Are There Free Online Medical Assistant Certifications?

If you're searching for free online medical assistant courses, you’re likely hoping to start a healthcare career without taking on significant upfront costs. Medical assisting is a popular entry point into the healthcare field thanks to its relatively short training timeline and strong job demand. But can you actually earn medical assistant certification online for free?

The short answer is no; there are currently no fully online medical assistant programs that provide free training and lead directly to certification. However, there are legitimate free online courses that introduce key medical assisting concepts, as well as low-cost and employer-sponsored pathways that can significantly reduce your expenses. Below, we break down what’s truly available, what leads to certification, and how to pursue this career affordably.

Are There Free Medical Assistant Certifications Online?

Some schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations offer free in-person medical assistant programs. These programs enable students to get trained and become certified medical assistants (CMAs) without paying tuition or other costs, often in exchange for working for the training provider or partnered organizations after completing the program.

However, as noted, these programs are typically available in-person; there are no fully online training programs for medical assistants that provide free tuition. The free courses that are available, which we'll discuss below, are for informational purposes only and do not lead to certification.

Can You Take the CMA or CCMA Exam Without Going to School?

Some aspiring medical assistants wonder whether they can skip formal training altogether and simply sit for a certification exam. In most cases, the answer is no; major certifying organizations require candidates to complete an accredited training program or meet specific work experience requirements before qualifying for the exam.

For example, the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) typically requires graduation from a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) allows candidates to qualify through either completion of an approved training program or at least one year of supervised work experience in the field. 

Because of these eligibility requirements, free online courses alone are not enough to sit for certification exams, though they can still help you prepare for formal training.

Low-Cost and Free Pathways To Medical Assistant Certification

Maybe you're still wondering whether it is possible to earn your medical assistant certification at little to no expense. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks you can use to reduce or eliminate costs while completing your education.

Explore Free Online Courses

Some online platforms, such as Coursera and Alison, offer free CMA classes online. Remember, these courses are only for gathering background knowledge and confirming your interest in the field; a free online course will not provide the credentials you need to become a medical assistant.

That said, free online courses can be beneficial for anyone just beginning to explore this healthcare career path. They provide a great way to find out what all is involved in a medical assistant career before enrolling in a certification program.

Apply for Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are financial awards that, unlike student loans, do not have to be paid back. Schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations often provide scholarships for students in various academic programs.

Look for grants or scholarships specifically for aspiring medical assistants or allied health professionals. Here are some options to consider:

• Scholarship of Excellence from the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP)
• The Maxine Williams Scholarship Fund from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
• Deborah L. White, CMA (AAMA) Scholarship from the South Carolina Society of Medical Assistants

Check for Employer Tuition Assistance

Many employers provide tuition assistance as a benefit to their employees. Companies like Amazon, Lowe's, Publix, and many more often cover some or all costs associated with higher education.

Each company provides different types and amounts of assistance, and medical assistant programs may or may not be covered. Always check with your employer to find out what specific tuition coverage benefits are available to you.

Take Advantage of Workforce Development Programs

As noted above, some organizations offer free in-person medical assistant programs in exchange for the student working for specific employers after graduation. These programs are called workforce development programs.

These programs may be offered by hospitals, career training organizations, and other nonprofits to encourage students to pursue career opportunities in high-demand fields, such as medical assisting. Some organizations known for offering free in-person MA workforce development programs include:

• Propel America
• Oregon Health and Science University
• Gundersen Health System

Find Apprenticeships and Work-Study Opportunities

Apprenticeships provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their field. Work-study programs enable students to work entry-level jobs in various fields to cover some of their degree or certificate costs.

Some schools and organizations may offer these opportunities for medical assisting students. Paid apprenticeships and work-study programs can help you gain experience in your field while earning money toward your education.

Free Medical Assistant Courses Online (Non-Certifying)

If you're interested in free medical assistant programs or courses to learn more about the field, keep reading. Below, we'll talk about five platforms and courses that may provide just what you're looking for.

1. Medical Assisting Foundations (Coursera)

The Medical Assisting Foundations course is available on Coursera and is offered by MedCerts. Students can complete the course in approximately six hours, and it may be accessed for free during Coursera’s trial period, though a fee may apply if you choose to receive a certificate of completion.

Learners are introduced to core concepts such as medical terminology, basic anatomy, infection control, and patient care fundamentals. This course is ideal for individuals who want a structured overview of the profession before enrolling in a certification program.

• Cost: Free (certificate may require fee)
• Course length: Approximately six hours

2. Medical Administrative Assistants and the Healthcare Team (Coursera)

Also offered by MedCerts through Coursera, this five-hour course focuses on the administrative responsibilities of medical assistants. Students can typically complete it for free during the platform’s trial period, with optional paid certification.

Topics include electronic health records (EHRs), appointment scheduling, and communication within a healthcare team. This course is especially useful for those interested in the front-office or administrative side of medical assisting.

• Cost: Free (certificate may require fee)
• Course length: Approximately five hours

3. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Student Readiness Resources

American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a nationally recognized certifying organization for allied health professionals. Through its AMT Edge program, the organization offers free student readiness and career exploration resources for individuals considering certification.

These materials explain certification pathways, exam eligibility requirements, and professional expectations. While they do not provide hands-on training, they offer valuable insight into what it takes to earn credentials such as the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced resources

4. Wisc-Online Health Science Courses

Wisc-Online provides free interactive learning modules and educational games covering a variety of healthcare topics. Medical assistant–related modules include professionalism, basic anatomy, and communication in medical office settings.

