Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate Program - Online
Classes Start September 30
Apply for our Medical Administrative Assistant certificate program to prepare for an entry-level career in medical office administration.
At a Glance
~8-Month
Program Length
100% Online
Format
30
Credit hours
120
Lab Hours
390
Class Hours
About Our Online MAA Program
Prepare for opportunities in the administrative side of healthcare with training you can complete in as few as eight months, no prior clinical experience required. You’ll build skills in medical office procedures, insurance, billing and coding and electronic health records through a program that’s 100% online and asynchronous. This flexibility allows you to study around your work and personal responsibilities while following a structured, predictable week-by-week schedule.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
FOUNDATIONS
Medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology fundamentals
FINANCIAL
Medical insurance, billing, and coding
TECHNOLOGY
Medical office computer applications and software platforms and electronic health record (EHR) management
ADMINISTRATIVE
Medical office communication and documentation
OPERATIONS
Medical office management operations
Where the Medical Administrative Assistant Program Can Take You
Certification is not required to pursue many entry-level medical administrative roles, though graduates may choose to pursue nationally recognized credentials through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), such as Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS), to further strengthen their qualifications.
Start in front-office and administrative roles, such as verifying medical insurance, working with electronic health records, preparing office correspondence, assisting with reports and triaging appointments.
Build a foundation to grow into medical office management or specialized administrative roles.
Program Objective
To develop in students the personal traits and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level medical administrative assistant professionals. The program provides students with knowledge of medical terminology, office management, medical insurance and billing, electronic health records, accounting procedures, patient communication and legal and ethical considerations. Graduates of this program receive a certificate.
Program Outline
Semester l (16 Weeks)
Semester lI (16 Weeks)
Continue Your Education
At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online associate degree in Health Care Administration, an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Get the skills needed to move up within the healthcare industry, with the flexibility of virtual instruction.
12 Months | Online
Health Care Administration
- Fast-track your degree online while you work
- Develop business and communication skill sets in health care settings
20 Months | Online
Health Care Administration
- Develop the critical thinking, communication and leadership skills necessary for career advancement
- Become an integral part of leadership in your medical organization
2 Years | Online
Organizational
Leadership
- Prepare for executive or C-Suite positions in health care
- Lead diverse organizations amidst a rapidly changing global landscape
Job Outlook
5% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow faster than average over the next 10 years, with a median pay of $45,930 per year.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm What careers can you pursue with a Medical Administrative Assistant program?(visited August 17, 2026).
What careers can you pursue with a Medical Administrative Assistant program?
The Medical Administrative Assistant program prepares students to apply for roles including:
- Medical administrative assistant: support front-office operations in a medical practice or clinic.
- Healthcare administrative assistant: handle administrative and clerical work across healthcare settings.
- Patient care assistant: help coordinate the non-clinical side of patient care.
- Medical receptionist: manage scheduling, check-in, and patient communication.
- Medical office specialist: oversee day-to-day office administration and records.
- Medical records technician: maintain and organize patient records and documentation.
These roles exist across hospitals, clinics, private practices, outpatient facilities and other healthcare organizations.
Student Support
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.
Life as an Online Student
When you’re an online student at Pima Medical Institute, you’re part of a supportive learning environment built to help you stay connected and on track. Learn what to expect from online classes, how you’ll engage with instructors and classmates, and the resources available throughout your program.
Admissions & Application
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 background and what you’re looking for in your next step. From there, they’ll help you explore whether the program and online learning experience fit your career goals.
- Attend your virtual tour
Experience Pima Medical Institute from home. We’ll walk you through our admissions process every step of the way and answer any questions you may have.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, like pre-qualification and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
Medical Administrative Assistant Program 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 to help make your education affordable.
Nobody Says It Better Than Our Students
Read our reviews from students and alumni to find out for yourself…
FAQs About Medical Administrative Assistant Program Program
What is a medical administrative assistant?
A medical administrative assistant handles the front-office and clerical side of a medical practice, so clinical staff can focus on direct patient care. You’re often the first person a patient talks to, whether by phone or at the front desk, which makes the role a key part of a smooth, welcoming office experience.
What does a medical administrative assistant do day-to-day?
Your day-to-day work centers on keeping a medical office running smoothly: scheduling appointments, greeting and checking in patients, managing electronic health records, processing insurance claims and handling billing and coding tasks.
What will I learn in this program?
You’ll learn medical terminology, anatomy and physiology basics, medical office software, insurance and billing procedures, electronic health record management and the communication skills needed to work directly with patients and providers.
Do I need to sit for a certification exam after graduating?
No. Unlike some other healthcare programs, becoming a medical administrative assistant does not require a professional certification or state licensing exam. Once you complete this program, you can apply directly for entry-level roles without needing to sit for and pass an additional exam first.
How does Pima Medical prepare me for the workplace?
Coursework gives you opportunities to apply your knowledge through real-world projects, including a virtual externship designed to help prepare you for the workplace. You’ll gain job-relevant experience with electronic health record platforms, practice management software and medical billing systems commonly used in medical offices. Courses in medical office communication and documentation also help build the professional and interpersonal skills employers value. Throughout the program, you’ll develop strategies for seeking employment and presenting your skills, experience and professional strengths to potential employers.
What are the admissions requirements?
You’ll need a high school diploma or recognized equivalent to apply.*
*Additional requirements may apply depending on your state.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Pima Medical Institute participates in federal financial aid programs. Eligible students may qualify for federal grants, federal student loans or other assistance. The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Visit our Financial Aid Programs page to learn more.
What can I do after completing this program?
You can apply for entry-level roles such as medical administrative assistant, medical receptionist, or medical records technician, no additional exam or licensing step required. If you want to keep building your healthcare career, credits earned in this program may also transfer toward Pima Medical’s online Health Care Administration associate degree, giving you a head start toward further healthcare administration education.
Who is the Medical Administrative Assistant program designed for?
The MAA certificate program is designed for people who are new to healthcare and want an entry-level path into the administrative side of a medical office. No prior healthcare credential is required. It suits career-changers or new graduates who want front-office and billing/insurance skills, such as scheduling, patient intake, electronic health records and medical office management, and prepares them to become the ‘front face’ of a medical practice within about 8 months.
Related Resources
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Disclosures And Accreditations
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate program is offered via online distance education method of delivery out of the PMI Tucson campus. Pima Medical Institute is an approved institution through the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC SARA) which allows Pima Medical Institute Tucson to offer distance learning programs to residents of states other than Arizona. Participation in NC SARA does not exempt an institution from state professional licensing requirements.
A student’s physical location is determined at the time of enrollment by submission of government-issued identification as well as a student attestation of their physical location in the enrollment agreement. Students agree to update the institution if their physical location changes. Students are able to notify the institution of a change to their physical location in the Pima Medical Institute Student Portal. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that a change in physical location may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate 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.