin Technical College (FL) | 10 months, 900 clock hours | $5,300 published | ABHES accredited; 200-hour externship |
| Hawkeye Community College (IA) | 1 year, 33 credits | $7,953 estimated | 200 or more externship hours; 98% exam passage (2020-2024) |
Pasadena City College shows why estimates need context: tuition is $1,840 for 40 units, but the college puts the total program cost at about $4,000 with books, uniforms and fees. Even so, that is a fraction of a private diploma. Check any program’s status with the accredited program checker, and see every accredited option on the accredited programs page.
What the Price Leaves Out
Two programs with the same tuition can cost very different amounts by graduation. Read what each figure covers:
- Books and supplies: Cerro Coso adds about $1,230 on top of $943 in tuition. Pioneer Technology Center adds $1,049.
- All-in totals: Coastal Alabama Community College lists $8,976 in program tuition and an estimated $10,705 with all costs, in-state. Southern Union State Community College publishes $13,833.50 including books, supplies, insurance and certification exam fees.
- Career school bundles: Fortis College lists $18,572, covering tuition, textbooks, a student kit, the certification exam fee and a laptop. UEI College-Phoenix lists $20,900 including books, supplies and uniforms.
- Residency: Cerro Coso charges nonresidents $389 per unit against $46 for residents. Coastal Alabama’s out-of-state tuition is $14,828.
The medical assistant school cost guide breaks down the full cost of training.
Medical Assistant Certification Cost
The exam is a separate cost unless your program bundles it. Fees come from each certifying body:
| Exam | Fee | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| CMA (AAMA) | $125 members, $250 nonmembers | Exam; recertify every 60 months, $80 or $160 by continuing education |
| RMA (AMT) | $150 | Application, exam and first annual fee |
| NCMA (NCCT) | $119 | Exam |
| CCMA (NHA) | Set at registration by NHA | Exam; renew every two years with 10 continuing education credits |
Some programs fold the exam into tuition. Contra Costa Medical Career College includes the certification exam in its $6,942 total, and Fortis includes the exam fee in its total. Pike County Career Technology Center lists NHA exam fees separately from its $2,100 total. Find the exams you qualify for with the certification pathway tool.
Grant-Funded and Employer-Paid Training
A few programs cost the student little or nothing:
- Ivy Tech Community College’s technical certificate lists $6,957 in estimated tuition but says it may be free through Next Level Jobs for eligible Indiana students. It is CAAHEP accredited, and its Evansville campus reports a 97.18% CMA (AAMA) pass rate.
- Holyoke Community College’s Jump Start Medical Assistant Program in Massachusetts is grant funded with no cost to participants.
- Red River Technology Center in Oklahoma charges $1,500 with no textbook, supply or fee charges.
Online and Hybrid Options on a Budget
Online coursework does not reliably lower the price. Of the 879 programs here, 407 list online coursework and 397 are hybrid, but only 7 are fully online, and the rates are often the same or higher:
- South Piedmont Community College in North Carolina runs a 6-month hybrid certificate, CAAHEP accredited, for an estimated $1,368.
- Red Rocks Community College in Colorado charges residents $183.75 per credit on campus and $301.85 per credit online. Its hybrid certificate includes a 225-hour internship and reports 91.38% job placement.
- Rasmussen University-Florida charges $339 per credit for campus and online students, an estimated $17,289 for its ABHES-accredited diploma.
- Bryan University’s online certificate uses a virtual externship through NHA.
Compare more formats on the online programs page.
Is the Low-Cost Route Worth It?
The BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education, so a $1,500 certificate and a $20,000 diploma qualify you for the same entry-level job. The BLS puts median pay at $45,690 a year in 2025, which matters when you weigh how long a loan would take to repay.
Published outcomes do not favor the expensive programs either. Lake Technical College reports 96.5% exam passage and 100% placement at about $2,592 in tuition. Among private schools, UEI College-Huntington Park reports 43% in-field placement for 2024 and American Career College-Los Angeles 64%.
Private schools do sell speed and frequent starts: UEI starts classes about every four weeks and Unitek College twice a month, while Carteret and Stanly start their certificates only in fall. If waiting a semester costs you more than the price difference, that can tip the decision.
How to Find the Best Value
- Check your residency rate first. Pioneer Technology Center charges $6,000 out of state against $1,500 in-district.
- Price the whole program. Add books, supplies, uniforms and the exam to any per-credit estimate.
- Filter for accreditation if you want the CMA. 180 programs in this set are CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited, and many are public.
- Confirm it is full training. Skip one-term add-ons and bridge certificates unless you already work as an MA.
- Read outcomes next to price. Exam passage and placement rates show what the money buys.
- Look for grant funding. Ivy Tech’s Next Level Jobs option and Holyoke’s Jump Start show that state and grant programs can cover tuition.
Who the low-cost route suits: anyone who can start on a college calendar and qualifies for in-state rates. If you need to start next month or train in the evenings, a career school may fit better, at a higher price. Compare both in the program matcher, and weigh length against cost with the certificate programs and accelerated programs pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Train as a Medical Assistant at No Cost?
Sometimes. Ivy Tech says its $6,957 Medical Assisting Technical Certificate may be free through Indiana's Next Level Jobs for eligible students, and Holyoke Community College runs its Jump Start Medical Assistant Program as a grant-funded job training program with no cost to participants.
How Much Does Medical Assistant Certification Cost?
The CMA (AAMA) exam costs $125 for AAMA members and $250 for nonmembers. AMT's RMA fee is $150 and includes the first annual fee, and NCCT's NCMA exam is $119. Some program totals, such as Contra Costa Medical Career College's $6,942, already include the exam.
What Is the Most Affordable Accredited Medical Assistant Program?
Carteret Community College in North Carolina has the lowest estimated cost among CAAHEP- and ABHES-accredited programs here: $1,064 for its 14-credit certificate at $76 per credit in-state, before fees. Stanly Community College follows at an estimated $1,216.
Do Out-of-State Students Pay More for Medical Assistant Programs?
Usually a lot more. Cerro Coso Community College charges California residents $46 per unit and nonresidents $389. Pioneer Technology Center in Oklahoma charges in-district adults $1,500, out-of-district students $3,000 and out-of-state students $6,000.
Is a Low-Cost Program Lower Quality?
Not by the published numbers. Lake Technical College, at about $2,592 in tuition, reports 96.5% exam passage and 100% placement for 2020-2024. UEI College-Huntington Park, at $20,900, reports in-field placement of 43% for 2024.
Are Online Medical Assistant Programs Less Expensive?
Not reliably. Red Rocks Community College charges Colorado residents $183.75 per credit on campus and $301.85 online, and Rasmussen University charges the same $339 per credit for campus and online students.
Related Medical Assistant Program Lists
Sources
- Official program, tuition and admissions pages of each school listed, reviewed October 2026
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), accredited medical assisting programs, captured October 12, 2026
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), directory of programmatically accredited programs, captured October 12, 2026
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2022-23 completions: medical assisting awards (CIP 51.0801)
- AAMA: CMA (AAMA) exam eligibility and fees
- AAMA: CMA (AAMA) recertification
- AMT: Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) eligibility
- NHA: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- NCCT: National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Assistants