Most important takeaways…
- No state license required in PA, but employers want national certification.
- LVHN and St. Luke's pay trainees to become medical assistants.
- Allentown MAs earn $41,630 median; top 10% make $49,890.
Medical Assistant Schools in Allentown, PA | 2026 Guide
Compare accredited programs, costs, and outcomes within commuting distance of Allentown — with practitioner-informed insights to help you choose.
Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network employ thousands of medical assistants across dozens of clinics and hospitals within a short commute of Allentown.
Pennsylvania does not license medical assistants, but local hiring managers almost always require a national credential like the CMA or RMA. The right training program prepares you to pass that exam and stand out to these major employers.
In the Allentown area, you can choose between certificate and associate degree tracks, with costs spanning from free employer-sponsored on-the-job training at LVHN and St. Luke’s to affordable community college options. Median pay for medical assistants in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro is $41,630.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Allentown
Pennsylvania stands out as one of the states with no licensure, registration, or state certification requirement for medical assistants.1 That regulatory simplicity can be misleading, though, because nearly every major employer in the Lehigh Valley expects you to hold a nationally recognized credential before they will consider your application.
Pennsylvania's Approach to MA Practice
Under 49 Pa. Code § 18.402, medical assistants work under delegation from a licensed provider.1 You perform only the clinical and administrative tasks your supervising physician or advanced practice provider is legally permitted to delegate, and that clinician remains responsible for your work. This means you can draw blood, take vital signs, administer injections, assist with exams, and handle front-office duties, but you cannot prescribe medications or independently diagnose patients.
Because the state does not require any MA certification, the hiring standards come from employers themselves. In the Allentown area, that typically means LVHN, St. Luke's University Health Network, and private practices all strongly prefer or require either the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) credential.
The Step-by-Step Path
Becoming a working medical assistant in Allentown follows a predictable sequence:
- Complete an accredited program: Enroll in a certificate or associate degree program at one of the accredited medical assistant schools in Pennsylvania that are accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. This is the foundation that qualifies you to sit for national certification exams.
- Pass a national certification exam: Most graduates choose the CMA exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, though the registered medical assistant certification, offered by AMT, is another widely accepted option. Each credential has slightly different eligibility pathways and exam structures.
- Apply to local employers: With your credential in hand, you can apply to health systems and clinics across the Lehigh Valley. Many employers also check for current CPR certification.
CMA vs. RMA: Which Credential Should You Pursue?
The CMA (AAMA) is the most common choice among Allentown-area employers. It requires completion of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program and passing a certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The RMA, administered by AMT, offers slightly different eligibility routes and is also accepted at most local practices. Both credentials demonstrate competency in clinical and administrative skills, and both satisfy the typical employer requirement in the region.
How Long Does It Take?
Your timeline depends on the program format you choose:
- Certificate programs: Typically run 9 to 12 months. These focus tightly on core MA skills and prepare you for certification exams quickly.
- Associate degree programs: Usually take 18 to 24 months. Along with clinical training, you complete general education courses that can transfer toward future degrees.
From enrollment to first day on the job, most students finish in under two years, and those pursuing certificates can be working in under a year.
Steps From Enrollment to Your First Medical Assistant Job
From choosing a school to starting your first job, here’s the timeline most Allentown-area medical assistant students follow. The entire journey centers on one decision: picking a program that makes you eligible to sit for the CMA or RMA exam.
Accreditation: CAAHEP vs. ABHES and Why It Matters
Two accreditation bodies dominate medical assistant education: CAAHEP and ABHES. Both pave a path to certification, but the type of school they oversee can shape your training experience.
Why Accreditation Matters for Your Career
Accreditation is not a bureaucratic checkbox: it determines whether your education qualifies you for the credentials most Lehigh Valley employers expect. Both the CAAHEP and ABHES are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and meet the educational requirements for the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) exam from the American Association of Medical Assistants and the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) exam from American Medical Technologists. If your program lacks medical assistant program accreditation, you might find yourself locked out of those certification exams, and consequently, out of many job opportunities.
CAAHEP vs. ABHES: What's the Difference?