Courses are typically delivered through short videos, animations, and interactive activities. These resources work well as supplemental learning tools for beginners.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Varies

5. Alison Medical Administration Courses

Alison offers several free courses related to medical assisting, including Medical and Clinical Administration, Medical Secretary Training, and Medical Office Administration. Students can access all course materials at no cost and may choose to purchase a certificate if desired.

These courses focus heavily on administrative and office-based skills, making them a strong option for learners interested in clerical or support roles within healthcare environments.

• Cost: Free (optional paid certificate)
• Course length: Varies

6. Saylor Academy Medical Terminology

Saylor Academy offers free, self-paced courses aligned with college-level standards. Its Medical Terminology course provides foundational instruction in healthcare language, prefixes, suffixes, and body systems.

Because many accredited medical assistant programs require medical terminology as a prerequisite, completing a free course through Saylor may help students prepare for formal training and potentially reduce future academic costs.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

7. Khan Academy Health and Medicine

Khan Academy’s Health and Medicine unit provides in-depth, video-based instruction on topics such as the circulatory system, respiratory system, immunology, and disease processes. While not specific to medical assisting, the content supports the scientific knowledge required in MA programs.

The platform’s modern, easy-to-follow video format makes complex clinical topics more accessible. These lessons can serve as strong preparation for anatomy and physiology coursework.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

8. Free Medical Assistant Certification Exam Prep (Mometrix and Union Test Prep)

For individuals who already meet eligibility requirements through education or work experience, free exam preparation resources can be valuable. Websites such as Mometrix and Union Test Prep offer practice questions, study guides, and self-paced review materials for exams like the CMA, CCMA, and RMA.

These resources are designed to reinforce knowledge and improve test readiness but do not replace formal training. They can, however, help reduce the need for paid refresher courses.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

How We Rank Courses

We strive to provide only the best learning opportunities for students. We used the following selection criteria to choose the courses featured above:

• Course cost: All of the courses can be completed for free.
• Course value: Each course provides information about what medical assistants do and what to expect from an in-person or online medical assistant program.
• Course provider reputation: All of the course providers have strong reputations and are known for providing helpful online courses on a range of subjects.

Steps To Become a Certified Medical Assistant

If you've completed one or more of the free online courses above and have decided you want to pursue medical assistant certification, keep reading. Below, we'll talk about what it takes to become a CMA.

• Step 1: Enroll in an accredited program: Any training program you enroll in should be accredited by an organization such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Some schools may offer online classes for medical assistant training, while other programs must be completed in person.
• Step 2: Complete classroom and clinical requirements: Even if a program claims to be ''100% online,'' you will still need to complete in-person components of your training to gain real-world experience. These components may include practice in simulation labs and working clinical rotations.
• Step 3: Apply and sit for the certification exam: The most common medical assistant credentials are the CMA and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certifications, which are available through the AAMA and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), respectively. You will need to apply for your certification of choice, which you may then complete either online or in-person at a testing center.
• Step 4: Maintain certification with continuing education: Regardless of the certification you earn, you will need to complete continuing education on a regular basis to maintain your credentials. Check with your certifying body to find out how much and how often to complete this continuing education to maintain your specific certification.

How Much Does Medical Assistant Certification Really Cost?

The total cost of becoming a medical assistant varies based on the type of program you choose, the school you attend, and your location. In general, certificate and diploma programs often range from about $1,000 to $10,000, while associate degree programs can cost $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the institution.

In addition to tuition, students should plan for extra expenses such as textbooks, scrubs, background checks, immunizations, and CPR certification. These costs can add several hundred dollars to your total.

Certification exam fees are another important factor. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) charges approximately $155 for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) charges between about $125 and $200 for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, depending on membership status.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Medical Assistant?

Different training programs run for different lengths of time. Certificate and diploma programs are often short, sometimes as little as six to nine months or less. Associate degree programs commonly last one to two years.

Part-time learners may take longer to complete their program of choice than full-time learners. Self-paced online medical assistant programs offer flexible courses that allow students to study on whatever schedule works for them.

FAQs About Free Online Medical Assistant Courses and Certification

If you’re researching free online medical assistant programs, you probably have questions about what’s legitimate and what actually leads to certification. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective medical assistants ask.

Are Free Online Medical Assistant Courses Legitimate?

Yes, many free online medical assistant courses are legitimate and offered by reputable learning platforms. However, most are designed for introductory education and do not provide certification or qualify you to sit for credentialing exams. Always verify whether a course is accredited or connected to a recognized certifying body before assuming it meets professional requirements.

What Is the Difference Between a Certificate of Completion and Certification?

A certificate of completion is awarded after finishing a course and simply confirms participation. Certification, on the other hand, is a professional credential earned by passing an exam administered by a recognized organization such as the AAMA or NHA. Employers typically look for formal certification rather than a course completion certificate when hiring medical assistants.

Is Medical Assistant Certification Required to Get a Job?

Certification is not legally required in every state, but many employers prefer or require certified candidates. Earning a credential such as the CMA or CCMA can improve your job prospects and demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field. In competitive healthcare job markets, certification may give you an advantage over non-certified applicants.

Discover Online Medical Assistant Training

If you're ready to move beyond free introductory courses and pursue formal training, explore accredited medical assistant programs here on Learn.org. Compare options, review program details, and contact schools directly to find the pathway that fits your goals and budget.