Best Medical Assistant Schools in Utah

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want a fast path into healthcare, becoming a medical assistant in Utah can be a smart choice. Training is shorter than nursing school, but you still work directly with patients and support medical teams. The right school will set you up with the skills, certifications, and hands-on practice you need to land your first job.

What Medical Assistants Do in Utah

Medical assistants in Utah work in clinics, hospitals, and private practices. You may:

  • Take patient histories and vital signs
  • Help with exams and minor procedures
  • Prepare and handle lab samples
  • Manage scheduling and patient records

Utah does not require a state license for medical assistants, but most employers expect graduates of an accredited program who have passed a national certification exam.

Utah law does not require medical assistants to be licensed, but doctors may only delegate tasks to properly trained staff. Training through an accredited school is the safest path.

How to Choose the Right Medical Assistant School

Not all programs are the same. Here's what to look for in Utah:

  1. Accreditation - Look for schools accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools).
  2. Hands-on Training - An externship in a real clinic or hospital is essential.
  3. Exam Preparation - Programs should prepare you for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exams.
  4. Schedule and Location - Decide between full-time, part-time, or online-hybrid programs.
  5. Job Placement Support - Schools with employer connections can help you secure your first role faster.

Best Medical Assistant Schools in Utah

Below are some of the top options, based on accreditation, reputation, and program format.

School Location(s) Program Length Accreditation
Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake County 10-12 months (certificate) CAAHEP
Davis Technical College Kaysville 9-12 months CAAHEP
Ogden-Weber Technical College Ogden 9-12 months CAAHEP
Mountainland Technical College Lehi, Orem, Spanish Fork 9-12 months CAAHEP
Eagle Gate College Murray, Layton 9 months (diploma) ABHES
Ameritech College of Healthcare Draper 9-12 months ABHES
Bridgerland Technical College Logan 9-12 months CAAHEP

Tip: Contact each school for their current tuition, schedules, and application dates.

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Utah

Here's a clear path to follow:

  1. graduate high school or earn a GED - This is required by all Utah programs.
  2. Choose an accredited program - Pick from the list above or search the CAAHEP/ABHES directories.
  3. Complete classroom and clinical training - This covers anatomy, clinical procedures, and office management.
  4. Complete an externship - A supervised placement in a clinic builds real-world confidence.
  5. Pass a national certification exam - The CMA (via AAMA) or RMA (via AMT) are the most recognized in Utah.
  6. Apply for jobs - Clinics, urgent care centers, specialty practices, and hospitals hire year-round.

Certification Exams Accepted in Utah

Most Utah employers recognize the following:

  • 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)

Program Length and Training Format

Most Utah medical assistant programs take 9 to 12 months for a diploma or certificate. Associate degree programs take about 2 years.

Credential Typical Length Includes Externship Certification Prep
Certificate 9-12 months Yes Yes
Diploma 9-12 months Yes Yes
Associate Degree 18-24 months Yes Yes

Many schools offer day and evening schedules. Some have hybrid programs with online theory classes and in-person labs.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation is important because:

  • It ensures the program meets industry and safety standards
  • It allows you to take the CMA or RMA exams
  • Employers prefer graduates from accredited schools

Warning: If you attend a non-accredited school, you may have trouble getting certified or finding a job with reputable healthcare employers.

Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in Utah

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade1. Utah's rapid population growth means more clinics and patient care facilities will need skilled support staff.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

When contacting schools, ask:

  • What is your graduate job placement rate?
  • How many hours of hands-on training are included?
  • What certification exams will I be eligible for?
  • What is the current tuition cost?
  • Do you offer financial aid or payment plans?
  • How soon can I enroll?

Bottom Line

If you want a healthcare career without years of schooling, becoming a medical assistant in Utah is a solid choice. Pick an accredited program with strong hands-on training and certification prep. Once you complete your program and pass a national exam, you'll be ready to enter the workforce.

Here's what to do next:

  1. Shortlist your top three schools from the table above.
  2. Contact each one for program start dates and requirements.
  3. Apply early - programs can fill up months in advance.

The sooner you begin, the sooner you can start helping patients and building your healthcare career.

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

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