Becoming a Medical Assistant in Georgia typically requires completing a training program that spans 9 to 18 months, with diploma and certification options generally costing between $2,000 and $3,000.
Whether you choose an accelerated hybrid track or a comprehensive Associate degree, these programs provide the essential clinical hours and exam preparation needed to launch a successful healthcare career in the state.
Compare Top Medical Assistant Programs
An online certification program from a local trade or vocational school is the best way to get started:
- Athens
- Augusta
- Atlanta
- Brunswick
- Smyrna
- Smyrna, Dalton
- Marietta, Lilburn, Roswell
- Marietta
- Augusta, Columbus, Macon
- Atlanta
- Peachtree City
- Morrow, Stone Mountain
Athens Technical College (Rating: 4.0 out 5)
Athens Technical College's Medical Assisting program offers a comprehensive pathway into the healthcare field, featuring a five-semester diploma program designed for full-time students. Graduates are well-prepared for administrative tasks such as managing medical records and handling patient interactions, as well as clinical duties like recording vital signs and assisting physicians during exams. Accredited by relevant bodies, including the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the program ensures graduates meet industry standards and are eligible for Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification. The curriculum includes hands-on training in a well-equipped lab and clinical practicum opportunities, providing practical experience essential for success in diverse medical settings.
Augusta Tech (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Medical Assisting Diploma program at Augusta Technical College, available at the Columbia County, Piedmont Summerville, Thomson, and Waynesboro sites, spans four terms and requires 54 credit hours. This program prepares students for various roles in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, and related facilities by providing specialized training in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam to become Certified Medical Assistants (CMA). The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
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.
Coastal Pines Technical College (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
Coastal Pines Technical College offers a comprehensive Medical Assisting diploma program that can be completed in just three semesters (approximately 12 months), featuring a curriculum that balances online flexibility with hands-on clinical training. Based on local Google reviews and program data, graduates are prepared to pursue the gold-standard Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential through the AAMA, as well as the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certifications. The program distinguishes itself with specialized tracks—including a shorter 18-credit hour administrative certificate—designed to get students into the 2026 workforce quickly through a mandatory capstone externship.
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.
Genesis Career College (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
Genesis Career College's Medical Assistant program, available at campuses in Cookeville, Lebanon, and Nashville, TN, as well as Dalton, GA, provides comprehensive training in patient care, medicine, and laboratory work, preparing students for a growing career field. Accredited by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, this program combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and an externship, covering essential skills like phlebotomy, clinical laboratory work, and diagnostic procedures, with new classes starting monthly.
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.
Lincoln Tech (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Lincoln Tech offers a comprehensive Medical Assisting program that can be completed in approximately 37 weeks (roughly 9 months) for a diploma or 79 weeks for an Associate of Science degree. Based on local Google reviews and the provided curriculum, the training emphasizes hands-on experience in "Doctor's Office Classrooms" and includes a mandatory 160-hour clinical externship to ensure real-world readiness. Graduates are specifically prepared to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam through the American Medical Technologists (AMT), providing a fast-tracked path to professional certification and the 2026 workforce.
Miller-Motte College (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
Miller-Motte College offers a flexible Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree completion program that can be finished in as little as 4 to 6 months for students who have already completed a Medical Clinical Assistant diploma or certificate. Based on local Google reviews and the provided curriculum, this 100% online program emphasizes "soft skills" and general education—including psychology and critical thinking—to complement previous clinical training. While the college does not guarantee third-party credentials, the coursework is designed to prepare graduates for professional certifications such as the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) for the 2026 job market.
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 Crescent Technical College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) offers a CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting diploma program that can be completed in a minimum of three terms (approximately one year) at the Griffin and Flint River campuses. Based on local Google reviews and program data, the curriculum is highly rigorous, boasting a five-year average AMT exam passage rate of 99.12% and preparing students for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification. The 48-credit-hour program includes an unpaid clinical externship and uniquely embeds an Advanced Medical Assisting certificate, ensuring graduates are exceptionally prepared for the 2026 healthcare workforce.
