Online Medical Assistant Programs in Florida: Top FL Schools

What to Expect from Online Medical Assistant Programs in Florida

Most medical assistants complete either a two-year associate’s degree or a shorter certification program before entering the field. Certificate programs are better for those who want to start their career as soon as possible, while associate programs work best for students who want more potential to advance in their careers.

But deciding between a certificate or associate’s isn’t the only decision you have to make. You’ll also have to find a specific school that offers a robust curriculum, helps you achieve your professional potential, and is affordable. To help you get you started, we’ve highlighted the best online medical assistant program in Florida. While there are many other programs in the state, the three featured below are excellent examples of what to look for in an online program.

Answers to Key Questions for Medical Assistant Students in Florida

The process of searching for the right online medical assistant program in Florida can bring up a lot of questions that are difficult to answer without the proper resources. From inquiries about prerequisites to concerns about costs, we address some of the most pressing questions below.

Do online medical assistant programs in Florida have prerequisites?

At this point in your search, you’ve likely noticed that prerequisite requirements can vary pretty significantly, particularly between certificate and associate degree programs. The latter typically has greater requirements but also opens up more career opportunities after graduating. Many programs require students to complete foundational courses in math and science before they transition into higher-level coursework. Schools like Keiser University require that students complete classes like English composition, introduction to computers, and college mathematics before they start their medical assisting coursework, but not before they enroll in the medical assisting associate’s degree. Many associate’s and certificates also require students to have a high school degree or GED before applying.

What subjects do medical assistant programs in Florida cover?

When tackling your Florida online medical assistant program, you can expect a comprehensive curriculum covering various clinical and administrative topics. At Daytona College, students acquire essential skills in diagnostic testing, medical business communications, managing health records, and patient intake and assessment. Other schools, like Keiser University, focus on the technical side of the medical assisting degree. These programs focus more heavily on anatomy, technology used in healthcare, and assisting during medical procedures and surgeries. Most also look into healthcare ethics and law, two important topics for all medical assistants to have some understanding of.

Is it difficult to be accepted to Florida online medical assistant programs?

Admission requirements also vary between schools, but many of Florida’s online medical assistant programs require just a high school diploma or GED. Still, you must review admissions and application requirements when searching for medical assistant programs. Florida International University’s online CMA program offers open enrollment, meaning you can register and start classes whenever you’re ready. Other programs may have specific enrollment periods, such as in spring for fall semester or in fall for the spring semester. To make sure you turn in program applications on time, not any set application due date in your calendar.

What funding is available for online medical assistant students in Florida?

Accredited programs offer standard financial aid options, such as student loans, program discounts, and scholarships. In addition to school-administered scholarships, you can apply for federal student aid in the form of loans, grants, or scholarships, by completing the FAFSA. The Florida Department of Education also offers scholarships for first-time students and those who are going back to school for a new degree.

While it can be confusing to navigate these financial aid options, you’re not alone. A school’s financial aid office can answer any financial questions you may have before completing the enrollment process.

What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Florida?

Online medical assistant programs typically cost between $2,000 and $15,000 for the entire program. Florida International University’s online CMA program currently costs $2,750 for the 540 hours of training you’ll receive. On the other end of the spectrum, Keiser’s program costs closer to $15,000.

Because a number like that can feel daunting to most of us, many programs provide payment plans that allow you to divide the cost into more manageable payments. Some may also provide financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships, grants, and fellowship programs. Online programs also make it easier to balance coursework with a job, which can help offset some costs.

Career Certifications and Continuing Education in Florida

Completing an accredited online medical assistant program in Florida is the only thing you need to technically start working in Florida since the state doesn’t offer a medical assistant license. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t certifications that can help you maximize your marketability and earning potential, such as the certification through a professional organization like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Students can also deepen their education through an externship. Clinical externships offer a hands-on pathway toward real-world experience, enhancing your knowledge while facilitating the transition from the classroom to a professional healthcare setting. This real-world training can also help you establish a professional network.

Once a student has graduated, there aren’t any official requirements in the state of Florida to keep working as a medical assistant. Organizations like AAMA may require continuing education to renew certifications—and this continued education keeps your skillset fresh and relevant.

Ranking the Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Florida

If you’re looking to earn an online medical assistant certificate in Florida, you have plenty of options. But when reviewing these programs, how do you know which are right for you? Which ones have the best combinations of affordability, quality, and flexibility? Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and from the schools themselves, EduMed.org has researched, analyzed, and ranked the schools with the best online Florida medical assistant programs for 2025. Review the colleges and universities that truly stand out.

Pay Scale & Job Market for Medical Assistants in Florida

Medical assistants are in high demand across the nation, and Florida is no exception. In fact, the job outlook for medical assistants in Florida from 2022 to 2032 is a promising 22.7%, which is higher than the national average of 13.8%. This translates to 9,760 job openings every year. Many of these are new positions, while others arise from allied health professionals retiring or transitioning to other areas in the field, such as becoming LPNs.

The income a medical assistant can expect in Florida varies depending on their location. Statewide, the median wage for medical assistants is $38,340, with the 10th percentile earning $34,090 and the 90th percentile earning $47,430. Some of the highest salaries are found in areas popular with "snowbirds," such as Naples at $41,790 or Sarasota at $42,800. To learn more about where you can earn the most in Florida, check out the charts below.