Becoming a Medical Assistant in Florida typically involves completing a training program that ranges from 9 to 15 months, with many diploma and certification tracks costing between $2,000 and $4,500.
Whether you choose a fast-track hybrid program or a comprehensive Associate degree, these programs provide the essential clinical hours and national exam preparation required to succeed in one of the nation’s top markets for healthcare support.
Compare Top Trade Schools & Online Programs
The best way to get started is with an online certification program from a local school.
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- Ocala
- Clearwater
American Healthcare Institute (Rating: 5 out 5)
The American Healthcare Institute offers a comprehensive Medical Assistant program that spans 2 semesters (45 weeks) and requires the completion of 915 clock hours. The curriculum covers both administrative and clinical competencies, including 180 hours of medical lab practice where students master advanced skills like phlebotomy, electrocardiography, and minor office surgery.
Arizona College of Nursing (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
Arizona College offers an ABHES-accredited Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy diploma program that can be completed in approximately 31 weeks (7 months) through a flexible online/in-person hybrid format. The curriculum spans three academic quarters and concludes with a mandatory five-week clinical externship, providing students with the hands-on experience necessary to pursue dual certifications as a Registered Medical Assistant and a Phlebotomist.
ATA College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
ATA College offers two distinct pathways for aspiring medical professionals: a 10-month diploma program for quick workforce entry and a more comprehensive 17-month Associate Degree option. Both tracks utilize a hybrid learning model—blending online flexibility with hands-on training in simulated medical labs—and qualify graduates to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam through the AAMA. Notably, students who choose the Associate Degree path gain the added benefit of eligibility for the Phlebotomy Technician certification through the NHA, further expanding their clinical credentials.
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology offers an accelerated Medical Assistant diploma program that can be completed in just 36 weeks (approximately 9 months) through a flexible hybrid format. The curriculum combines online coursework with weekly on-campus clinical labs and a six-week hands-on externship, totaling approximately 900 to 1,150 clock hours depending on the campus. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for multiple national certifications, including the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), with additional options for Phlebotomy and EKG specialist credentials.
Compu-Med (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
Compu-Med Vocational Careers (CMVC) offers a comprehensive Medical Assistant program that can be completed in approximately 45 weeks (11 months), requiring 915 clock hours of study. The curriculum provides a "real-world" approach through field externships and prepares students for an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting by combining specialized medical courses with general education. Beyond standard medical assistant training, the program specifically includes certifications in Phlebotomy and Electrocardiogram (EKG) to help graduates stand out in the healthcare job market.
Concorde Career Institute (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
Concorde Career College offers a multifaceted Medical Assistant program with two distinct pathways: a quick-entry diploma that can be completed in as few as 9 months and an Associate of Applied Science degree available at select campuses in as few as 16 months. Utilizing a blended learning approach, the curriculum integrates virtual coursework with hands-on on-campus labs and a professional externship to prepare students for both administrative and clinical duties. Graduates are eligible to pursue several national credentials, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certifications, as well as specialized phlebotomy and EKG technician certifications.
Daytona College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
Daytona College provides two distinct pathways for aspiring medical assistants: an accelerated Diploma program that can be completed in 40 to 48 weeks and a more comprehensive Associate of Occupational Studies Degree that spans 70 weeks. Both options utilize a hybrid learning format—combining online coursework with hands-on on-campus labs—and prepare students for various career-boosting credentials. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam, as well as the Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and EKG Technician (CET) certifications through the National Healthcareer Association.
ECPI University (Rating: 4 out 5)
ECPI University offers two accelerated pathways for aspiring medical assistants: an 11-month Diploma and a 15-month Associate of Applied Science degree. Both programs are delivered on an intensive, year-round schedule and include a mandatory 5-week clinical externship to provide real-world experience before graduation.
Florida Education Institute (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Florida Education Institute (FEI) offers a comprehensive 11-month Medical Assistant diploma program in Miami, designed to equip students with a balance of clinical and administrative skills through hands-on lab work and a real-world externship. The curriculum thoroughly prepares graduates to sit for national certification exams, specifically the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the AAMA and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists. By integrating specialized training in areas like EKG, phlebotomy, and electronic health records, the program ensures students are ready to meet high-demand employer needs across hospitals and private practices.