UEI College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
UEI College offers a hybrid Medical Assistant diploma program that can be completed in as few as 10 months, blending online lectures with twice-weekly, on-campus clinical labs. The curriculum provides comprehensive "front and back office" training, including pharmacology, EKG administration, and a mandatory 180-hour professional externship with a local healthcare employer. While a diploma is awarded upon graduation, the program is specifically designed to prepare students for national certification exams, which are highly recommended for employment in most states and legally required in Washington.
How to Choose the Best Program for You in Georgia
Georgia’s healthcare sector is thriving, and becoming a medical assistant is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to join the front lines. With various diploma, certificate, and degree options available across the state, the “best” program depends entirely on your career goals, desired pace, and budget.
TLDR: Quick School Guide
Choose Athens Technical College if you want a gold-standard, CAAHEP-accredited diploma with a strong local reputation.
Choose Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology if you want an accelerated 9-month hybrid program that prepares you for multiple certifications.
Choose CALRegional (or similar rapid institutes) if you need a high-speed path to a Clinical Medical Assistant Certification.
Choose UEI College if you prefer a hybrid model that blends online lectures with twice-weekly on-campus labs.
Choose Miller-Motte College if you already have a diploma and want to finish an Associate degree 100% online in just 4–6 months.
Understanding Your Options in Georgia
Georgia offers two primary pathways: the Diploma/Certificate and the Associate Degree. If you want to enter the 2026 workforce quickly, a diploma program like the one at Lincoln Tech or Gwinnett Technical College typically takes 9 to 12 months.
These programs focus heavily on the “Medical Assisting Skillset,” including anatomy, medical terminology, and insurance processing. For those seeking long-term advancement or management roles, an Associate degree takes about two years but provides a broader academic foundation.
Certification: The Key to Employment
While Georgia does not strictly require a license, based on local Google reviews, most top-tier employers in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta prioritize candidates with national credentials. Programs such as those at Southern Crescent Technical College boast nearly 100% exam pass rates. Look for programs that prepare you for the:
- CMA (AAMA): The gold standard for many clinical offices.
- RMA (AMT): Highly respected and offered by schools like Augusta Technical College.
- CCMA (NHA): A common focus for hybrid and accelerated programs.
Costs and Externships
In Georgia, a diploma or certification usually costs between $2,000 and $3,000, while a full Associate degree can exceed $25,000. Regardless of the cost, ensure the program includes a clinical externship.
Schools like Fortis College and Genesis Career College provide mandatory hands-on hours in real-world “Doctor’s Office Classrooms,” which are essential for mastering phlebotomy and patient care.
The Flexibility of Online Training
For students balancing jobs or family, online and hybrid training has become a primary option in Georgia. Programs at South College allow you to handle the administrative and theoretical coursework online, while hybrid models at Cambridge College require minimal on-campus visits for lab work. This flexibility ensures you can gain your credentials without sacrificing your current income.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Georgia
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Training Program
Your first step is to enroll in a program that provides the foundational clinical and administrative knowledge required in Georgia’s healthcare facilities. You can choose a traditional, full-time diploma path like the five-semester program at Athens Technical College or an accelerated 36-week option at Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology.
For those needing maximum flexibility, online training through institutions like South College allows you to manage coursework around your personal schedule.
Step 2: Complete a Clinical Externship
Practical, hands-on experience is vital for mastering skills such as phlebotomy, EKG administration, and patient intake. Most Georgia programs, including those at Lincoln Tech and UEI College, require a mandatory externship consisting of 160 to 180 hours in a real-world medical office. This phase allows you to apply your classroom theory to actual patient care under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Step 3: Earn National Certification
Once your training is complete, you should sit for a national certification exam to validate your expertise to employers. Graduates from Gwinnett Technical College and Southern Crescent Technical College are specifically prepared for the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) credentials.
Obtaining these certifications demonstrates that you have met the high industry standards necessary to provide safe and effective support in Georgia’s diverse medical settings.
Georgia Requirements
While there is no state law that requires a medical assistant to have a certification or license, most employers will want a person to have one.
However, many employers prefer that a person has gone through the proper training and education required to obtain a certification.
Consider the certifications offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
There are a few exams that medical assistants can pass to be certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
These certifications include:
- Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification