Most important takeaways…
- Arizona projects over 45% medical assistant job growth this decade.
- Most accredited programs cost under $2,500 per year at community colleges.
- Certification is not state required but strongly preferred by employers.
Arizona's Best Medical Assistant Schools: Top Programs Ranked & Reviewed
Compare accredited medical assistant programs in Arizona by cost, length, and graduate outcomes to choose the right school for your healthcare career.
Arizona's healthcare industry is expanding faster than the national average, and medical assistant jobs are projected to increase by over 45% this decade. Clinics, hospitals, and outpatient centers need skilled MAs who can handle both clinical and administrative tasks.
Pay reflects this demand: entry-level medical assistants earn around $34,000 a year, while experienced professionals in metro Phoenix or Tucson can reach $48,000 or more.
Arizona's accredited programs range from nine-month certificates to two-year associate degrees, with several schools offering online or hybrid formats. Because most employers now expect CMA or RMA certification regardless of state requirements, choosing a program with strong externship placements and exam prep can make the difference between a job offer and a longer job hunt, so nailing your medical assistant interview is crucial.
How We Rank the Best Medical Assistant Schools in Arizona
Choosing between a quick certificate and a more comprehensive associate degree shapes your entire career trajectory, so our ranking methodology accounts for multiple factors that matter across both paths.
Accreditation Comes First
Every program on our list holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This is non-negotiable. Without proper accreditation, graduates cannot sit for national certification exams like the Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMA) or RMA, and many Arizona employers will not consider applicants from non-accredited programs. We screened out any school that did not meet this baseline before evaluating anything else.
The Factors We Weighed
Once accreditation was confirmed, we assessed programs across several dimensions:
- Cost: We compared tuition and fees to help students identify affordable medical assistant training programs without sacrificing quality.
- Graduation rates: Programs that successfully support students through completion earned higher marks.
- Program outcomes: Where available, we examined employment rates and early-career earnings to gauge real-world value.
- Online availability: Flexible scheduling matters for students balancing work or family responsibilities, so we noted which schools offer hybrid or fully online medical assistant online programs.
- Clinical placement support: Strong medical assistant externship networks connect students with local healthcare employers.
Where Our Data Comes From
We pulled information from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, which provides standardized metrics across institutions. We supplemented this with details reported directly by schools, including program length, clinical hour requirements, and format options. When data was unavailable or not yet published, we noted that clearly rather than guessing.
Our goal is transparency. Arizona students deserve to compare programs on equal footing, knowing exactly what each school offers and what outcomes they can realistically expect.
Top 10 Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in Arizona
Arizona offers a strong mix of community college and career-school options for aspiring medical assistants, from affordable public programs under $2,500 per year to intensive nine-month certificates at private institutes with built-in externships. Every school on this list holds programmatic accreditation through either CAAHEP or ABHES, meaning graduates are eligible to sit for nationally recognized certification exams such as the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT). Below, we break down what makes each program worth a closer look.
Factors considered
- Programmatic accreditation status
- Graduate outcomes and completion rates
- Net cost and financial aid access
- Clinical training and externship quality
- Student support and career services
Data sources
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
Pima Medical Institute-Phoenix
#1Phoenix, AZ · $23,000/yr
Best for: Hybrid learners seeking workforce funding
Pima Medical Institute's Phoenix campus delivers a focused, nine-month Medical Assistant certificate built around hands-on lab work and a supervised clinical externship. The ABHES-accredited program qualifies graduates to sit for both the CMA and RMA exams, and it is recognized as an eligible training provider through Arizona's WIOA workforce system, which can open the door to tuition assistance for qualifying residents. A hybrid learning option lets students complete didactic coursework online while still getting in-person lab and externship hours in the Phoenix metro area.
- ABHES-accredited, eligible for CMA and RMA exams
- Nine-month completion with hybrid delivery option
- Clinical externship in physicians' offices or hospitals
- Listed as WIOA-eligible for Arizona workforce funding
- Hands-on training with phlebotomy and injection skills
- Career services support including resume coaching
- Covers medical law, pharmacology, and surgical procedures
Pima Medical Institute-East Valley
#2Mesa, AZ · $22,000/yr (net price)
Best for: East Valley residents wanting small-campus support
The East Valley campus in Mesa mirrors Pima Medical Institute's proven nine-month curriculum while serving the fast-growing communities east of Phoenix. It carries the same ABHES accreditation and AAMA recognition as the Phoenix location, and it is listed on AZ Job Connection as a WIOA-eligible program under the Maricopa County workforce board. Students appreciate the smaller campus feel, with a 25-to-1 student-faculty ratio and dedicated career services that include job placement help after graduation.
