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If you want a healthcare career you can start quickly, becoming a medical assistant is one of the fastest ways to get there.
In Alaska, you can train, get certified, and start working in less than two years - sometimes under one year if you choose the right program.
This guide covers the best medical assistant schools in Alaska, what you should look for, and how to get started.
What a Medical Assistant Does
Medical assistants work in clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
They handle both clinical and administrative tasks.
That can mean taking vital signs, preparing exam rooms, updating patient records, or explaining procedures.
You don't need a nursing degree to start. Most employers want you to complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass a certification exam.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Alaska
Alaska does not require state licensing for medical assistants.
However, most clinics prefer or require certification.
Here are the basic steps:
- Graduate high school or earn a GED.
- Complete an accredited medical assistant program in Alaska or online.
- Pass a national certification exam such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).
- Apply for jobs in local hospitals, clinics, or specialty offices.
- Maintain your certification by completing continuing education.
Tip: Employers prefer applicants who have completed in-person clinical training.
Choose a school that includes an externship with a real healthcare facility.
Best Medical Assistant Schools in Alaska
This list focuses on programs that are accredited, have solid job placement rates, and offer hands-on training.
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) - Medical Assisting Program
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Program Type: Undergraduate Certificate
- Length: About 1 year full-time
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Includes classroom instruction, lab simulations, and an externship.
- Prepares students for the Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) exam.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Community & Technical College (UAF CTC)
- Location: Fairbanks, AK
- Program Type: Certificate in Medical Assisting
- Length: 1 to 1.5 years
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Offers flexible scheduling for part-time students.
- Includes clinical practice in local healthcare facilities.
Alaska Career College - Medical Assisting Program
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Program Type: Diploma
- Length: 40 weeks (approximate)
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Includes hands-on training with real patients during externship.
- Offers career placement assistance.
Charter College - Anchorage Campus
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Program Type: Certificate in Medical Assistant
- Length: 10 months full-time
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Combines online coursework with on-campus lab practice.
- Provides externship experience in Alaska clinics.
Summary Table
| School Name | Location | Program Type | Length | Accreditation |
| University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) | Anchorage | Undergraduate Certificate | ~1 year | CAAHEP |
| UAF Community & Technical College | Fairbanks | Certificate | 1-1.5 years | CAAHEP |
| Alaska Career College | Anchorage | Diploma | ~40 weeks | ACCSC |
| Charter College | Anchorage | Certificate | ~10 months | ABHES |
Choosing the Right School
When comparing programs, ask about:
- Accreditation: Look for CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation.
- Externship Opportunities: Make sure the program has real clinical placements.
- Certification Preparation: The school should prepare you for the CMA or RMA exams.
- Scheduling Options: Especially important if you plan to work while training.
- Job Placement Rates: A sign of strong employer connections.
Certification for Medical Assistants in Alaska
You can work in Alaska without certification, but credentials give you a competitive edge.
The two most common certifications are:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists
To sit for the exams, you must graduate from an accredited program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states - including Alaska - leave certification up to employers, but national credentials can improve your job security and advancement opportunities.
Preparing for Your Training
Before enrolling, you will usually need:
- High school diploma or GED
- Immunization records
- Background check and drug screening
- Current CPR certification (some schools provide this during training)
Medical assistant programs are fast-paced. It helps if you are comfortable with basic computer work, have good communication skills, and can stand for long periods.
The Next Step
If you live in Alaska and want a healthcare career without spending four years in college, start by contacting the medical assistant schools listed above.
Ask about start dates, tuition, financial aid, and externship locations.
Visit the campus if possible and meet with instructors.
The sooner you start your training, the sooner you can be working in a real clinic.
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