Florida National University (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
Florida National University’s (FNU) Medical Assistant Diploma program is a 36-credit-hour course designed to be completed in approximately one year to 16 months, depending on the student's specific course load. The curriculum balances general education with specialized core requirements, including 45 hours of mandatory clinical experience to ensure hands-on proficiency.
Florida Southwestern State College (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
Florida SouthWestern State College offers a three-semester Medical Assisting Specialist certificate and a five-semester Associate of Science in Advanced Medical Assisting, both providing a pathway to diverse clinical and administrative roles. Students can earn stackable credentials such as Phlebotomy (CPT) and EKG (CET) certifications after their first semester, with subsequent eligibility for Medical Assistant (CCMA/CMA) and specialized EHR or billing certifications depending on the chosen program. These full-time, limited-access programs use a cohort-based model at the Charlotte Campus to ensure graduates are prepared for rapid growth in the Florida healthcare job market.
Florida State College at Jacksonville (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
This Medical Assisting Career Certificate (C.C.) is a 1,300-clock-hour program at Florida State College at Jacksonville designed for full-time completion in either 12 months for day cohorts or 14 months for night cohorts starting in early 2026. Beyond clinical and administrative training, the curriculum prepares graduates to sit for three distinct national credentials: the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), and Certified EKG Technician (CET).
Florida Technical College (Rating: 3.3 out 5)
Florida Technical College’s Medical Assistant Technician Diploma is a nine-month program requiring the completion of 47 credits through a curriculum that blends classroom instruction with hands-on lab work and a supervised clinical externship or capstone. Students are trained in essential clinical skills such as phlebotomy, EKG administration, and pharmacology to prepare them for immediate entry-level employment in medical offices and labs. Upon graduation, students are specifically eligible to take the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), providing them with a nationally recognized professional credential.
Fort Myers Tech (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
The Medical Assisting program at Fort Myers Technical College is a comprehensive 1,300-hour course of study typically completed in approximately one year of full-time, weekday attendance. Students progress through a structured sequence of clinical and administrative modules, including a 200-hour practicum experience, to prepare for a multi-faceted healthcare career. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to earn three key industry certifications: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified Electrocardiograph Technician (CET), and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Fortis College offers a comprehensive Medical Assisting program across various campuses, including Landover, MD and Smyrna, GA, designed to prepare students for entry-level clinical and administrative roles. While specific durations are personalized based on a student's schedule and location during the admissions process, the curriculum focuses on hands-on lab training in phlebotomy, injections, and patient care alongside essential office management skills. Graduates are equipped to pursue industry-recognized certifications and gain access to career services support for placement in hospitals, private practices, and outpatient centers.
FVI School Nursing & Technology (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
FVI’s Medical Assistant program combines online learning with on-campus hands-on training over nine months, preparing students for roles in various healthcare settings. Graduates gain essential skills in patient care, medical tests, and office management and are eligible for certifications such as NRCMA, NRCEKG, and NRCPT through the National Association of Health Professionals. The program includes a six-week externship, personalized support, and job placement assistance to ensure career readiness in a rapidly growing field.
Gwinnet College (Rating: 4 out 5)
Gwinnett Technical College’s Medical Assisting program is a competitive, full-time diploma path that typically requires three semesters (approximately one year) to complete at the Lawrenceville campus. Accredited by the CAAHEP, the curriculum combines administrative and clinical training with a mandatory externship to ensure students are fully prepared for the field. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), an industry-standard credential that has contributed to the program's impressive 100% job placement rate.
HCI College (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
HCI College offers a 10-month Medical Assisting diploma program that utilizes a hybrid delivery model, combining two days of on-campus labs with two days of online coursework per week. Upon completing the 36-credit-hour curriculum, graduates take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam on-site and gain eligibility for additional national certifications as Phlebotomy and EKG Technicians.
Keiser University (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
Keiser University offers an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting that typically spans 16 to 24 months, requiring the completion of 60 to 60.5 credit hours of combined clinical and administrative coursework. The curriculum features a rigorous hands-on approach, including two mandatory externships and training in specialized tasks like X-rays, venipuncture, and EKG administration. Graduates are eligible to pursue several high-value national credentials, most notably the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examinations.
