Best Medical Assistant Schools in Arizona

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want to become a medical assistant in Arizona, the first step is getting the right training from an accredited school. Employers look for graduates who can step into a medical office or clinic and handle patient care, administrative tasks, and lab work without a lot of extra training. The program you choose will determine how quickly you can start working and how prepared you are for certification.

Here's what you need to know to choose the best school and start your career.

What Medical Assistants Do

Medical assistants work in doctors' offices, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. They handle both clinical duties (like taking vital signs) and administrative tasks (like scheduling appointments). In Arizona, medical assistants are not licensed by the state, but many employers require graduates to earn a national certification after completing training.

Certification isn't required by Arizona law, but it's highly recommended if you want better job opportunities and more employer options.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Arizona

To work as a medical assistant in Arizona, follow these steps:

  1. Graduate from high school or earn a GED.
  2. Complete an accredited medical assisting program.
  3. Consider earning a national certification such as:
  4. Apply for jobs in clinics, doctor's offices, or hospitals.
  5. Maintain your certification through ongoing continuing education.

Most training programs take less than two years to complete.

Types of Medical Assistant Programs

Medical assistant programs in Arizona come in different formats. Choosing the right one depends on how fast you want to get into the field.

Program Type Typical Length Credential Earned Best For
Certificate / Diploma 9-12 months Certificate or Diploma Quick entry into the workforce
Associate Degree 18-24 months Associate of Applied Science Students wanting deeper training and future degree transfer options

Many schools also offer externships, which give you real-world experience in local healthcare facilities.

Best Medical Assistant Schools in Arizona

Here are some of the most reputable and accredited schools in Arizona offering medical assistant programs. Always confirm details with the school directly.

Pima Medical Institute

  • Locations: Mesa, Tucson, Phoenix
  • Program: Certificate in Medical Assisting
  • Highlights: Hands-on training, externship placement, small class sizes.
  • Website: pmi.edu

Brookline College

  • Locations: Phoenix, Tucson, Tempe
  • Program: Medical Assistant Diploma and Associate Degree
  • Highlights: Flexible schedules, career services support, online and on-campus options.
  • Website: brooklinecollege.edu

Carrington College

  • Locations: Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson
  • Program: Medical Assisting Certificate
  • Highlights: Job placement assistance, externship included, accredited by ACCSC.
  • Website: carrington.edu

Arizona College of Nursing (Medical Assisting Program)

  • Location: Glendale
  • Program: Diploma in Medical Assisting
  • Highlights: 30-week program, daytime and evening classes, career support services.
  • Website: arizonacollege.edu

Gateway Community College

  • Location: Phoenix
  • Program: Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting
  • Highlights: Affordable tuition, public college credential, articulation to university degree programs.
  • Website: gatewaycc.edu

Choosing the Right School

When comparing schools, look at:

  • Accreditation - Choose programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.
  • Program length - Decide if you want to start work sooner or study longer for a degree.
  • Externship opportunities - These help you gain hands-on experience.
  • Class schedule - Check if evening or weekend classes are available if you need flexibility.
  • Graduate support - Career services can help with job placement.

Important Arizona Requirements

Arizona does not require a state-issued license for medical assistants, but employers may expect:

Completion of an accredited program and a national certification exam.

For clinical tasks, Arizona medical assistants must work under direct supervision of a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

You can read Arizona's full definition and scope of practice under the Arizona Medical Board.

Tips for Succeeding in Your Program

  • Show up every day - Attendance matters for learning and for your future reference checks.
  • Practice your skills - The more you practice on training equipment, the more confident you will be in externships.
  • Stay organized - You'll be balancing clinical and administrative studies.
  • Ask questions - Don't guess when it comes to patient safety and medical procedures.
  • Use career services - They can connect you with local healthcare employers before graduation.

Summary: Your Next Step

If you're ready to start working in healthcare in under two years, becoming a medical assistant is one of the fastest ways to get there. Pick an accredited Arizona program that matches your schedule and career goals. Then, complete your training, earn a national certification, and start applying for jobs.

Here's what to do next:

  1. Make a short list of 2-3 schools from the options above.
  2. Request program details including cost, schedule, and enrollment dates.
  3. Visit the campus if possible to see the labs and meet instructors.
  4. Enroll in the program that fits you best.

The healthcare industry in Arizona needs skilled medical assistants. With the right training, you could be working in a doctor's office or clinic within a year.

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