Medical Assistant Certificate Program
Classes Start September 23
Train for a Career as a Medical Assistant in Our 9-Month Certificate Program
ABHES Accredited
On Campus | Hybrid*
At a Glance
~9 Months
Course length
230-270
Lab hours**
330
Class hours
160-200
Externship hours**
*Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
** Hours vary by location
About the Medical Assistant Program
Medical assistants play an important role in healthcare by supporting both patients and medical providers. Through hands-on training, classroom instruction and a supervised clinical externship, Pima Medical Institute’s Medical Assistant program helps students develop the clinical and administrative skills commonly used in physician offices, clinics and outpatient healthcare settings.
Where the Medical Assistant Program Can Take You
Certification
Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant certificate program prepares graduates to apply to sit for a certification based on campus location, such as NCCT, NHA, CMA, RMA, CCMA, or NCMA.*
Entry-level roles
Work in physicians' offices, hospitals, clinics and outpatient medical facilities as a medical assistant.
Career advancement
Move into office management, administrative support roles or become a medical assisting instructor.
*Certification and state registration requirements vary.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
Clinical
Taking vital signs, recording patient medical histories, preparing exam rooms, assisting physicians during exams, infection prevention and control and EKG procedures
ADMINISTRATIVE
Scheduling appointments, patient intake procedures, medical office management and operations
FINANCIAL
Insurance verification, medical billing support, coding and reimbursement
TECHNOLOGY
PHARMACOLOGY
Medications, injections, specimen collection and basic laboratory procedures
PROFESSIONAL
Healthcare communication, patient interaction, team collaboration, professionalism in healthcare settings and workplace readiness
Program Objective
Pima Medical’s Medical Assistant certificate program gives you the clinical and administrative foundation to launch an entry-level career. Through hands-on training, classroom instruction and a real-world clinical externship, you can be job-ready in as few as nine months and prepared to pursue nationally recognized credentials including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT).
The program covers both sides of the medical assistant role, from clinical skills like taking vital signs, drawing blood, performing injections and collecting lab specimens, to administrative skills like scheduling appointments, managing patient records and handling billing and insurance forms. You will train in real-world settings alongside experienced instructors and complete a clinical externship that puts your skills to work before graduation.
Hybrid Learning Options
All courses are taught on campus to ensure you get the hands-on clinical experience this program requires. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses, combining in-person instruction two days a week with online learning three days a week. Externship hours are completed fully in person.
*Not all programs offer hybrid learning options; Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Find a Campus Near You
Pima Medical Institute has campuses across the West, each offering hands-on Medical Assistant training built for immediate workforce entry.
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Continuing Education
At Pima Medical Institute, your Medical Assistant Certificate is just the beginning. We offer an online Associate Degree in Health Care Administration to help you supplement your clinical foundation with administrative skill sets, an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration for those ready to pursue leadership opportunities and an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership for those pursuing executive or management-level roles in health care. Get the skills you need to move up, with the flexibility to work on your schedule from anywhere.
Here are some additional healthcare education opportunities to consider:
- Nursing
- Radiography
- Respiratory Therapy
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Surgical Technology
Job Outlook
12% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years, with a median pay of $44,200 per year. *
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Assistants,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm (visited June 07, 2026).
What careers can you pursue with a Medical Assistant certificate?
The Medical Assistant certificate program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:
- Medical assistant
- Clinical medical assistant
- Administrative medical assistant
- Medical office assistant
- Administrative support roles within health care organizations
- Medical billing and insurance claims processing
- Educating future medical assistants
These careers may exist in a variety of health care environments, such as physicians’ offices, hospitals and health systems, outpatient clinics and urgent care centers, specialty medical practices and community health centers.
Career Services
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
Student Services
Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.
Application Process
- Submit the form below
A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
- Chat with our team
They’ll ask about your goals, your background and what’s drawing you to healthcare. From there, they’ll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
- Attend your campus tour
Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We’ll walk you through programs and what to expect.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
Medical Assistant Certificate Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Additional requirements may apply by campus
Tuition & financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and payment plans are available for those who qualify to help make your education affordable.
FAQs About our Medical Assistant Certificate Program
What is a medical assistant?
An MA, or Medical Assistant, is a healthcare professional who performs both clinical and administrative tasks to support patient care and healthcare operations. A medical assistant plays a vital role in keeping clinics and medical offices running smoothly, serving as the essential link between patients and providers. It’s a career that blends hands-on patient care with behind-the-scenes administrative work. If you’re passionate about helping people and want to start making a difference in health care quickly, becoming a medical assistant is a great place to begin.
What does a medical assistant do?
Medical assistants work with healthcare providers by taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, collecting specimens, maintaining records and supporting office operations.
