Best Medical Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania

If you want a hands-on role in healthcare without going through years of medical school, becoming a medical assistant is a smart move. In Pennsylvania, there are accredited schools that can prepare you in about two years. The right training helps you qualify for certification exams and stand out when applying for jobs in clinics, hospitals, and doctors’ offices.

A good program will teach you both clinical and administrative skills. That means you’ll learn patient care basics like taking vital signs as well as office tasks like scheduling and maintaining records.

Below, you’ll find how to choose the best school, what to expect in a program, and a list of respected medical assistant schools in Pennsylvania.

What to look for in a Pennsylvania Medical assistant school

Not all programs are the same. Before you sign up, check for these important points:

• Accreditation Look for programs accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools). Accreditation ensures your training meets industry standards.
• Certification Preparation. Make sure the program prepares you for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exams.
• Clinical Externships On-the-job training is key. The best schools partner with local clinics or hospitals.
• Flexible Schedule Options If you’re working or have family responsibilities,. Ask about evening or part-time classes.
• Career services Career services can connect you with. Employers after graduation.

Program Length and Structure

Most medical assistant programs in Pennsylvania fall into two main categories:

Certificate programs are faster and cost less, but associate degrees can help if you want more career advancement later.

Top Medical assistant schools in Pennsylvania

Here are some well-regarded options across the state. Contact each school directly for admission requirements and tuition details.

Pennsylvania Medical assistant certification requirements

Pennsylvania does not have a state-issued license for medical assistants. However, most employers prefer or require certification.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most medical assistants complete a postsecondary program and may obtain certification to improve job prospects ¹.

Common certifications include:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

To take these exams, you generally need to graduate from an accredited program.

Steps to become a Medical assistant in Pennsylvania

1. Research Accredited Programs Choose a school that meets CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation standards.

2. Complete Your Training Finish either a certificate/diploma or an associate degree program. Fulfill all classroom and lab requirements.

3. Finish a Clinical Externship Gain real-world experience working with patients under supervision.

4. Apply for Certification Exams Complete your school’s requirements, then register for your chosen credential test.

5. Start Applying for Jobs Use school career services and job boards to connect with healthcare employers.

Payment options and funding options

Most accredited schools in Pennsylvania accept if you qualify. Some ways to pay for your training include:

• State payment options or employer reimbursement
• Workforce development programs
• employer reimbursement

Always confirm deadlines so you learn more about out.

Why choose a career as a Medical assistant?

Medical assistants play a key role in keeping healthcare offices running smoothly. In this job, you handle both patient care and administrative tasks. This variety keeps the workday interesting and builds a range of skills you can use in other healthcare roles.

Because medical assistant programs take less time than many other healthcare programs, they’re a good choice if you want to enter the field sooner.

Next steps

Here’s what you should do now:

1. Make a shortlist of two or three accredited Pennsylvania schools near you.
2. Contact admissions officers for program start dates and tuition details.
3. Apply early so you can secure your place and begin your training without delay.

The sooner you start, the sooner you can complete your training and enter the medical field.