- ABHES-accredited with CMA and RMA exam eligibility
- Nine-month program with hybrid option available
- Externships in Mesa-area clinics and medical offices
- WIOA-eligible through Maricopa County workforce board
- Requires high school diploma or GED plus typing test
- Career services team for post-graduation job placement
- Covers both clinical and administrative medical assisting
Pima Community College
#3Tucson, AZ · $0 – $5,000/yr
Best for: Budget-conscious students in southern Arizona
Pima Community College in Tucson stands out as one of the most affordable paths to a medical assistant credential in the state, with in-state tuition near $2,400 per year. The one-year certificate includes both front-office and back-office clinical rotations, giving students experience with billing, scheduling, injections, and specimen collection. Financial aid and military benefits are accepted, making this a practical choice for veterans and budget-conscious students in southern Arizona.
- One-year program at roughly $2,400 in-state tuition
- Includes front-office and back-office clinical rotations
- Eligible for Title IV financial aid and VA benefits
- Training in injections, phlebotomy, and specimen collection
- Covers medical coding, billing, and office management
- Pathway to further health science degrees at Pima CC
- Hispanic-Serving Institution with dedicated advising
Pima Medical Institute-Mesa
#4Mesa, AZ · $21,000/yr (net price)
Pima Medical Institute's Mesa campus offers the same ABHES-accredited, nine-month Medical Assistant certificate found at its sister Arizona locations but in a convenient central Mesa setting. The curriculum blends anatomy, pharmacology, and medical law with clinical skills such as phlebotomy and EKG procedures, all practiced on real-world equipment. A clinical externship rounds out the program, and hybrid scheduling helps students balance coursework with outside responsibilities.
- Nine-month ABHES-accredited certificate program
- Hybrid learning option for flexible scheduling
- Clinical externship in local healthcare settings
- Hands-on training in phlebotomy, EKG, and injections
- Career services including resume and interview coaching
- Covers anatomy, pharmacology, and medical law
- Access to PMI student services and mental health resources
GateWay Community College
#5Phoenix, AZ · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
GateWay Community College, part of the Maricopa County Community College District, runs a cohort-based Certificate of Competency in Medical Assisting that includes 200 clinical hours. In-state tuition sits around $2,350, making it one of the most affordable options in the Phoenix metro. The certificate feeds into a district-wide AAS pathway, so students who want to keep studying can stack credits toward an associate degree and eventually transfer to a four-year university through Arizona's public higher-education system.
- Cohort-based format with 200 clinical practicum hours
- In-state tuition approximately $2,350 per year
- Prepares for a nationally recognized certification exam
- Stackable into the Maricopa district AAS in Medical Assisting
- Requires CPR/BLS certification and background check
- Fast-track structure for quicker workforce entry
- Part of Arizona's public-college transfer pathway
Carrington College-Phoenix North
#6Phoenix, AZ
Carrington College's Phoenix North campus offers both a certificate and an associate degree in medical assisting, giving students a stackable credential path within a single institution. The certificate can be completed in as few as nine months, and the curriculum is divided into clinical, administrative, and externship segments. Students train on industry equipment including EKG machines and injection arm trainers, building hands-on confidence before entering the job market.
- Completable in as few as nine months
- Accredited program with stackable AAS option
- Hands-on labs with EKG machines and autoclaves
- Externship in a supervised healthcare setting
- Covers front-office scheduling and insurance coding
- Clinical training in vitals, injections, and wound care
- Experienced instructors with healthcare backgrounds
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
#7Tucson, AZ
Pima Medical Institute's Tucson location rounds out PMI's four-campus Arizona footprint, offering the same ABHES-accredited, nine-month Medical Assistant certificate in a city with a lower cost of living than Phoenix. The hybrid model is available here as well, and students receive the full suite of PMI support services, from career coaching to mental health resources. Graduates are positioned for CMA and RMA certification and can pursue roles in Tucson's growing network of hospitals and outpatient clinics.