While both accredit medical assistant programs, the type of institution they typically serve sets them apart. CAAHEP, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, is the older and larger of the two, commonly found at community colleges and universities. In the Allentown area, Lehigh Carbon Community College exemplifies this pathway. ABHES, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, tends to accredit more career-focused technical or private schools, many of which are accredited medical assistant trade schools. Their curriculum standards share the same core competencies: phlebotomy, EKG, pharmacology, clinical procedures, but each organization has its own approval process and site evaluation rhythm. Either accreditation will get you to the same certification exams, so for most students the choice comes down to which school fits their schedule and budget, not which accreditor they see on a diploma.
Accreditation Status of Allentown-Area Programs
Before you enroll, verify a program's current status directly on the accreditor's website. Here is what we found for schools within 50 miles of Allentown as of 2026:
- Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville: CAAHEP-accredited since 1983, with continuing status.1 This long track record makes it a dependable option.
- McCann School of Business and Technology-Allentown: CAAHEP-accredited since 2013, currently in good standing.1
- Lincoln Tech Allentown: Offers a Medical Assistant program2, but its programmatic accreditation through CAAHEP or ABHES is not confirmed in the latest directories. Prospective students should ask the admissions office directly about current status and eligibility for certification exams.
- Berks Technical Institute in Wyomissing: Its Medical Clinical Assisting program3 is listed on some approved lists, but direct confirmation of CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation is lacking. Contact the school for documentation before committing.
No ABHES-accredited medical assistant programs were identified within the 50-mile radius. If you are considering a private career school that claims ABHES accreditation, double-check the ABHES directory online.
The Risk of Attending an Unaccredited Program
Graduating from a program without CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation can sideline your career plans. Many Lehigh Valley healthcare systems, including major networks like Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network, screen for the CMA credential when hiring medical assistants. If your program does not meet the educational pathway for the CMA exam, you may be forced to rely solely on the RMA or other certifications, and some employers prefer the CMA. Worse, you could incur debt for a certificate that holds little weight. Always verify accreditation independently: your future career depends on it.
Certificate vs. Associate Degree: Which Path Fits You?
Choosing between a certificate and an associate degree comes down to your timeline, budget, and career goals. Both paths can qualify you for national certification, but they offer different depths of education and long-term opportunities.
| Certificate | Associate Degree |
|---|---|
| 9 to 12 months | 18 to 24 months |
| Lower overall tuition due to fewer credits | Higher tuition, but often more financial aid options available |
| Hands-on clinical and administrative skills; minimal general education | Includes general education (math, English, sciences) plus expanded healthcare coursework |
| National median earnings for certificate holders are around $30,000 early career | Graduates often earn 10 to 15% more on average, according to federal data |
| Prepares you for entry-level medical assistant roles | Opens doors to supervisory positions, office management, or bachelor's degree pathways |
| Eligible if program is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited | Eligible if program is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Can you commit 18-24 months for an associate degree, or do you need to start working within a year with a certificate?
A certificate gets you into the workforce quickly, but an associate degree often leads to broader career options and higher long-term earnings. Consider your timeline and whether you can invest the extra time now.
Do you need evening or weekend classes because you are working full-time, and which local schools offer those schedules?
Many Allentown-area programs run on a traditional daytime schedule. If you need flexible hours, confirm that your preferred school actually offers evening, weekend, or hybrid options before you enroll.
Would a free employer-sponsored training program like LVHN's be a better fit than paying tuition, even if it means a work commitment afterward?
Free training removes upfront costs but often requires a two-year employment commitment. If you value immediate job placement and zero debt, this path can be smart, but it limits your ability to change employers early on.
Is your target employer more likely to hire CMA or RMA holders, and does your chosen program's accreditation support the credential you need?
LVHN and St. Luke's often prefer the CMA credential from CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited programs. If you aim for a private practice, the RMA may be accepted. Aligning accreditation with your desired credential prevents costly retraining later.
Program Costs and Financial Aid in the Allentown Area
The cost of a medical assistant education in the Allentown area splits into two tiers: affordable public community colleges and higher-priced private career schools. Your final bill depends heavily on where you live, what financial aid you receive, and which type of institution you choose.
Public Community College Costs
Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) offers the most local-friendly pricing. In-district residents of Lehigh and Carbon counties pay about $9,300 in tuition and fees for the certificate program, and the institution-wide average net price after all aid is just $9,203. That figure reflects what the typical LCCC student actually pays, making the program accessible for many local families.
