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Thinking about becoming a medical assistant? Solid choice. With a 15% job growth rate according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand is high.
But how long does it take to become a medical assistant? What can speed things up or slow you down? And is the time investment worth it? We’re breaking it all down, step by step.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Assistant – Detailed Breakdown
How fast you become a medical assistant depends on the type of program you choose. Here’s how the timelines break down:
Certificate/Diploma Programs (6-8 months)
It takes approximately 6 months with our program. If you go with the hybrid option (hands-on training in person + online lectures), expect to finish in around 8 months.
Here’s what you’ll be learning and how the time breaks down:.
In-Person Medical Assistant Program
| Module Title | Clock Hours |
| Introduction to Medical Assisting Procedures | 140 |
| Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology with Clinical Laboratory | 140 |
| Front Office Medical Assisting with Clinical Laboratory | 140 |
| Back Office Medical Assisting with Clinical Laboratory | 140 |
| Medical Assistant Externship | 160 |
| Totals | 720 |
Hybrid Medical Assistant Program
| Module Title | Clock Hours |
| The Administrative and Professional Medical Assistant | 80 |
| Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology | 80 |
| Infection Control, Office Environment Safety, The Physical Examination | 80 |
| Administration of Medications, Minor Office Procedure, and Specialty Examinations and Procedures | 80 |
| Hematology, Microbiology, Nutrition, & Emergency Procedures | 80 |
| The Administrative Medical Assistant | 80 |
| The Billing, Coding, and Office Management | 80 |
| Medical Assistant Externship | 160 |
| Totals | 720 |
What Can You Do as a Certified Medical Assistant?
Once you complete the program, you’re ready to apply for entry-level medical assistant jobs, and those roles can include both clinical and administrative tasks.
Administrative duties might include:
- Scheduling appointments
- Managing patient records
- Verifying insurance and handling billing
- Greeting patients in person or over the phone
Clinical duties might include:
- Taking vitals (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, etc.)
- Assisting with minor procedures like wound care or suture removal
- Collecting lab samples and prepping them for testing
- Answering patient questions and helping them understand instructions
Associate Degree Programs (18-24 months)
If you choose to go for an associate degree, expect it to take about 2 years. You’ll cover the same core medical assisting topics, but in more depth. You’ll also take general education courses like English and math.
Is an Associate Degree Worth It?
That depends on your goals. Most medical assistant jobs don’t require a degree, certification is usually enough. Pay is typically the same either way.
That said, having a degree might give you a slight edge in competitive job markets or if you plan to move into other healthcare roles down the line.
4 Factors That Change Your Timeline
So, how long does it take to become a medical assistant? The short answer is: it depends. Your personal timeline can shift based on a handful of things that most people don’t think about upfront. Here’s what can either speed things up or slow you down:
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment
Going full-time? You could finish in as little as 6-7 months. Part-time? You’re probably looking at 12 months or more, although our part-time, hybrid program takes about 8 months to complete. If you’re juggling work, kids, or life in general, part-time might be your only option, but just know it’ll stretch out the process.
Prerequisite Courses or GED Completion
Some programs won’t let you start until you have a high school diploma or GED. Others make you complete basic math or science courses first. At Montes HealthCare College, we don’t require either. You can jump straight into your core training without those extra steps.
Externship or Clinical Hour Requirements
Most programs include hands-on training in a real clinic or doctor’s office. These externships are non-negotiable and take time to complete. Some are done during the program, while others are tacked on at the end. Either way, they’re a key part of your total timeline.
Exam-Window Availability (AAMA, NCCT, AMT, NHA)
Certification isn’t required to work as a Medical Assistant for most employers, but it’s a smart way to make your resume stand out. Just keep in mind, you can’t just take your certification exam whenever you feel like it. Each certifying body (like AAMA, NCCT, AMT, or NHA) has its own scheduling system. Depending on when your program ends, you might have to wait weeks or even a few months.
Actionable Tips to Stay on (or Beat) Schedule
Want to finish fast and hit the ground running? These small moves can save you weeks down the line.
Knock Out CPR and Health Screenings Before Class Starts
Most programs expect you to show up with CPR certification, background checks, immunizations, and a physical already done. But at Montes HealthCare College, we include CPR/BLS certification as part of your training. No need to get certified before you start.
Overlap Certification Prep with Externship Downtime
Externships usually come with slow moments. Use them to your advantage. Start reviewing for your certification exam while you’re still finishing clinical hours. You’ll retain more (because it’s hands-on), and you won’t waste that in-between time.
Schedule Your Exam the Day You’re Eligible
Don’t wait. Book your certification test the moment you’re allowed to. If you wait “until you feel ready,” life will get in the way. Strike while it’s fresh and your study momentum is still high.
Network During Your Practicum
Your externship site isn’t just practice, it’s a potential employer. Make a solid impression, ask good questions, and build connections. Plenty of grads walk straight into a job because they stood out during clinicals.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a medical assistant doesn’t have to take years. Whether you go the fast-track route with a certificate or take your time with an associate degree, the key is finding a program that works with your life, not against it.
At the end of the day, this career is in demand for a reason. It’s hands-on, it’s meaningful, and it opens doors in the healthcare field. If you’re ready to get started, our medical assistant program is built to get you trained, certified, and out in the field in as little as 6 months. We’ll guide you through every step, from day one to job-ready.
Check out the medical assistant program at Montes Healthcare College and take the first step toward your new career today.
FAQ
Can I work while in school?
Yes, but be realistic. If you’re going part-time, working is totally doable. Full-time programs are more intense, especially once clinicals start. Many students take on weekend or evening shifts, just make sure your job doesn’t burn you out or mess with your study time.
Is there an age limit to start?
Yes, students must be at least 18 years old to enroll. But that’s it. We don’t require a high school diploma or GED. Whether you’re fresh out of school or making a career change in your 40s or 50s, you’re welcome here. It’s never too late to start something new.
What if I already have clinical experience?
It’ll definitely help you feel more confident during training. However, for our Medical Assisting program, all students are required to complete the full coursework. Prior experience can give you a head start in understanding the material, but it won’t replace any part of the program.