- Nine-month ABHES-accredited program in Tucson
- Hybrid delivery with online didactic and in-person labs
- Includes CPR, first aid, and phlebotomy training
- Clinical externship at local healthcare facilities
- Eligible for both CMA and RMA certification exams
- Mental health and student support services included
- Career services with resume building and interview prep
Mohave Community College
#8Kingman, AZ · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
Mohave Community College in Kingman serves rural northwestern Arizona with both a one-year Medical Assisting General Certificate and a 61- to 63-credit AAS, both accredited by CAAHEP through MAERB. In-state tuition runs roughly $2,200 per year, and the programs prepare graduates for the CMA (AAMA) and AMT certification exams. The AAS option is particularly appealing for students who want transfer-ready credits that count toward a bachelor's degree within Arizona's public-college system.
- CAAHEP-accredited through MAERB
- One-year completion for faster workforce entry
- Prepares for CMA (AAMA) national certification
- Includes clinical externship requirement
- In-state tuition approximately $2,200 per year
- Front-office and back-office skill training
- Transfer options into the AAS pathway
- 61 to 63 total credit hours over two years
- CAAHEP-accredited associate degree
- Prepares for AMT and CMA certification exams
- Includes medical coding, billing, and pharmacology
- Clinical externship with 900 minimum clock hours
- TEAS V test and background check required for admission
- Credits can transfer within Arizona public colleges
Central Arizona College
#9Coolidge, AZ · $5,000/yr (net price)
Central Arizona College's CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assistant program operates from the Superstition Mountain Campus near Coolidge, with a total program cost reported at roughly $6,970 for in-state students. The certificate prepares graduates for the AMT certification exam, and the college also offers an AAS that expands the credential to 66 credits. Students benefit from a 15-to-1 student-faculty ratio and access to career and transfer resources for those who want to continue their education within Arizona's community-college network.
- CAAHEP-accredited program at about $6,970 total cost
- Prepares for the AMT (RMA) certification exam
- Offered at the Superstition Mountain Campus
- Covers patient care, law, ethics, and communication
- Financial aid available for qualifying students
- 15-to-1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention
- Stackable into a 66-credit AAS in Medical Assisting
Cochise County Community College District
#10Sierra Vista, AZ · $8,000/yr
Cochise College in Sierra Vista delivers a 27-credit Medical Assistant Certificate that can be completed in two semesters, making it one of the shortest accredited options in the state. In-state tuition is approximately $2,280 per year, and the program includes an externship in a real medical office setting. Graduates are prepared for the NHA certification exam, and with spring and fall start dates, students have flexibility in when they begin.
- 27-credit program completable in two semesters
- In-state tuition approximately $2,280 per year
- Externship in a supervised medical office setting
- Prepares for the NHA certification exam
- Front-office and back-office clinical training
- Two annual start dates for scheduling flexibility
- Fingerprint clearance required for admission
Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot: Arizona
Arizona medical assistants earn a competitive wage that edges above the national median of roughly $42,000.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Medical Assistant Programs in Arizona?
Most Arizona medical assistant programs require a high school diploma or GED as the baseline academic credential. Admissions teams want to see that you have the foundational reading, writing, and math skills needed to handle coursework and clinical duties.
Academic Prerequisites
Beyond the diploma or equivalent, some schools ask for placement tests in math and English, especially if you do not have recent college credits. These are not pass/fail barriers but a way to place you in the right support classes if needed. A handful of programs may recommend or require a minimum GPA from high school or prior college work, though many are open enrollment.
Non-Academic Requirements
Getting into a program often involves more than just transcripts. Common non-academic steps include: - Immunizations: Proof of vaccines like MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, and a current flu shot. - Background check: A criminal background screening is standard, as clinical sites require it. - Drug screening: Most schools mandate a urine drug test before starting clinical rotations. - CPR certification: Many programs require current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification before you begin.
Every school sets its own checklist, so visit the program website or call the admissions office to confirm the latest requirements. Some may also ask for an interview or a short essay on your career goals.