Other regional public options show similar affordability. Bucks County Community College reports an average net price of $6,389, Raritan Valley Community College $6,778, and Delaware County Community College $6,576. At Reading Area Community College, the total program tuition is advertised around $10,183, including books, and its average net price sits at $9,228. These numbers are not exact quotes for every medical assistant enrollee, but they show that public two-year schools consistently deliver training for well under $12,000 after aid.
Private School and University Program Costs
Private colleges and career schools cost more. The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology reports an average net price of $17,850 for an associate degree, while Orleans Technical College’s 25-week certificate has an institution-wide net price of $20,113. Eastern University’s associate program averages $26,662 after aid, and Drexel University’s apprenticeship certificate program carries an average net price of $38,509. These schools may offer accelerated formats or specialized tracks, but the sticker price is substantially higher than a community college.
How Financial Aid Changes the Picture
Most medical assistant students use federal aid to bridge the gap. At LCCC, 74% of students receive Pell Grants, which are need-based and do not need to be repaid. Federal student loans, work-study, and state grants further reduce upfront costs. Several schools, including Pennsylvania Institute of Technology and Lansdale School of Business, offer internal payment plans and scholarships. The key takeaway: file the FAFSA as early as possible. Even if you plan to pay out of pocket, you might qualify for funds you never have to pay back. The institution-wide net price numbers show that real out-of-pocket costs run thousands of dollars below the listed tuition, especially at public colleges.
Employer-Sponsored Training: LVHN and St. Luke's Free Pathways
Employer-sponsored training in the Lehigh Valley means health systems hire you as a trainee and pay you while you learn. Instead of paying tuition, you earn a wage and graduate into a full-time medical assistant role. For Allentown residents, two major health networks offer these no-cost pathways: Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and St. Luke’s University Health Network.
Lehigh Valley Health Network’s MA Training Program
LVHN’s Medical Assistant Training Program runs over 16 weeks, full-time, with no experience or college degree required.1 You need a high school diploma or GED to apply. The program is tuition-free1, though trainees should budget roughly $400 for books, scrubs, and supplies.1 LVHN’s 2026 cohort ran from February 2 through May 221, with applications accepted via resume upload on LVHN’s Medical Assistant Trainee job posting. After completing the program, graduates transition directly into a full-time MA position at an LVHN practice. This commitment to hire after training is a core piece of the deal.
St. Luke’s University Health Network’s Paid Pathway
St. Luke’s offers a shorter paid trainee program that lasts about six weeks. It combines classroom instruction with clinical experience before you step into a full-time medical assistant role within the network. The application process is year-round: you check the current openings on St. Luke’s paid trainee and apprentice programs and apply for the Medical Assistant Trainee or Apprentice posting. Like LVHN, St. Luke’s covers training costs and pays you during the learning period, then guarantees a job upon completion.
What’s the Catch? Trade-Offs to Consider
These employer-sponsored pathways are rare in healthcare education, but they come with conditions.
- Guaranteed job comes with a lock-in period: Both networks expect you to work for them for a set time after training, often 12 to 24 months. Leaving earlier could mean repaying training costs.
- Schedule rigidity: Both programs run on a fixed, full-time schedule during the training phase. LVHN’s is a 40-hour week; St. Luke’s is similarly intensive. If you need evening or weekend-only training, these won’t fit.
- Location lock: You train where the employer needs you, and your post-training placement could be at any network clinic across the Lehigh Valley.
- Limited cohort size and start dates: LVHN’s program runs in specific cohorts, so you may have to wait for the next round. St. Luke’s postings come and go, so you need to watch their career site.
If flexibility matters more than a guaranteed job, a traditional program at a community college might suit you better. But for those who can commit, the no-tuition model is hard to beat.
How to Apply for a Free MA Training Slot
Yes, free medical assistant training really exists in the Lehigh Valley, and here’s how to pursue it:
- LVHN: Visit the LVHN careers page, search for “Medical Assistant Trainee,” and upload your resume. The next cohort may not be posted yet, so check back or contact their talent acquisition team directly.
- St. Luke’s: Head to careers.slhn.org and search for “medical assistant trainee” or “apprentice.” Click “View openings” to see what’s accepting applications. You can usually apply online and may be invited for an interview and basic skills assessment.
These programs are a standout feature of the Allentown-area training landscape, giving locals a debt-free path into a growing field with two of the region’s largest employers.
