A medical assistant diploma program gives you focused clinical and office training without the general-education load of an associate degree. Credit counts range from 28 to 48 across the programs below, so a diploma isn't one fixed length. Check the credits, the externship, and what the school says about certification exams.
These 11 programs each award a diploma or technical diploma in medical assisting. Each card explains what the diploma includes and what to plan around. The order reflects the verified facts published for each school, as described in the methodology section.
Edited by Taylor RupeB.A. Psychology, University of Washington · B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State UniversityUpdated
Compare Medical Assistant Diploma Programs
These are editorial picks from the programs reviewed for this comparison. Each card explains the reasons for its selection. The review methodology describes how training, credential fit, cost, and attendance shape our picks. Use the school’s linked requirements to check your fit before applying.
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#1 Anoka, MN · PublicClinical Training Required
Anoka Technical College
Medical Assistant Diploma and Associate of Applied Science
Why We Ranked It #1
Ranks #1 because it is CAAHEP-accredited at the program level, includes 280 supervised practice hours, reports a 93.98% exam pass rate and reports a 91.40% job placement rate.
Award / Training Route
Diploma · Associate of Applied Science
Credits
33 Diploma / 60 AAS
Supervised Experience
280 Hours
Published Cost
$7,592 Diploma / $13,804 AAS
A 33-Credit Diploma With a Long Externship
If you want the diploma and nothing extra, Anoka lays it out plainly: 33 credits, with a 280-hour externship that begins after the first two semesters of coursework. The college estimates 2026–2027 diploma tuition and fees at $7,592, and the associate degree is a separate, larger purchase. Price the diploma alone, then decide later whether the added AAS credits are worth it.
A Good Fit For
You want a focused diploma and expect to decide about the associate degree later.
Plan Around
Reserve time for 280 externship hours after the second semester.
#2 Madison, WI · PublicHybrid With Local Placement
Madison College
Medical Assistant Technical Diploma
Why We Ranked It #2
Ranks #2 because it is CAAHEP-accredited at the program level, reports a 92% exam pass rate, reports a 90% job placement rate and publishes a total cost estimate.
Award / Training Route
Technical Diploma
Program Length
One Year
Credits
28
Published Cost
$5,756.52 Estimated Program Cost
A 28-Credit Technical Diploma for Wisconsin Residents
Madison College's one-year Technical Diploma is 28 credits, with an estimated program cost of $5,756.52 and CAAHEP accreditation. Instruction mixes online and in-person learning at Madison Truax, then ends with a local office or clinic placement. The school reports a 92% exam pass rate and 90% job placement, five-year averages for 2020 to 2024.
A Good Fit For
You live in Wisconsin and want a low-credit diploma that ends with a local placement.
Plan Around
Admission is limited to Wisconsin residents, and classes run Monday through Friday during the day.
How You’ll Attend
The program combines online and in-person instruction at Madison Truax, with classes scheduled Monday–Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. A local office or clinic placement takes place in the final semester. Admission is limited to Wisconsin residents; applicants interested in part-time study should contact the program director. See Madison College’s Attendance Requirements.
Accreditation:CAAHEP. The school identifies its medical assisting program as accredited by CAAHEP upon the recommendation of MAERB.
Cost Basis: The program page publishes this estimate alongside the 28-credit diploma. Confirm your complete tuition, fee, and equipment budget with Madison College. Check the Published Cost Details.
#3 Cedar Rapids, IA · PublicClinical Training Required
Kirkwood Community College
Medical Assisting Diploma and Associate of Applied Science
Why We Ranked It #3
Ranks #3 because it is CAAHEP-accredited at the program level, reports an 81.40% exam pass rate, publishes a total cost estimate and reports an 87.05% retention rate.
Award / Training Route
Diploma · Associate of Applied Science
Program Length
One-Year Diploma, With Additional Courses for the AAS
Credits
43 Diploma / 62 AAS
Published Cost
$14,730 Diploma / $19,131 AAS
A One-Year Diploma That Can Grow Into an AAS
Kirkwood's diploma is 43 credits and designed as a one-year program. The college says to earn it first and then add the courses that complete the 62-credit associate degree. That staging helps if you want a credential you can use soon and build on later. Its 2026–2027 in-state estimate for the diploma is $14,730, so weigh the price against the plan.
A Good Fit For
You'd like to earn a diploma now and keep an associate degree available.
Plan Around
The estimate includes required resources and clinical expenses, but housing and living costs are separate.
Accreditation:CAAHEP. Medical Assisting Diploma Program
Cost Basis: College estimates for 2026–2027 using in-state tuition, with required resources, clinical expenses and listed fees. Housing and living costs are separate. Check the Published Cost Details.
#4 Mitchell, SD · PublicClinical Training Required
Mitchell Technical College
Medical Assistant Diploma
Why We Ranked It #4
Ranks #4 because it is CAAHEP-accredited at the program level, reports an 82.50% exam pass rate and reports an 88.10% job placement rate.