Program Comparison: Cost, Length, and Format at a Glance
Comparing medical assistant programs side by side is one of the smartest moves you can make before enrolling. While we can't publish a universal cost-and-length matrix that stays accurate for every Arizona school, tuition, fees, and schedules change frequently, here's how to build your own reliable comparison and what to look for.
| What to Compare | Where to Find It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance | Each school's financial aid or admissions page; look for the Net Price Calculator that federal law requires schools to publish | Tuition is only part of the picture. Books, supplies, technology fees, uniforms, and background-check costs can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Always request an itemized breakdown before committing. |
| Program Length | School catalog or admissions counselor; confirm whether the timeline is listed in credit hours, clock hours, weeks, or months | Certificate programs in Arizona generally run shorter than associate degree tracks, but accelerated schedules may require a heavier weekly course load. Make sure the pace fits your life. |
| Externship or Clinical Hours | Program curriculum page or student handbook; also check whether the school arranges placements or if you must find your own | Hands-on clinical experience is critical for both certification eligibility and job readiness. Programs vary widely in how many hours they require and where students complete them. |
| Delivery Format | Course schedule section of the school website; ask whether hybrid or online options include any mandatory on-campus sessions | Fully online, hybrid, and in-person formats each have trade-offs in flexibility, lab access, and networking opportunities. Confirm that clinical skills labs are included regardless of format. |
| Accreditation Status | CAAHEP and ABHES directories list currently accredited programs; also verify with the school's accreditation page | Graduating from an accredited program is typically required to sit for the CMA (AAMA) or RMA exam. It also affects financial aid eligibility. |
| Salary and Employment Outcomes | BLS.gov Occupational Outlook Handbook for regional wage data; professional associations like AAMA for industry benchmarks | Understanding typical starting salaries in Arizona helps you weigh whether a program's total cost represents a reasonable return on your investment. |
Medical Assistant Certification Requirements in Arizona
Arizona does not require medical assistants to hold a state license, but the job market has firmly shifted toward certification as a baseline expectation for new hires. Employers across the state, from Phoenix's large health systems to Tucson's private practices, overwhelmingly prefer candidates who have earned a national credential, and there are many reasons to get certified. The path to certification is straightforward, but knowing the differences between the two main credentials will help you choose the right exam.
The Two Main Certification Pathways: CMA (AAMA) vs RMA (AMT)
For new medical assistants in Arizona, two certifications dominate: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). While both are nationally recognized, the CMA is generally more widely requested by Arizona employers and is often the credential listed first in job postings.
- CMA (AAMA): Requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program.1 You can apply up to 30 days before you finish your program.2 The exam fee ranges from $125 to $300.2 It is a 200-question multiple-choice test, and a scaled score of 430 is passing.2 If you need to retake it, you must wait 90 days and you get a maximum of three attempts.2
- RMA (AMT): Also accepts graduates of accredited programs, but notably offers an eligibility route based on work experience, typically three to five years on the job. The passing score is 70, and the exam is administered through AMT and Pearson VUE centers.
How the Certification Process Works
The steps are the same regardless of which credential you choose. First, complete an accredited medical assisting program, which is the core of how to become a medical assistant. Most Arizona programs include an externship that gives you hands-on hours, which is helpful for the clinical portion of any exam. Second, submit your application and fee to the certifying body (AAMA or AMT) and schedule your test date. The recommended window is within 12 months of graduating, while the material is still fresh. Third, pass the exam. Once you have that certificate, you can list the credential after your name and start applying for jobs that require or prefer it.
Maintaining Your Credential
Both credentials must be renewed. For the CMA, recertification happens every 60 months3 and requires completing 60 continuing education units (CEUs), with at least 10 points in each of the required content areas.4 You can also recertify by retaking the exam. The AAMA charges a $50 late fee2 if you miss the deadline and a $50 reactivation fee3 if your credential lapses. RMA holders follow a similar CEU cycle managed by AMT.
Why Certification Matters in Arizona
Arizona has no state-specific licensure for medical assistants, meaning you can technically work without a certification. In practice, certification opens far more doors. Large healthcare networks such as Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Dignity Health often require a national credential as a condition of employment. It also tends to translate into higher starting pay salary by state. For those who later want to add responsibilities, like becoming a Certified Medication Assistant, which is regulated separately by the Arizona Board of Nursing,5 holding a foundational MA credential is a strong first step.