Externships and Clinical Placements Near Allentown
An medical assistant externship is the hands-on clinical rotation that turns classroom knowledge into real patient care skills. During this phase, you practice phlebotomy, record EKGs, take vital signs, and manage patient intake, the core clinical medical assistant duties, under the supervision of experienced professionals. Accredited MA programs require externships to ensure you graduate with the practical confidence employers expect.
What to Expect from an Externship
Most programs set aside 160 to 240 hours for the externship, often scheduled as full-time weeks near the end of your training. You will work in a real healthcare setting: a physician's office, an urgent care center, or a hospital outpatient department, performing the same tasks you studied in the lab. The site determines your daily schedule, and you are responsible for your own transportation and meals.
Lincoln Tech’s Externship Setup
Lincoln Tech’s Allentown campus includes an externship as a graduation requirement. The program describes it as roughly 160 to 180 hours1 spread over about five weeks, though the exact schedule is set by the clinical site2. The school handles placement for you5, working with a network of local healthcare providers3 to find a site in your community4. While many students complete their externship near Allentown, specific partner names, such as individual LVHN or St. Luke’s facilities, are not published. That means your placement could be in a family practice, a specialty clinic, or an urgent care center somewhere within the Lehigh Valley.
Placement Details for Other Area Programs
For Lehigh Carbon Community College, McCann School of Business and Technology, and Berks Technical Institute, current public materials do not detail externship hours, partner lists, or whether the school or the student arranges the site. If you are considering one of these programs, asking the admissions office directly about their clinical placement process is essential. You will want to know how many hours are required, whether the school guarantees a placement, and what types of practices typically host their students.
Accessing Clinical Sites Across the Lehigh Valley
Allentown’s location in the heart of the Lehigh Valley gives you a major advantage: a dense mix of hospitals, medical centers, and private practices within a short commute. The region includes major networks like Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network, plus dozens of independent clinics. Students living in Bethlehem, Easton, Quakertown, or Reading often find that their externship site is a manageable drive from home. If you have a preference for a certain city or facility, talk with your program coordinator early, while placement decisions rest with the school and the clinical site, knowing your location needs can sometimes influence where you end up.
Did you know? Lincoln Tech Allentown offers evening and afternoon medical assistant classes alongside its day schedule, plus a Blended Learning option with online coursework. However, the required internship is still completed during daytime hours, whether you enroll in the day or evening program (source: Lincoln Tech Allentown 2026 program details).
Career Outlook and Earnings for Allentown Medical Assistants
In the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro area, medical assistants earn a median annual wage of $41,630, with the middle 50% making between about $39,530 and $44,790. The lower 10% earn around $35,200, while the top 10% reach roughly $49,890, showing a modest spread. The area employed 1,720 medical assistants as of 2023. The table highlights how Allentown stacks up against other Pennsylvania metros, where pay tends to be similar, though larger markets like Philadelphia offer a bit more. Nationally, the field is projected to add jobs at a 12% pace through 2034, and the ongoing growth of major Lehigh Valley health networks like LVHN and St. Luke's suggests continued local demand.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 1,720 | $41,630 | $39,530 | $44,790 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 12,650 | $45,830 | $40,140 | $47,800 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 4,560 | $39,500 | $37,250 | $44,030 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 1,420 | $40,720 | $38,140 | $44,520 |
| Lancaster, PA | 1,040 | $41,620 | $37,770 | $44,830 |
| Reading, PA | 810 | $44,710 | $38,190 | $47,470 |
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs Serving Allentown Students
Below are the top medical assistant programs serving Allentown students, ranked by completion data, accreditation status, and program fit. Most campuses are within a 30- to 60-minute drive of Allentown, with options in Philadelphia, Hazleton, Bucks County, and the Lehigh Valley suburbs.
How we ranked these
Factors considered
- First-year retention rates weigh most
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Accreditation status and exam alignment
- Net price and aid accessibility
- Commute practicality for Allentown learners
Data sources
- Federal institutional data (NCES-IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- BEA Regional Price Parities (state cost of living) — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) — caahep.org
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
Drexel University
#1Philadelphia, PA · $39,000/yr (est. net price)
Best for: Paid apprenticeship seekers in healthcare
Drexel's Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Apprenticeship is a 12-month paid pathway that blends online coursework, on-the-job training, and in-person clinical instruction. Apprentices are hired by partner hospitals and clinics, earn wages while training, and prepare for the National Healthcareer Association certification exam. Graduates receive journeyworker papers from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, and the program was developed with the College of Medicine and Goodwin College to prioritize health equity and community access.
