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If you want to become a medical assistant in Florida, the quickest path is to choose an accredited school that prepares you for national certification. Picking the right program matters. It can impact your training quality, job readiness, and certification chances.
In Florida, many trade and vocational schools offer medical assisting programs. Some focus on clinical skills, others add front-office training. Your goal is to find a program that meets accreditation standards, fits your schedule, and helps you qualify for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exams.
When comparing schools, look at:
Florida does not require medical assistants to be licensed, but most employers in the state prefer candidates who hold a recognized national certification.
Below is a selection of well-regarded Florida schools with medical assistant programs approved by national accrediting bodies. Contact each school to confirm start dates, tuition, and externship locations.
Fortis College is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Mobile, AL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AL.
Pensacola State College is a Public, 4-year in Pensacola, FL serving about 6,725 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.
Daytona College is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Ormond Beach, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.
| Program Type | Typical Duration | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma/Certificate | 9-12 months | CAAHEP or ABHES |
| Associate of Science Degree | 18-24 months | CAAHEP or ABHES |
Tip: Diploma programs get you into the workforce faster, but an associate degree can provide more career flexibility in the long run.
After completing an accredited program, you can apply for national certification. The two most recognized options are:
Renewal requirements: Both CMA and RMA certifications require continuing education credits to maintain active status.
Attending a non-accredited program can limit your job options. Many Florida employers will not consider graduates who cannot take the CMA or RMA exam. Accreditation also ensures the program meets minimum standards in:
Becoming a medical assistant in Florida can be a fast track into healthcare. Start by picking a program from an accredited school. Verify it includes an externship and prepares you for the CMA or RMA exam. If you commit to the training and certification, you can build practical skills in about a year.
Here’s what to do next: Make a shortlist of two or three accredited schools in Florida that match your location and schedule. Contact their admissions departments today to confirm tuition, start dates, and application steps. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can start your medical assistant career.
Sources: [^1] :Bureau of Labor Statistics - Medical Assistants [^2] :Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Accredited Programs Search [^3] :Florida Board of Medicine - Medical Assistants [^4] :American Association of Medical Assistants - CMA Certification [^5] :American Medical Technologists - RMA Certification
Learn more about this career, including national salary data and certification paths, in our How to Become a Medical Assistant career guide.