At a Glance: Arizona Medical Assistant Program Stats
Here is a snapshot of the key numbers prospective medical assistant students should know when evaluating Arizona programs. These figures reflect statewide averages drawn from accredited programs and federal labor projections.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Arizona Medical Assistant Students
Tuition assistance for medical assistant programs has expanded in recent years, with more federal, state, and institutional options, including scholarships for medical assistants, available than many students realize. Taking time to explore every funding source can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs and make training more accessible.
Federal Financial Aid Options
Most accredited medical assistant programs in Arizona qualify for federal student aid, which starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA. Once submitted, you may qualify for:
- Pell Grant: This need-based grant does not require repayment and can cover a significant portion of tuition for certificate or associate degree programs.
- Federal Student Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized loans offer flexible repayment options. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half-time.
- WIOA Funding: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides tuition assistance for eligible unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking training in high-demand fields. Medical assisting qualifies under Arizona workforce development priorities, so check with your local Arizona@Work office for application details.
Arizona-Specific Scholarships and Programs
Several Arizona community colleges offer institutional scholarships specifically for allied health students. Maricopa Community Colleges and Pima Community College both have foundation scholarships that medical assistant students can apply for alongside their program applications. Some healthcare employers, including Banner Health and HonorHealth, provide tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing medical assistant credentials, which can be a smart path if you are already working in a clinical setting.
Steps to Maximize Your Aid
Start by filling out the FAFSA as early as possible, since some aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Then contact your school's financial aid office directly. Advisors can guide you toward school-specific grants, payment plans, and emergency assistance funds that are not always advertised publicly. Do not assume you will not qualify. Many students leave money on the table simply because they never apply.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you genuinely enjoy both patient interaction and administrative tasks?
Medical assistants split their day between rooming patients, taking vitals, and handling scheduling, billing, and records. If either side drains you, the role will feel exhausting rather than balanced.
Are you comfortable juggling technology and multitasking under pressure?
You will bounce between EHR systems, phones, and clinical tools while providers wait. Clinics in Phoenix and Tucson move fast, so tech fluency and calm task-switching directly affect your effectiveness.
Can you realistically commit to hands-on clinical hours and an externship?
Arizona programs typically require 160+ practicum hours on-site, often daytime. If work or childcare makes that impossible right now, delay enrollment rather than risk dropping mid-program.
Are you seeking a stable entry point into Arizona's growing healthcare sector?
If you want a credential-based career with steady demand and clear paths into nursing, coding, or clinic management, medical assisting is a strong launchpad. If you want rapid six-figure earnings, look elsewhere.
Medical Assistant Career Outlook and Salaries in Arizona
Arizona's medical assistant workforce is growing fast, driven by an aging population, rapid expansion of outpatient care facilities, and the state's overall population boom. The state projects roughly 34% job growth for medical assistants through 2030, far outpacing the national projection of about 12.5% over the next decade. As of 2024, Arizona employs approximately 23,300 medical assistants statewide, with the Phoenix metro area alone accounting for more than 17,000 positions. The statewide median annual wage sits at $45,440, slightly above the national median of $44,200. Keep in mind that salaries vary by setting and experience: hospital-based medical assistants and those in specialty practices often earn more than their counterparts in smaller primary care clinics, and seasoned MAs with certifications typically land in the upper pay brackets. Below is a breakdown of median wages and employment across Arizona's major metro areas.
| Metro Area | Total Employment | 25th Percentile Wage | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler | 17,230 | $41,060 | $46,090 | $48,560 |
| Tucson | 3,140 | $37,840 | $42,900 | $45,400 |
| Prescott Valley, Prescott | 600 | $39,130 | $45,140 | $46,970 |
| Flagstaff | 360 | $42,130 | $44,410 | $48,760 |
| Lake Havasu City, Kingman | 510 | $37,700 | $41,890 | $45,220 |
| Yuma | 440 | $35,720 | $38,630 | $42,850 |
| Sierra Vista, Douglas | 260 | $37,640 | $39,920 | $42,960 |
Did you know medical assisting is projected to be one of Arizona's fastest growing careers this decade? According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity's Industry Employment Projections, medical assistant jobs statewide are expected to grow by more than 45 percent, far outpacing many other healthcare occupations and signaling strong, long-term demand for trained assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Medical Assistant Schools
These are some of the most common questions prospective students ask when exploring medical assistant programs in Arizona. If you need more detail on any topic, the sections above dig deeper into costs, accreditation, salaries, and more.
