Best Medical Assistant Schools in Ohio

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want a steady job in healthcare without spending years in college, becoming a medical assistant is a good option. This role lets you work directly with patients and support doctors in clinics, hospitals, and other medical offices.

In Ohio, you don't need a state license to work as a medical assistant. But employers prefer hiring graduates from accredited training programs. Choosing the right school will make a big difference in your job prospects.

This guide will give you a clear look at the best medical assistant schools in Ohio, what to expect from training, and how to choose the right program.

What Medical Assistants Do

Medical assistants handle both clinical and administrative work. Your tasks may include:

  • Taking vital signs
  • Preparing patients for exams
  • Collecting lab specimens
  • Handling medical records
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Assisting doctors during procedures

Most medical assistants work full-time. You may work in a doctor's office, urgent care, or outpatient clinic.

Training Requirements in Ohio

Ohio does not require state licensing for medical assistants. However, training from an accredited school improves your skills and your chances of getting hired.

Tip: Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

After completing training, you can choose to earn a national certification like:

  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - from the American Association of Medical Assistants
  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) - from American Medical Technologists
  • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) - from the National Center for Competency Testing

These credentials are not required by the state but are valued by employers.

Typical Program Length in Ohio

Most Ohio medical assistant programs are short compared to a traditional college degree. Here's what you can expect:

Program Type Average Length
Diploma / Certificate 9-12 months
Associate Degree 18-24 months

Some schools also offer accelerated programs, where you can finish in as few as 6-8 months if you attend full time.

Best Medical Assistant Schools in Ohio

Here are some of the top training options across Ohio, based on accreditation, employer recognition, and program format.

1. Columbus State Community College - Columbus

  • Program Type: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
  • Accreditation: CAAHEP
  • Includes externship in a healthcare setting
  • Offers both full-time and part-time schedules

2. Ohio Business College - Lorain, Sandusky

  • Program Type: Medical Assisting Diploma
  • Accreditation: ABHES
  • Focus on hands-on learning with small class sizes
  • Externship provided in local clinics

3. Stark State College - North Canton

  • Program Type: Associate Degree and Certificate Options
  • Accreditation: CAAHEP
  • Flexible course scheduling for working students
  • Strong job placement support

4. Sinclair Community College - Dayton

  • Program Type: Short-Term Technical Certificate and Associate Degree
  • Accreditation: CAAHEP
  • State-of-the-art simulation labs for hands-on practice
  • Articulation options for further healthcare education

5. Bryant & Stratton College - Cleveland, Parma

  • Program Type: Medical Assisting Diploma
  • Accreditation: CAAHEP
  • Day and evening classes available
  • Career services team for job search help

How to Choose the Right Program

When comparing schools, focus on factors that will impact your training and career:

  • Accreditation - Only attend a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program
  • Certification prep - Ask if the program trains you for CMA or RMA exams
  • Externship opportunities - Hands-on clinical experience is a must
  • Scheduling - Check if classes work with your current job
  • Location - Decide if you need something close to home or are willing to commute
  • Job placement - Look for schools with employer connections and placement support

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Ohio

  1. Finish high school or get a GED.
  2. Enroll in an accredited Ohio medical assistant program (certificate, diploma, or degree).
  3. Complete your externship for real-world clinical experience.
  4. Graduate and receive your diploma or degree.
  5. Optional: Earn a national certification like CMA or RMA.
  6. Apply for jobs at clinics, hospitals, or physician offices.

Career Outlook in Ohio

The demand for medical assistants is strong both in Ohio and nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this career is growing faster than average across the U.S. due to an aging population and expanded healthcare services1.

Final Advice

If you want to start working in healthcare quickly, medical assisting is one of the fastest ways to get in. In Ohio, you have several accredited schools to choose from. Make accreditation your top priority, then look for programs that offer strong clinical training and job placement support.

Your next step: Contact at least two accredited schools from this list and ask about upcoming start dates, program costs, and externship locations. The sooner you enroll, the sooner you can start your new career.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Medical Assistants ↩

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