Medical assistants may handle both clinical and administrative duties or a combination of both, depending on the size and type of practice they work in. Clinically, they prepare patients for exams, record vital signs, draw blood, perform injections and collect lab specimens. On the administrative side, they schedule appointments, manage patient records, and handle billing and insurance forms. Pima Medical’s Medical Assistant program provides training in both areas, giving you the skills needed to perform this variety of tasks and deliver high-quality patient care. The role is found in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and outpatient facilities.
Is certification required to become a medical assistant?
Certification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers prefer certification, while others do not require it.
What certification can I earn after completing the Medical Assistant program?
Graduates may be eligible to pursue nationally recognized certifications, depending on state requirements and credentialing eligibility.
Potential certifications include:
Credential | Organization |
CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) | AAMA |
RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) | AMT |
CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) | NHA |
NCMA (National Certified Medical Assistant) | NCCT |
Certification requirements vary. Certification is not required in all states. For state licensure disclosure information for Washington State, learn more here.
What is the difference between a medical assistant and a medical administrative assistant?
A medical assistant is trained in both clinical and administrative duties. They can take patient vitals, assist with exams, collect specimens, and may perform laboratory procedures.
A medical administrative assistant focuses primarily on the administrative side of a medical office, such as scheduling appointments, managing records and billing, and handling office communications, with limited clinical patient care responsibilities. Pima Medical Institute offers a separate Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate (online) for students whose interests align more closely with the administrative side of health care.
Medical Assistant | Medical Administrative Assistant |
Performs clinical and administrative duties | Primarily administrative duties |
Takes vital signs | Schedules appointments |
Assists during patient exams | Handles office communications |
Collects specimens | Manages records and billing |
May perform laboratory procedures | Limited patient care responsibilities |
How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
Pima Medical Institute’s Medical Assistant program is 9 months in length*
*Individual completion times may vary
What are the admissions requirements for the Medical Assistant certificate program?
Admission to Pima Medical Institute programs generally requires a high school diploma or GED. Prospective students are encouraged to connect with an medical career specialist to walk through the full enrollment process, which includes an application, a campus tour, and a meeting with our admission staff to review any program-specific requirements. You can visit Pima Medical’s Admissions Requirements page or call (800) 477-7462 to speak with someone directly.
Where Do Medical Assistants Work?
- Physician Offices
- Family Practice Clinics
- Specialty Practices
- Urgent Care Centers
- Outpatient Facilities
- Ambulatory Care Centers
Does Pima Medical offer financial aid for the Medical Assistant certificate program?
Yes. Pima Medical Institute participates in federal financial aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant and federal student loans, for students who qualify. Scholarships may also be available. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and speak with a Pima Medical financial services advisor to understand what options are available based on their individual situation. Visit the Financial Aid Programs page for a full overview of available assistance.
Can I enroll in the Medical Assistant certificate program while working full time?
Pima Medical Institute understands that many students balance work, family, and school simultaneously. The Medical Assistant Certificate Program is offered with hybrid learning options at select campuses, which pairs required on-campus, hands-on training with structured online coursework for greater scheduling flexibility. Pima Medical also offers evening program options at certain locations. We recommend speaking with an medical career specialist at your nearest campus to discuss the current schedule and find an option that fits your lifestyle.
What is the job outlook for medical assistants?
The job outlook for medical assistants is strong and growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven largely by an aging population’s increased demand for preventive and routine medical services, which leads physicians to hire more assistants to help manage patient volume and office operations.
Where can I study to become a medical assistant near me?
Pima Medical Institute offers the Medical Assistant Certificate Program at campuses in seven states.
Can credits from my Medical Assistant certificate program transfer into a degree?
While the Medical Assistant Certificate is a standalone credential designed to prepare you for the workforce, Pima Medical Institute offers a clear path for continued education. Graduates can pursue an online Associate’s in Health Care Administration, which can potentially lead to an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, or even an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership to advance into leadership and management roles.
We recommend speaking with an medical career specialist about how your prior coursework may apply to future programs.
Can a medical assistant become a nurse?
Yes. Many medical assistants use their health care foundation as a stepping stone toward nursing. While a medical assistant certificate does not automatically transfer into a nursing program, the clinical experience and health care knowledge gained as an MA can be a strong advantage when applying to nursing school.
Pima Medical Institute offers an Associate Degree in Nursing and a Practical Nursing Certificate at select campuses, giving current students and graduates a clear pathway to advance their nursing careers within the same institution.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Career Prep Sequence
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
Professional Sequence IV
Externship
Career Prep Sequence
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
Professional Sequence IV
Externship
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Disclosures And Accreditations
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Medical Assistant program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington, and meets applicable licensure requirements in those states. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Certificate Programs
Contact information for state licensing boards in which Pima Medical Institute has determined the program does not meet state licensure requirements or where Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the program meets state licensure requirements can be found below.
State Licensing Board Contact Information – Medical Assistant