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Best Medical Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania
Find the top accredited medical assistant schools in Pennsylvania and start your healthcare career with the right training.
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 typically 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 right 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 with accreditation from 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 can prepare 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:
Program Type
Typical Length
Credential Earned
Diploma/Certificate
9-12 months
Certificate
Associate Degree
18-24 months
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
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.
#1
Central Penn College
📍
Summerdale, PA
•In-state option•BOC Score
47.6
Central Penn College is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Summerdale, PA serving about 662 students and accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Media, PA serving about 810 students and accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Community College of Allegheny County is a Public, 2-year in Pittsburgh, PA serving about 9,544 students and accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Harrisburg Area Community College is a Public, 2-year in Harrisburg, PA serving about 9,533 students and accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
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
Research Accredited Programs
Choose a school that meets CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation standards.
Complete Your Training
Finish either a certificate/diploma or an associate degree program. Fulfill all classroom and lab requirements.
Finish a Clinical Externship
Gain real-world experience working with patients under supervision.
Apply for Certification Exams
Complete your school’s requirements, then register for your chosen credential test.
Start Applying for Jobs
Use school career services and job boards to connect with healthcare employers.
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:
Make a shortlist of two or three accredited Pennsylvania schools near you.
Contact admissions officers for program start dates and tuition details.
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.