Manatee Technical College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
Manatee Technical College offers a comprehensive Medical Assisting program that spans 1,300 hours and is typically completed in 9 to 11 months using a full-time hybrid delivery model. The curriculum includes a 200-hour clinical externship and prepares graduates to earn three distinct national credentials: the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified ECG Technician (CET), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). Additionally, students graduate with their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, ensuring they are fully equipped for immediate employment in ambulatory care or hospital settings.
Meridian College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
Meridian College offers a versatile Medical Assistant program with options for both a diploma and an Associate of Science degree, generally completed in 12 to 24 months depending on the chosen track. The curriculum integrates administrative training with hands-on clinical skills, such as phlebotomy and EKG administration, culminating in a supervised externship at a healthcare facility. Graduates are fully prepared and eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) examination, a national credential that validates their proficiency in the field.
Rasmussen University (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
Rasmussen University offers an ABHES-accredited Medical Assisting Diploma program that prepares students for direct patient care and administrative roles in as few as 12 months. The curriculum is designed to qualify graduates for national certification exams, specifically the CMA and RMA, with the first attempt fee for these exams included in the total program cost. This pathway also allows for a seamless credit transfer toward a Healthcare Associate’s degree for those looking to further their academic credentials.
South College (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
South College offers a range of Medical Assisting pathways, allowing students to earn either a Certificate or an Associate of Science degree with specialized concentrations in Phlebotomy or Medical Office Administration. Based on local Google reviews and program data, these offerings are designed for high-impact patient care and administrative roles at various physical campuses or through flexible online formats. While specific completion months are not listed, the curriculum is structured for the 2026 graduation cycle, providing a direct route to professional certification and frontline healthcare careers.
Southern Technical College (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
Gain comprehensive knowledge in both administrative and clinical realms of the medical field with clinical laboratory sessions. Focus on medical theory, terminology, and operational practices within healthcare facilities like private practices, clinics, and hospitals.
Taylor College (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
Taylor College offers a hybrid Medical Assisting diploma program that can be completed in just 36 weeks, combining online flexibility with a substantial 160-hour clinical externship in actual medical facilities. Based on local Google reviews and the provided curriculum, the program is uniquely structured to prepare students for multiple professional certifications, including Certified Phlebotomy Technician and Certified EKG Technician exams. This fast-paced track focuses on a dual-skill set of clinical and clerical expertise to ensure graduates are ready for immediate employment in various healthcare settings by 2026.
Ultimate Medical Academy (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) provides a comprehensive 15-month Medical Assistant diploma program that integrates online learning with a substantial 220-hour on-site externship for practical clinical experience. Based on local Google reviews and the provided academic path, students can choose to extend their education by an additional six months to earn an Associate of Science degree, totaling a 21-month commitment. Both pathways are specifically designed to prepare graduates for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam, ensuring they are credentialed and ready for the 2026 workforce.
How to Choose the Best Medical Assistant Program for You in Florida
Florida currently ranks as the third-best state in the country for medical assistant employment, making it a prime location to launch your healthcare career. However, with dozens of institutions offering various credentials, the “best” program depends on how quickly you want to enter the workforce, your budget, and whether you want specialized certifications like Phlebotomy or EKG included in your training.
TLDR: Quick School Guide
Choose ATA College if you want a quick 10-month diploma or a dual-credential Associate degree.
Choose Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology if you want an accelerated 9-month hybrid program with high flexibility.
Choose Arizona College of Nursing if you are looking for an ABHES-accredited program that emphasizes a phlebotomy specialty.
Choose Keiser University if you prefer a traditional Associate of Science degree with extensive on-site externships.
Choose Rasmussen University if you want an accredited diploma where your first certification exam fee is included in the tuition.
Evaluating Timeframe and Degree Types
In Florida, medical assistant programs generally fall into two categories: Diplomas and Associate Degrees.
Diplomas/Certificates: These are fast-track options designed for rapid workforce entry. Schools like Florida Technical College and FVI School of Nursing & Technology offer programs that can be completed in just 9 months.