- 12-month paid apprenticeship
- Blends online coursework with on-the-job training and in-person clinical instruction
- Apprentices hired by partner hospitals and clinics
- Earn wages while training
- Prepares for National Healthcareer Association certification exam
- Graduates receive Pennsylvania Department of Labor journeyworker papers
- Developed with College of Medicine and Goodwin College
- Focus on health equity and community access
Orleans Technical College
#2Philadelphia, PA · $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Hands-on learners wanting evening classes
Orleans Technical College offers a 25-week Clinical Medical Assistant program with a 5-week externship in real patient settings. The curriculum covers phlebotomy, EKG, and patient care procedures, and students can earn NHA Certified Medical Assistant, CPR/AED, and optional phlebotomy and EKG certifications. An evening option spans 14 months for working adults, and dedicated advisors support job placement through an employer network.
- 25-week program plus 5-week externship
- Covers phlebotomy, EKG, and patient care procedures
- Prepares for NHA Certified Medical Assistant certification
- CPR/AED certification included; optional phlebotomy and EKG certifications
- Evening option spans 14 months
- Employer partner network and dedicated job placement support
- Financial aid available
- Careers in doctors' offices, clinics, and hospitals
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton
#3Hazleton, PA · $18,000/yr (est. net price)
Best for: Working adults in northern Lehigh Valley
Penn State Hazleton's Clinical Medical Assisting certificate provides 140 hours of classroom instruction in medication administration, EKG procedures, lab specimen collection, and patient education. An optional 160-hour clinical component offers individualized hands-on experience, and evening classes accommodate working adults. The program serves as a stepping stone to CMA, LPN, or RN pathways, and graduates are eligible for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam.
- 140 hours of classroom instruction
- Optional 160-hour clinical experience
- Evening classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
- Covers medication administration, EKG, lab specimen collection, patient education
- Graduates eligible for NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam
- Pathway to CMA, LPN, or RN roles
- Campus-based continuing education program
Bucks County Community College
#4Newtown, PA · $6,000/yr (est. net price)
Bucks County Community College offers a 38-credit Medical Assistant Certificate with 160 clinical hours and a daytime externship in a real medical setting. The curriculum covers medical terminology, clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, medical coding, insurance billing, and administrative operations. Full-time students can finish in about one year, with no weekend or evening clinical hours.
- 38 total credit hours
- 160-hour clinical externship
- No weekend or evening clinical hours
- Covers medical terminology, clinical procedures, lab techniques, coding, billing
- CPR certification required
- Background check and drug screen required
- Full-time completion in about one year
Eastern University
#5Saint Davids, PA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr (est.)
Hispanic-Serving Institution
Eastern University's Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting is a 67-credit, four-semester program that includes an externship in the final term. The curriculum spans medical terminology, clinical procedures, phlebotomy, EKG technology, pharmacology, and medical law, with an emphasis on holistic patient care and social justice. Admissions require standard undergraduate application materials.
- 67 total credit hours across four semesters
- Includes clinical externship in final term
- Covers phlebotomy, EKG technology, pharmacology, and medical law
- Emphasizes holistic patient care and social justice
- Admission requires standard undergraduate application materials
Raritan Valley Community College
#6Branchburg, NJ · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Hispanic-Serving Institution
Raritan Valley Community College's CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assistant Certificate is a 36-credit program combining administrative and clinical training. The program reports a 100% employment rate and an 88.52% cumulative exam pass rate, and graduates are prepared for the CMA or RMA exams. Prerequisites include math proficiency, technological competency, BLS certification, and a background check before the practicum.
CAAHEP accredited
- CAAHEP accredited
- 36 total credit hours
- 100% employment rate reported
- 88.52% cumulative exam pass rate
- Prepares for CMA and RMA exams
- Professional practicum in medical offices
- Prerequisites include math proficiency, BLS certification, and background check
Lansdale School of Business
#7North Wales, PA · ~$27,000/yr (est.)
Lansdale School of Business offers an Associate in Specialized Business Degree in Allied Health-Medical Assistant focused on clinical and administrative skills for physician offices and clinics. Students receive hands-on training in blood drawing, EKG, medication administration, and medical office administration, with an externship for real-world experience. Financial aid is available and VA benefits are accepted.
