Best Medical Assistant Schools in Florida

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.

How to Choose a Medical Assistant Program in Florida

When comparing schools, look at:

• Accreditation: Programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES meet national standards and allow you to sit for certification exams.
• Length of training: Most programs take 9-12 months for a diploma or 18-24 months for an associate degree.
• Hands-on training: Clinical externships in medical offices or clinics are crucial for real-world skills.
• Exam preparation: A good program will prepare you for CMA or RMA certification.
• Class schedules: Some schools offer day, evening, and online hybrid options.

Florida does not require medical assistants to be licensed, but most employers in the state prefer candidates who hold a recognized national certification.

• Florida Board of Medicine

Top Accredited Medical Assistant Schools in Florida

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.

1. Keiser University

• Locations: Multiple campuses across Florida
• Program type: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
• Features: CAAHEP-accredited, includes administrative and clinical training, externship opportunities.

2. Concorde Career Institute

• Locations: Jacksonville, Miramar, Tampa, Orlando
• Program type: Diploma and Associate degree options
• Features: ABHES-accredited, short program lengths, offers career placement support.

3. Fortis College

• Locations: Cutler Bay, Orange Park, Pensacola
• Program type: Medical Assisting Diploma
• Features: Hands-on labs, externship placements, ABHES accreditation.

4. Pensacola State College

• Location: Pensacola
• Program type: Associate in Science - Medical Assisting
• Features: CAAHEP-accredited, affordable tuition for FL residents, includes general education courses.

5. Daytona College

• Location: Ormond Beach
• Program type: Medical Assisting Diploma and Associate degree
• Features: CAAHEP-accredited, offers flexible schedules, includes preparation for CMA exam.

6. City College

• Locations: Altamonte Springs, Gainesville, Hollywood, Miami
• Program type: Associate degree in Medical Assisting
• Features: Small class sizes, clinical externships, ABHES-accredited.

Medical Assistant Program Lengths in Florida

Tip: Diploma programs get you into the workforce faster, but an associate degree can provide more career flexibility in the long run.

Certification Path After Graduation

After completing an accredited program, you can apply for national certification. The two most recognized options are:

1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

   • Eligibility: Graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program.
   • Exam: Multiple-choice covering clinical and administrative topics.

2. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) - offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT).

   • Eligibility: Graduate from an accredited medical assisting program.
   • Exam: Tests both clinical procedures and office administration.

Renewal requirements: Both CMA and RMA certifications require continuing education credits to maintain active status.

Steps to Start Your Medical Assistant Career in Florida

1. Research schools - Focus on CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited programs.
2. Compare program lengths - Decide between a quick diploma or a longer associate degree.
3. Apply and enroll - Check each school's admission requirements.
4. Complete externship - Gain hands-on clinical experience before graduation.
5. Take your certification exam - CMA or RMA, depending on your program and career goals.
6. Apply for jobs - Look for openings in clinics, hospitals, and physician offices.

Why Accreditation in Florida Matters

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:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Medical law and ethics
• Clinical procedures
• Laboratory techniques
• Administrative office work

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

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 be job-ready 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

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