Associate Degrees: If you are looking for a broader academic foundation or plan to transition into nursing later, an Associate of Science (AS) degree from Keiser University or Daytona College typically takes 16 to 24 months.
The Importance of “Stackable” Certifications
Florida’s competitive job market often favors candidates with multiple credentials. Based on local Google reviews, graduates who hold EKG and Phlebotomy certifications alongside their Medical Assistant credential have a significant advantage.
Fort Myers Technical College and Manatee Technical College specifically design their 1,300-hour curriculums to prepare students for three distinct national exams: CCMA, CET (EKG), and CPT (Phlebotomy).
Learning Formats: Hybrid vs. Traditional
Many Florida schools have moved to a hybrid delivery model to accommodate working students. For example, HCI College and ATA College allow students to complete theoretical coursework online while attending campus only two days a week for hands-on lab training. This balance is ideal if you need to maintain a job while studying for your 2026 graduation.
Online Training Options
If a traditional campus schedule doesn’t fit your life, online certification programs are a highly effective alternative to get started. These programs allow you to master the “front office” administrative duties and medical theory at your own pace. Most high-quality online tracks will still partner with local Florida clinics to ensure you complete your mandatory “back office” clinical externship hours, ensuring you are fully prepared for the CMA or RMA national exams.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Florida
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Training Program
The first requirement is to complete a formal education program that covers both administrative and clinical duties. In Florida, you have flexible options ranging from the 31-week diploma at Arizona College of Nursing to the comprehensive Associate of Science degree tracks at Keiser University.
For those who need to balance education with existing commitments, online training or hybrid models—such as those offered by Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology—allow you to complete theoretical coursework digitally while attending campus for essential lab work.
Step 2: Gain Hands-on Clinical Experience
Practical experience is critical for mastering high-stakes skills like phlebotomy, EKG administration, and minor surgical assistance. Most Florida programs integrate a mandatory externship or clinical rotation, typically ranging from 160 to 220 hours.
Schools like Ultimate Medical Academy and American Healthcare Institute partner with local clinics and hospitals to ensure you get real-world exposure under professional supervision. This phase is essential for bridging the gap between classroom simulations and the fast-paced environment of a Florida medical facility.
Step 3: Secure National Certification
While Florida law does not strictly mandate a state license, based on local Google reviews and employment trends, nearly all top-tier employers require national certification. Upon finishing your studies at institutions like Concorde Career Institute or Florida Technical College, you will be eligible to sit for exams such as the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA).
Earning these credentials proves your competency to employers and ensures you are legally qualified to perform supportive clinical services under a physician’s supervision.
Florida Requirements
Currently, there are no official education or training requirements for medical assistants in Florida.
However, while some employers may be willing to provide on-the-job training for inexperienced applicants, most prefer to hire candidates who have attended medical assistant school.
Certifications
Since Florida’s State Board of Nursing doesn’t license medical assistants, you can qualify for medical assistant jobs in Florida even if you lack certification. However, having an official credential can help you stand out among other applicants and make employers more likely to hire you.
Medical assistants in FL can either choose to become Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or earn a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential from the American Medical Technologists (AMT) agency.
CMA vs. RMA Credentials
Both CMA and RMA credentials can qualify you for several medical assistant jobs in Florida since professionals with these titles perform the same duties. The only difference between these two licenses is the education required to obtain them.
- Certified Medical Assistants: To qualify for the AAMA’s CMA credential, you must graduate from a program with CAAHEP or ABHES
- Registered Medical Assistant: In addition to accepting applicants who have completed post-secondary education programs, AMT registers those with military medical service training or at least three years of on-the-job medical assistant experience.
Additional Certifications
Florida’s State Board of Nursing places duties like dressing, feeding, bathing, and transferring patients outside the scope of practice for medical assistants in FL. Those who plan to work in nursing or assisted living facilities might consider earning a certified nursing assistant (CNA) credential so they can perform these tasks.
If you want the qualifications to take on more advanced patient care duties, think about becoming a licensed physician’s assistant. With this credential, you’ll be able to perform examinations, order tests and treatments, and diagnose patients.