6-Week Medical Assistant Programs - Accelerated CCMA Online

Medical assistant programs are popular choices for students interested in careers where they can help doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals provide patient care in physicians' offices and other medical settings. Some institutions offer fast-track programs to help students develop the skills needed to qualify for this career in as little as six weeks.

Do you want to become a medical assistant as quickly as possible? Keep reading as we highlight some of the nation's best accelerated medical assistant programs.

Can You Become a Medical Assistant in 6 Weeks?

Yes, it's possible to start a medical assisting career in six weeks. Phlebotomy Career Training, for example, offers a fully online program designed for completion in this timeframe. At most institutions, however, finishing the coursework and clinical training to begin this career requires more time.

How Long Does a Medical Assistant Program Take?

The standard timeframe to complete a medical assistant program, particularly an associate degree program, is one to two years. However, some institutions help learners complete medical assistant requirements sooner. In accelerated courses and certificate programs, for example, students often finish coursework and clinical experiences in three to six months.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Medical Assistant?

The fastest way to become a medical assistant is to find a program designed for completion in a few weeks or months. Many programs are available with accelerated timeframes. However, before selecting one, confirm that it comes from an accredited institution. It should also prepare you to sit for a national certification exam from a reputable organization, such as:

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)

Shortest Medical Assistant Programs Online

Are you looking for the shortest medical assistant program available online? Explore the list below to discover some of the nation's fastest accredited options.

1. San Francisco State University - Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Online Course

Learners seeking self-paced medical assistant programs can enroll in the online Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) course at San Francisco State University. Coursework, which students can complete on their own schedule, covers medical office clinical duties, phlebotomy and EKG procedures, and medical terminology.

Other program requirements include labs, animated simulations, and a 160-hour clinical externship placement for hands-on experience. National and state certification opportunities are available for students who complete the course.

• Estimated cost: $2,599
• Program length: Self-paced
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Phlebotomy Career Training - Online CCMA Medical Assistant Course

Phlebotomy Career Training is home to a 6-week medical assistant program preparing students for roles in doctors' offices, outpatient centers, and hospitals. The Online CCMA Medical Assistant Course requires 996 hours of course instruction and 204 hours of clinical internship experience. Topics covered include vital signs, infection control, electrocardiograms, and HIPAA.

To become certified, students must pass a medical assistant certification exam offered through the NCCT, AMCA, or NHA. A free voucher to cover the exam fee is included. Enrollment in this course requires being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or GED.

• Estimated cost: $650
• Program length: As little as six weeks
• Accreditation: NCCT

3. Davenport University - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Program

At Davenport University, students interested in medical assisting careers can enroll in the flexible online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program. In this fast-track program, learners explore medical terminology, patient care, HIPAA, and phlebotomy, while gaining proficiency in basic lab procedures and specimen collection.

Once enrolled, students receive an exam voucher covering the cost of the NHA CCMA certification exam. The university also grants six college credits, which can be applied towards a bachelor's degree.

• Estimated cost: $2,495
• Program length: 15 weeks
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Ozarks Technical Community College - Medical Assistant Program

Ozarks Technical Community College's Medical Assistant program is a 16-week option offering two pathways to completion. The evening path meets two nights a week and requires students to complete 160 hours of clinical work during weekdays. The apprenticeship path meets Monday through Friday for eight hours daily in class and clinical settings.

Both pathways offer online learning and face-to-face classes. Upon completion, students can earn NHA Allied Health certifications.

• Estimated cost: $6,995
• Program length: 16 weeks
• Accreditation: HLC

5. U.S. Career Institute - Online Medical Assistant Certificate Program

The U.S. Career Institute offers the Online Medical Assistant Certificate program, which students can complete in as little as four months. Self-paced classes offered 100% online teach anatomy, first aid procedures, medical insurance, patient therapies, and more.

This program consists of supplemental videos, interactive exercises, and open-note multiple-choice quizzes. Learners also gain real-world practical training. Upon completion, students qualify to sit for the NHA CCMA exam. Tuition covers the cost of this exam as well as the study guide and practice test.

• Estimated cost: $1,439 (paid in full); $1,739 (with monthly payments)
• Program length: As little as four months
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

6. Grand Rapids Community College - Medical Assistant Program

The Medical Assistant program at Grand Rapids Community College prepares learners to perform administrative and clinical tasks in various healthcare settings. In this course, which offers a blend of on-campus and online learning, students complete lectures, group activities, simulation learning, and a competency-based externship.

