Medical assistant programs in Hawaii call for a careful comparison of the academic award and the location of training. Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu offers both a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate in Science in Medical Assisting.
This review compares those two routes within the college, including their different credit totals and separately reported outcomes. If you would travel or relocate to attend in Honolulu, confirm the practical schedule before choosing between the certificate and the longer associate plan.
Edited by Taylor RupeB.A. Psychology, University of Washington · B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State UniversityUpdated
Compare Training Options in Hawaii
Compare Medical Assistant Programs in Hawaii
This page profiles a reviewed medical assisting option in Hawaii. 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.
No Programs Match These Filters. Try Another School Name or Choose All Formats.
Honolulu, HI · PublicClinical Training Required
Kapiolani Community College
Medical Assisting Certificate of Achievement and Associate in Science
Why We Recommend It
Kapiolani gives Hawaii applicants a choice between certificate and associate study within CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting programs. We value the preparation for both office work and clinical responsibilities. The Honolulu location makes attendance planning essential, especially if you'll need to travel or relocate for the program.
Award / Training Route
Certificate of Achievement · Associate in Science
Credits
33 Certificate / 72–73 AS
Two Honolulu Awards With Distinct Credit Commitments
Kapiolani gives Hawaii applicants a meaningful choice within one medical assisting department. The Certificate of Achievement requires 33 credits, while the Associate in Science requires 72–73. Both programs identify CAAHEP accreditation. Clinical medical assisting, office laboratory and diagnostic testing, and administrative medical office procedures form the occupational preparation, making the choice more specific than simply selecting a short or long college credential.
For a student who can attend in Honolulu, ask how existing general education credits affect the associate plan and which practical requirements are shared with the certificate. The college's outcomes should also be read by award: the 2020–2024 figures include 94.12% AS retention and 84.62% certificate job placement. Those measure different things and shouldn't be used as if they were competing graduation rates. Your decision should connect the award, attendance plan and next educational step you actually want.
A Good Fit For
Hawaii students comparing an accredited certificate with a broader associate pathway in Honolulu.
Plan Around
Read outcome figures by award and confirm the full practical schedule before making travel or relocation arrangements.
Compare the Certificate and Associate Credit Plans
The Kapiolani Medical Assisting page lists a 33-credit Certificate of Achievement and a 72–73-credit Associate in Science. Ask an adviser to identify the clinical courses, general education and other requirements you would still need in each route. Prior college credits can make the comparison individual, so request a plan based on your transcript. Our certificate and associate guide helps weigh the additional coursework against your longer-term goals. For a Hawaii applicant, add the practical attendance locations and any accommodation needs to that academic comparison before choosing an award.
Keep the Hawaii Program’s Outcomes in Context
Kapiolani publishes separate results for its medical assisting awards. The 2020–2024 figures used here include AS retention and certificate job placement, so they answer different questions about different groups of students. Retention describes persistence in a program; placement addresses a later result. Ask which outcome table applies to the award you intend to enter and whether more recent cohort results are available when you apply. Our guide to reading program outcomes explains why the measure, year range and group of students matter more than comparing percentages without their labels.
Medical Assistant Pay in Hawaii
$48,410Annual Median
$38,58010th Percentile
$60,03090th Percentile
BLS’s May 2025 survey counts 3,890 medical assistant jobs in Hawaii. The $48,410 median is the midpoint of occupation wages, with a 10th-to-90th-percentile range of $38,580 to $60,030. These figures cover workers across experience levels and employers, rather than the earnings of a particular program’s graduates. Read the BLS Medical Assistant Wage Data and Compare the National Salary Picture.
Hawaii Medical Assistant Program Questions
Does Kapiolani Offer a Certificate and a Degree in Medical Assisting?
Yes. The Certificate of Achievement requires 33 credits, and the Associate in Science requires 72–73. Ask the department how your prior credits would fit each option.
Are Both Kapiolani Medical Assisting Awards CAAHEP Accredited?
The college identifies CAAHEP accreditation for both the Certificate of Achievement and Associate in Science programs. Check the current program listing when you apply.
What Should a Hawaii Applicant Traveling to Honolulu Confirm?
Confirm where clinical classes and practical experiences meet, the weekly attendance requirements and when placements are assigned. Those details help you determine whether commuting, accommodation or relocation would be necessary.
Can I Compare Kapiolani’s Certificate Placement Rate With Its AS Retention Rate?
Those figures describe different outcomes for different awards. Read each measure with its program label and year range, then use the result relevant to the route you are considering.
Sources for This Comparison
School sources were reviewed in September 2026. Check current program and campus details before applying.
