Kirkwood Community College
Medical Assisting Diploma and Associate of Applied Science
Why We Ranked It #1
Kirkwood leads our Iowa choices for connecting a CAAHEP-accredited diploma, an ambulatory-clinic practicum, and an associate continuation with separate published program expense estimates. That structure helps you plan an initial award and a longer degree goal. Attendance in Cedar Rapids and living expenses belong in the same decision.
- 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 Cedar Rapids Diploma With an Optional Degree Continuation
Kirkwood is a useful Iowa starting point if you want to earn a clinical diploma before deciding whether to continue into an associate degree. Its Medical Assisting Diploma requires 43 credits and is described as a one-year route; the AAS requires 62 credits, with the diploma completed first. Classroom, laboratory and computer instruction leads into a practicum in an ambulatory care clinic. Clinical and administrative procedures sit alongside anatomy, physiology and laboratory skills.
For an Iowa resident, Kirkwood's 2026–2027 estimates are especially useful because they use in-state tuition and include listed required resources, fees and clinical expenses: $14,730 for the diploma and $19,131 for the AAS. Housing and living costs remain separate. CAAHEP accreditation is identified for the diploma. Compare your Cedar Rapids attendance plan and existing college credits before deciding whether to continue immediately into the additional degree coursework.
A Good Fit For
Iowa students seeking a diploma-first clinical pathway with a published in-state program expense estimate.
Plan Around
The AAS follows the diploma, and the listed expense totals still require a separate living and travel budget.
Classroom, laboratory and computer instruction includes a practicum in an ambulatory care clinic. Earn the diploma before adding the AAS courses. See Kirkwood Community College’s Attendance Requirements.
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.
- Retention: 87.05% (2020–2024 Five-Year Average)
- Exam Passage: 81.40% (2020–2024 Five-Year Average)