To get certified, students take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) national certification exam from the American Medical Technologists (AMT). GRCC tuition covers the cost of this exam. Students seeking financial aid can apply for scholarships awarding up to $2,000.

• Estimated cost: $8,675
• Program length: 22 weeks
• Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Utah - Clinical Medical Assistant Program

In the Clinical Medical Assistant Program from the University of Utah, students learn to take vital signs, draw blood, and more by completing 265 hours of hybrid (online and in-person) coursework, 24 hours of in-person labs, and 180 hours of clinical externship training.

To gain admission, students must be 18 years old, possess a high school diploma (or GED), and have professional working proficiency in English � no prerequisites in healthcare are needed. When students are ready to take a CCMA certification exam, a voucher will be provided.

• Estimated cost: $3,200
• Program length: As little as six months (self-paced)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

8. Austin Community College - Registered Medical Assistant Program

Students interested in starting an entry-level RMA role in as little as six months can enroll in Austin Community College's Registered Medical Assistant program. This fast-track pathway to certification prepares learners for the national medical assistant exam via a blend of online and in-person classes taken full-time during the day or part-time in the evening.

Ten course sections in this program explore human disease, clinical procedures, legal and ethical aspects of health information, and pharmacology. Learners seeking financial aid can reduce the cost of tuition with help from the Fast Track Scholarship.

• Estimated cost: $3,972 total
• Program length: As little as six months
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

9. AdventHealth University - Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate

AdventHealth University's clinical medical assistant certificate prepares students to provide direct patient care, assist with clinical procedures, prep exam rooms, and manage lab tests in healthcare settings. Learners enrolled in this 100% online program receive video-based training and take competency-based assessments to gauge their progress.

Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED and oral and written English proficiency. After finishing this training program, students can take the NHA CCMA exam at no cost.

• Estimated cost: $4,000
• Program length: Six months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Midwest Institute - Accelerated Medical Assistant Training Program

Midwest Institute offers an accelerated medical assistant training program for students interested in starting careers as RMAs. This program, which features a hybrid blend of traditional and online learning, prepares learners to review patient records, track patient outcomes, help with patient exams, and more.

Students receive hands-on training in labs and exam rooms and work one-on-one with instructors and classmates. Upon completion, learners will be ready to sit for the national CMA exam, administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

• Estimated cost: $15,655 (plus fees)
• Program length: As little as eight months
• Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

How We Chose These Programs

Our team thoroughly vetted the institutions in this ranking list to confirm that each has met the following criteria for providing quality training:

• Shortest program lengths: We selected medical assistant training programs with shorter completion timeframes.
• Accreditation: Each program in this list is offered by a school accredited by a recognized organization such as the HLC or SACSCOC.
• Online coursework: These programs are delivered fully online or offer a hybrid mix of online and in-person learning experiences.

FAQs About the Fastest Online Medical Assistant Programs

Are you ready to begin an exciting medical assisting career? Review the FAQs below for more information on the fastest certified online medical assistant programs.

Can I Take the CCMA Exam Without a Formal Program?

Yes, it's possible to take a CCMA exam without completing a traditional training program. For example, learners interested in taking the NHA CCMA exam can do so if they have gained key skills through a military program. Having at least one year of supervised work experience in the field within the past three years is also acceptable.

Do Employers Accept 6-Week Certificates?

Employers set their own guidelines for hiring medical assistants. However, many will accept applicants with a six-week certificate from an accredited school if the program prepares students to take a recognized national certification exam.

What's the Difference Between CCMA and CMA?

CCMA stands for certified clinical medical assistant, while CMA is short for certified medical assistant. While these roles are similar, they have a few unique responsibilities within the medical field. For instance, CMAs handle clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare facilities. CCMAs, on the other hand, focus more on direct patient care and clinical tasks.

Is Online Medical Assistant Training Worth It?

Yes, online medical assistant training is worth it. While traditional programs require in-person interactions, students in online or hybrid programs can complete coursework from home or any location with Internet access (labs and clinicals are completed in person). These programs provide high-quality training and qualify learners for the same medical assisting roles as in-person programs.

Explore Medical Assistant Training Programs

Take the next step toward a rewarding journey in medical assisting by reviewing the programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn how they can help you achieve your goals, including scholarship and grant opportunities..