Medical assistant programs vary in length depending on the type of program and credential pursued:
- Online Medical Assistant Programs: Typically last between 4 to 9 months, with some accelerated options as short as 6 weeks. These programs are often self-paced and focus on both clinical and administrative skills
- Trade School Programs: Usually take about 9 months to complete, emphasizing practical, hands-on training and often include externships for real-world experience
- Community College Certificate Programs: Generally last around 12 months, providing a fast-paced curriculum focused on foundational medical assistant skills
- Associate Degree Programs: These are the most comprehensive and take about 2 years to complete, including general education courses alongside medical assisting training
In summary, medical assistant programs can range from as short as 4 months (online accelerated) to 2 years (associate degree), with most certificate programs taking about 9 to 12 months