Award / Training Route
Diploma
A Technical College Diploma With Reported Outcomes
Mitchell Technical College offers a stand-alone Medical Assistant Diploma, and CAAHEP accreditation is stated at the diploma-program level. You move through clinical procedures and laboratory instruction by semester, then work in medical facilities during a clinical externship. The college reports an 88.10% job placement rate and an 82.50% exam passage rate, both five-year averages for 2020 to 2024.
A Good Fit For
You want a stand-alone diploma from a South Dakota technical college.
Plan Around
Confirm externship dates and site arrangements before you plan your work shifts.
Medical Assisting Diploma and Medical Assisting A.A.S.
Why We Ranked It #5
Ranks #5 because it is CAAHEP-accredited at the program level, lists a route into an associate degree and states its credit load or schedule.
Award / Training Route
Diploma · Associate of Applied Science
Program Length
One-Year Diploma; 20 Additional Credits for AAS
A One-Year Diploma With 20 Credits to Add Later
Gaston's diploma covers both clinical and administrative medical assisting, and its program carries CAAHEP accreditation. After finishing, you can add 20 credits to reach the associate degree. That defined gap is useful to know. A student who needs to start working can stop at the diploma, while one who wants more education has a clear set of additional courses.
A Good Fit For
You want clinical and front-office training in one year, with a clear next step.
Plan Around
Ask when the 20 additional credits are offered so a later associate degree fits your calendar.
How You’ll Attend
The diploma covers clinical and administrative medical assisting. You can add 20 credits after the diploma to earn the associate degree. See Gaston College’s Attendance Requirements.
#6 Wilmington, DE · PublicCampus + Clinical Training
Delaware Technical Community College
Medical Assistant Studies Diploma
Why We Ranked It #6
Ranks #6 because it is CAAHEP-accredited at the program level and states its credit load or schedule.
Award / Training Route
Diploma
Program Length
Three Semesters
Credits
36
A Three-Semester Diploma at the Wilmington Campus
Delaware Tech's Medical Assistant Studies Diploma totals 36 credits over three semesters at the Wilmington campus. Two medical laboratory procedures courses build hands-on skill before the Medical Assistant Internship, and CAAHEP accredits the program. A fixed three-term sequence is easy to map on a calendar, which helps when childcare or work hours need to be arranged in advance.
A Good Fit For
You live near Wilmington and want a defined three-semester diploma.
Plan Around
The diploma is offered at Wilmington, so confirm you can travel there for labs and the internship.
Clinical Medical Assistant Diploma and Health Sciences: Clinical Medical Assistant Associate Degree
Why We Ranked It #7
Ranks #7 because it includes 180 supervised practice hours, has ABHES institutional accreditation, lists a route into an associate degree and states its credit load or schedule.
Award / Training Route
Diploma · Associate of Science / Associate of Applied Science
Program Length
11-Month Diploma / 18-Month Associate Degree
Credits
34.5 Diploma / 61.5 Associate
Supervised Experience
180 Hours
An 11-Month Diploma With Online or Blended Study
Ultimate Medical Academy's Clinical Medical Assistant Diploma is 34.5 credits and runs 11 months. Florida residents can choose online coursework with an on-site externship near them, or blended study with campus lab sessions. Both include a 180-hour supervised externship. ABHES accreditation applies to the institution, so confirm what that means for your exam route.
A Good Fit For
You live in Florida and want an 11-month diploma with an online option.
Plan Around
The program is limited to Florida residents, and the associate degree is a separate 18-month route.
How You’ll Attend
Available to Florida residents. Choose online coursework with an on-site externship near you, or blended study with campus lab sessions. Both routes include a 180-hour supervised externship. See Ultimate Medical Academy’s Attendance Requirements.
Accreditation:ABHES. Institutional Accreditation of Ultimate Medical Academy
#8 Macon, Milledgeville and Warner Robins, GA · PublicClinical Training Required
Central Georgia Technical College
Medical Assisting Diploma (MA22)
Why We Ranked It #8
Ranks #8 because it states its credit load or schedule.
Award / Training Route
Diploma
Credits
48
A 48-Credit Diploma Across Three Georgia Campuses
Central Georgia Technical College lists its Medical Assisting Diploma at 48 credits, offered at Macon, Milledgeville, and Warner Robins. Skills courses lead to a Medical Assisting Externship and Seminar, and the college catalog identifies NCCT certification-exam eligibility. Plan your weekly hours around a 48-credit load before you decide between full-time and part-time attendance.
A Good Fit For
You want a technical-college diploma in central Georgia with an externship included.
Plan Around
Use the catalog to confirm which NCCT exam applies to your plans.
How You’ll Attend
The diploma is offered at Macon, Milledgeville and Warner Robins. Skills courses lead to a Medical Assisting Externship and Seminar, with NCCT certification-exam eligibility identified in the catalog. See Central Georgia Technical College’s Attendance Requirements.
#9 Troy, NC · PublicClinical Training Required
Montgomery Community College
Medical Assisting 8-Week Semester Accelerated Diploma
Why We Ranked It #9
Ranks #9 because it states its credit load or schedule.