Most certificate programs take about 9 to 12 months, while associate degree programs typically require around two years. Accelerated options at some schools can shorten the timeline. After completing your program, you can sit for a national certification exam, which adds a few more weeks of preparation but no additional coursework.
Tuition varies widely depending on the school and program type. Community college programs tend to be the most affordable, often ranging from roughly $5,000 to $10,000 for in-state students. Trade schools for medical assistants may charge $15,000 or more. Always factor in additional expenses like textbooks, uniforms, supplies, and certification exam fees when calculating total costs.
Yes. Several Arizona colleges offer hybrid medical assistant programs that deliver lectures and coursework online while requiring in-person labs and clinical externships. Fully online programs are less common because hands-on clinical skills are a core part of the training in a typical medical assisting course. Check with each school to confirm how much of the program can be completed remotely.
Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Graduating from an accredited program is required to sit for major certification exams like the CMA through the AAMA or the RMA through the AMT. The ranking section above highlights accredited options across the state.
Job placement rates differ by institution, and not all schools publicly report this data. Accredited programs are generally required to track graduate outcomes, so you can request placement statistics directly from admissions offices. Programs with strong clinical externship partnerships tend to report higher placement rates because students often receive job offers from their externship sites.
According to the latest available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in Arizona earn a median annual salary in the low-to-mid $30,000s, though pay varies by metro area, employer type, and experience level. Certified medical assistants and those in specialty practices, such as ophthalmic medical assistants, often earn toward the higher end of the pay range. The salary section above breaks this down further.
Additional Arizona Medical Assistant Programs to Explore
Beyond our top 10, Arizona has many other accredited medical assistant programs worth considering. Below you'll find additional programs organized by region, each offering unique features like online options, accelerated timelines, or affordable tuition. Visit each school's website for the most current information.
Phoenix Metro Area
Carrington College-Mesa
This certificate program blends online coursework with an in-person externship, covering clinical skills like vital signs and medication administration along with administrative duties such as scheduling and billing. It can be completed in as few as 9 months.
Phoenix College
The AAS in Medical Assisting combines administrative and clinical training with options for full-time or part-time study. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams and can pursue transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees.
Bryan University
This online Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate is a 30-credit, 10-month program with a hands-on practicum and online simulations. Graduates are eligible for the CCMA certification exam and can pursue roles such as Medical Assistant or Phlebotomist.
Brookline College-Tempe
This accelerated diploma program blends classroom instruction with hands-on labs and simulations, covering coding, billing, and electronic medical records. It can be completed in as little as 33 weeks.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Offers two certificate tracks: Medical Administrative Assisting and Clinical Medical Assisting, both including a practicum in real healthcare settings. Graduates may be eligible for national certification.
Western Maricopa Education Center
Provides hands-on training in clinical and administrative skills with simulated lab experiences, job shadowing, and guest speakers. Certification tests for CMA and CPT are offered at no additional cost.
Central and Northern Arizona
Yavapai College
Offers a Medical Assistant AAS degree and a 3-semester certificate covering administrative and clinical skills, medical terminology, pharmacology, and anatomy. Includes practicum experience and prepares for NCMA certification.
Coconino Community College
This 2-semester certificate in Medical Assisting includes a 180-hour externship at a local health facility. Small cohorts of 6-7 students and a hybrid format ensure personalized instruction. Graduates are eligible for AMT certification.
Southern Arizona
Arizona Western College
The A.A.S. Occupational Degree in Medical Assisting requires 60 credits across four semesters, including a clinical externship. The curriculum covers medical terminology, anatomy, and office procedures, preparing students for national credentialing exams.
Brookline College-Tucson
An accelerated 33-week diploma program with hands-on lab training and simulations, blending clinical and administrative skills. Graduates are prepared for diverse settings like physician offices, clinics, and hospitals.
Eastern Arizona
Eastern Arizona College
This certificate program includes 160 clinical hours and covers clerical and clinical duties. Graduates are eligible for the AMT Certification Examination to become a Registered Medical Assistant.
Northland Pioneer College
The Medical Assistant program includes a 160-hour externship and training in phlebotomy, medication administration, EKG, and medical office software. Requires DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card and CPR certification.
