How Much Does Medical Assistant School Cost?

$ Training School Runs $1,200-$4,200

$ $ One Year Certification Can Run $2,500-$10,000

$ $ $ An Associate Degree Runs $600-$5,400 In-State; $5,490-$10,800 Out of State

Medical assistants work along with the doctors in hospitals and private practice.

Their duties vary by office; however, the general administrative work includes the update of the medical records and insurance forms, admitting, billing and bookkeeping, as well as scheduling appointments.

The clinical tasks usually include assisting in exams and explaining procedures, collecting and preparing lab specimens and changing dressings.

The on-the-job training is available at no cost; however, to become a certified medical assistant through a community college or a vocational school, one should attend a program accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Typical Costs

• The price for completing a course as a clinical medical assistant at a training school costs approx. $1,200-$4,200.
• The courses may vary from a few weeks to a year based on the school, the number of classes included and the length of the externship.
• For example, the Heart of Georgia Technical College provides a six-quarter diploma course for $4,250, which further includes books, fees, and supplies.
• Another example across the continent comes from Boston Reed in Northern California, which requires 134 hours of classroom study followed by a 160-hour externship for their diploma program that costs $1,595.
• For example, a one-year certificate program through a community college averages $2,500-$10,000.
• The students that want to earn an Associated Degree, the cost is approx. $600-$5,400 per year for residents or $5,490-$10,800 for out of state students for the two-year program.
• For example, Oakland Community College in Michigan provides a one-year certificate for about $2,500 for area residents, $4,250 for students from out of the district and $5,900 for out of state residents.

Additional Costs

The Certified Medical Assistant exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, the people with accredited training and certification are generally preferred in the job market.

The exam cost for student AAMA members is currently $95 while non-members pay $170.

The cost is expected to reach $170 for members and $250 for non-members on February 2009.

Discounts

• Vocational schools often present half off tuition rates during enrollment drives.
• Health care jobs.org provide scholarship and tuition information for those entering the health care field.

Shopping For Medical Assistant School

Read our how to become a medical assistant guide here.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) and Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) websites provide information on the accredited programs.