Program type
Medical assisting programs
Certificate, diploma or associate degree
Typical length
About 1 to 2 years“...take about 1 or 2 years to complete.” BLS OOH: Medical Assistants
Who approves it
Most states don't approve MA programs, but some states require graduating from an accredited program.
Accreditation
CAAHEP (through its MAERB committee) and ABHES accredit medical assisting programs.
CAAHEP: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (per CAAHEP).
Find accredited programsABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
Recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education (per ABHES).
Find accredited programsWhat to check before you enroll
- CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation
- Externship hours
- Which certification exam graduates can take
Where it leads
Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Program finder
Searching approved programs by state and city is coming soon. Until then, use the accreditor directories above, your state board's approved list and the Department of Education's College Scorecard.
Sources
- BLS OOH: Medical Assistants
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: find an accredited program
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools: find an accredited program
- Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (U.S. Department of Education)
Checked against these sources on Oct 1, 2026.