Award / Training Route
Diploma
Program Length
Four Eight-Week Course Blocks
An Eight-Week Block Diploma Built for Momentum
Montgomery divides its diploma into four consecutive eight-week blocks across fall and spring, covering examining-room procedures, laboratory work, and a clinical practicum. Taking fewer subjects at a time suits students who learn well in short, focused bursts. The college ties this route to RMA exam eligibility, so compare that credential with local job postings before enrolling.
A Good Fit For
You want a compressed diploma schedule in North Carolina and prefer short course blocks.
Plan Around
English, math, psychology, and biology courses are required before the first block begins.
How You’ll Attend
Four consecutive eight-week course blocks across fall and spring include examining-room procedures, laboratory procedures and a clinical practicum. The college identifies this accelerated route with RMA exam eligibility. See Montgomery Community College’s Attendance Requirements.
#10 Crowley, Ville Platte, Abbeville, New Iberia, Opelousas and Franklin, LA · PublicCampus + Clinical Training
South Louisiana Community College
Medical Assistant Technical Diploma and Associate of Applied Science
Why We Ranked It #10
Ranks #10 because it lists a route into an associate degree.
Award / Training Route
Technical Diploma · Associate of Applied Science
Six Campuses and a Technical Diploma Option
South Louisiana Community College offers a Technical Diploma in medical assisting, with fall cohorts at Crowley, Ville Platte, Abbeville, New Iberia, Opelousas, and Franklin. Supervised clinical externships are part of the program. With six starting points, you may find a campus close to home, though you'll arrange your own transportation to clinical sites.
A Good Fit For
You want a technical diploma at a campus near home in south Louisiana.
Plan Around
Choose your campus first, then ask where the externship sites are located.
How You’ll Attend
Fall cohorts start at the Crowley, Ville Platte, Abbeville, New Iberia, Opelousas and Franklin campuses. The program includes supervised clinical externships, and students arrange transportation to clinical sites. See South Louisiana Community College’s Attendance Requirements.
#11 Somerset, PA · PublicCampus + Clinical Training
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Medical Assisting Technology Diploma
Why We Ranked It #11
Ranks #11 because it meets this page's qualifying rule and is listed with its official program details.
Award / Training Route
Diploma
In-Person Daytime Classes in Somerset
Pennsylvania Highlands teaches its Medical Assisting Technology Diploma in person during the day at the Somerset Center. The program blends administrative and clinical medical assisting, and it prepares graduates for the NCMA exam. That makes it a straightforward fit if you prefer face-to-face instruction and can keep your daytime hours open for class.
A Good Fit For
You prefer classroom teaching and can attend daytime sessions in Somerset.
Plan Around
Check that local employers recognize the NCMA credential before you enroll.
A program qualifies when the award is a diploma or technical diploma in medical assisting. We then compare what matters most to a student: whether accreditation covers the program itself, how many supervised practice hours are included, whether a total cost is published, and whether the school reports exam pass or job placement rates.
A listed route into an associate degree and a stated schedule count as smaller factors. Read the full review methodology for how we handle sources.
Diploma, Certificate, or Associate Degree
Technical colleges often award a diploma, while community colleges more often award a certificate. The names overlap, and the difference that matters is the coursework and the credential it leads to. A diploma usually concentrates on medical assisting, and an associate degree adds general education.
Finishing a diploma and passing a national exam are separate steps. Schools name different exams: Montgomery points to RMA eligibility, Pennsylvania Highlands to NCMA, and Central Georgia Technical College to NCCT. Check which credential local employers ask for before you choose.
Our certification guide compares CMA (AAMA), CCMA, and RMA, and explains how program accreditation affects eligibility.
Budget for the Whole Diploma
Published costs cover different things. Anoka's estimate includes tuition and fees, Kirkwood's adds required resources and clinical expenses, and Madison publishes a program estimate for its 28 credits. Housing, travel, and exam fees may sit outside the number.
A medical assistant diploma program is a focused award that covers clinical skills, office procedures, and a supervised externship or practicum. It is shorter than an associate degree and may carry between roughly 28 and 48 credits, depending on the school.
How Long Does a Medical Assistant Diploma Take?
Published schedules include one-year diplomas at Kirkwood, Gaston, and Madison, three semesters at Delaware Technical Community College, and four eight-week blocks at Montgomery. Add prerequisites and the externship when you estimate your finish date.
Can a Diploma Count Toward an Associate Degree?
Sometimes. Anoka, Kirkwood, Gaston, and Ultimate Medical Academy list associate degree routes alongside their diplomas. Ask an adviser which diploma courses transfer into the degree before you start.
Does a Diploma Make You a Certified Medical Assistant?
No. A diploma is a school award, and national certification comes from an organization such as AAMA, NHA, or AMT. Check each school's stated exam eligibility and the certifier's own requirements.
Sources for This Comparison
School sources were reviewed in September 2026. Check current program and campus details before applying.