- Associate in Specialized Business degree
- Includes required externship
- Hands-on training in blood drawing, EKG, and medication administration
- Covers medical office administration and clinical laboratory skills
- Minimum 2.00 GPA required; C grade in medical courses
- Financial aid available; VA benefits accepted
- Career services provided
Montgomery County Community College
#8Blue Bell, PA · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
Montgomery County Community College's 31-credit Medical Assisting Certificate prepares students for dual administrative and clinical roles, with coursework in medical terminology, office technologies, law and ethics, clinical procedures, and laboratory techniques. Graduates are qualified to take the AMT RMA and NHA CCMA certification exams, and the program includes a practicum.
- 31 total credit hours
- Prepares for AMT RMA and NHA CCMA exams
- Administrative and clinical training
- Includes a practicum
- Covers medical terminology, office technologies, law and ethics, clinical procedures
- Problem solving and critical thinking emphasis
Sussex County Community College
#9Newton, NJ · $6,000 – $9,000/yr (est.)
Sussex County Community College's CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assistant Certificate is a 36-credit program that combines administrative and clinical training, including patient scheduling, medical billing, lab specimen collection, and assisting physicians during exams. Graduates are eligible for CMA, RMA, and CCMA certification exams, and the college reports a 100% CMA exam passage rate over the past five years. Financial aid is available through FAFSA.
CAAHEP accredited
- CAAHEP accredited
- 36 total credit hours
- 100% CMA exam passage rate over past five years
- Prepares for CMA, RMA, and CCMA exams
- Covers patient scheduling, medical billing, and lab specimen collection
- Personal interview required for admission
- Financial aid available through FAFSA
Delaware County Community College
#10Media, PA · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Delaware County Community College offers two CAAHEP-aligned medical assisting pathways: a 60-credit Associate in Applied Science and a Certificate of Proficiency. The associate degree requires a 2.5 GPA and a C or better in allied health courses, with placement tests in math, reading, and English; the certificate is hybrid and includes the national certification exam in tuition. Both paths include clinical externships in local medical offices.
- 60 credit hour program
- Requires 2.5 GPA
- C or better in allied health courses
- Placement tests in math, reading, and English required
- Full-time and part-time plans available
- Includes clinical externship in local medical offices
- Liability insurance included
- Uniforms, background checks, and vaccines required
CAAHEP accredited
- CAAHEP accredited
- 88.89% certificate retention rate
- Prepares for national certification exam offered by AAMA
- Clinical externships in local medical offices
- National certification exam included in tuition
- Requires CPR certification and background check
- Hybrid format with administrative and clinical duties
Common Questions About Medical Assistant Training in Allentown
Here are answers to common questions about medical assistant training and careers in the Allentown area, based on local programs and 2026 industry standards.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Allentown, PA?
Medical assistant program length in the Allentown area varies from about 6 weeks to 13 months. For example, Lincoln Tech's diploma takes 37 weeks1, Northampton Community College's specialized diploma is 12 months2, and LVHN's paid training is 16 weeks full-time3. Most Allentown-area certificate programs finish in under a year.
What is the difference between a certified medical assistant (CMA) and a registered medical assistant (RMA)?
The CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) is issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants, while the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) comes from American Medical Technologists. Both credentials are nationally recognized; earning a CMA certification shows you've met industry standards. Employers in the Lehigh Valley typically accept either, though some may prefer one over the other, so check job listings.
Are there free medical assistant training programs in the Lehigh Valley?
Yes, Lehigh Valley Health Network offers a paid medical assistant training program at no cost to participants. It runs 16 weeks full-time3 and includes classroom and clinical experience. Free community-college programs are not widely available in the Lehigh Valley, but this employer-sponsored option can launch your career without tuition expense.
Can I work as a medical assistant in Pennsylvania without certification?
Pennsylvania does not require medical assistants to be certified or licensed, so you can legally work as a medical assistant without certification. However, most Allentown employers prefer or require certification because it demonstrates competence and can affect hiring and pay. Earning your CMA or RMA makes you a stronger candidate in the competitive job market.
What is the average salary for a medical assistant in Allentown, PA?
Statewide, medical assistants in Pennsylvania earn an average of $42,810 per year or $20.68 per hour, according to O*NET. Local sources suggest a range of $34,000 to $46,000 in the Allentown area, with actual pay depending on experience, certification, and employer type. Larger health systems like LVHN and St. Luke's often offer competitive wages and benefits.
