Top Online & Campus Medical Assistant Programs in MD

Becoming a medical assistant can be a great career choice, especially if you’re looking to enter the healthcare profession in an affordable manner. Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals rely on medical assistants to provide important support services to meet patient needs on a daily basis.

Another great reason to consider becoming a medical assistant is the optimistic future job outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the field of medical assisting to grow 14% through 2032, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. Maryland boasts an even higher growth rate; according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Projections Central database, the field of medical assisting is expected to grow 15.8% in the state by 2032. With demand like this, you can expect job security and opportunities no matter where your journey as a medical assistant may take you.

Whether you’re looking for a top online program or prefer to attend a campus in person, Maryland has excellent medical assistant programs available to help meet your learning needs and professional career goals. With so many options available, it may feel overwhelming to select the best one for you. This guide is designed to provide an overview of online and hybrid medical assistant programs in Maryland. You’ll learn about key features of these programs, including how to apply and the kinds of student support you’ll find.

Ready to take the next step toward an exciting career as a medical assistant in Maryland? Keep reading.

Profiles of Popular Medical Assistant Programs in Maryland

If you’re looking for reputable medical assistant programs in Maryland, look no further. You’ll find several popular medical assistant programs in the state that are designed to prepare you for a meaningful career in the allied health field — many of which can be completed quickly so you can start working sooner. We’ve highlighted three excellent options that can provide the necessary training and preparation needed to take on this in-demand healthcare role.

Howard Community College

Students interested in a hybrid approach may want to consider the Medical Assistant program at HCC. This follows a four-month hybrid approach blending online coursework, mandatory skills/lab sessions, and an extensive practical internship. Those who complete the program will be prepared to fill entry-level medical assistant roles performing laboratory, clinical, and medical office procedures in a physician’s office or clinic.

While this is a non-credit workforce and career program, students can also take advantage of several types of noncredit financial assistance available to those who qualify. In addition to the course fee, you’ll need to purchase supplies and a textbook, and the instructor will provide the necessary details in your first class.

Applicants must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED. You’ll also need to speak, read, and write English and pass a criminal background check, as well as show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Morgan State University

Morgan State University offers a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program offered 100% online. The self-paced structure and broad curriculum provide a solid foundation necessary to enter the healthcare field, as students will understand important office operations and patient procedures they’ll undertake while in clinical practice.

Coursework includes topics such as medical terminology, scheduling systems, medical law, ethics, and patient privacy protections. Students will learn standards for ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, and how to protect the privacy of patient information. While an externship is strongly encouraged, it is not a requirement.

There are no prerequisites necessary to apply and students can enroll at any time, making this program flexible and convenient. You’ll complete your coursework in approximately 12 months at a cost of $2,795. Students that complete the online course will be eligible to sit for the CCMA exam administered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA).

Towson University

Towson University offers a comprehensive CCMA program that incorporates self-paced online learning with in-person clinical immersion. This hybrid option has several start dates throughout the year and consists of six modules, each with a different focus. This allows you to work at your own pace, spending more time on topics you may struggle with while accelerating through your topics of greater confidence.

Students who complete the self-paced modules and in-person clinical education will then be placed into a required externship where you’ll will gain valuable knowledge and apply critical thinking skills. At the conclusion of coursework, you’ll be prepared for the CMA exam offered by the NHA.

Total tuition for the program is $4,899, which includes course materials, certification exam voucher, and access to digital learning tools. Towson University’s CCMA program is approved by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and also found on the Maryland Eligible Training Provider List.

How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Maryland?

The U.S. national average annual wage for medical assistants is $43,350. As shown in the table below, Maryland’s mean annual wage is slightly above the national average at $44,100. Like many other states, Maryland’s wages vary by metropolitan area, with the more populated urban centers typically paying more than smaller towns. For example, the California-Lexington Park region has a high average wage at $45,210, with top earners in the area making close to $58,390. The lowest mean wage is found in the Cumberland, Maryland area at $37,020, below state and national averages. Other areas, such as Hagerstown-Martinsburg and Salisbury, fall somewhere between the high and low extremes with average wages landing in the low $40,000s.

Overall, Maryland offers competitive wages for medical assistants. Location can significantly impact earning potential, as can cost of living. It’s important to look at your potential salary in relation to the cost of living in the area to gauge if the opportunity is in alignment with your personal and professional financial goals.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023

A Look Ahead for Medical Assistants in Maryland

Becoming a medical assistant is a rewarding and stable career choice. The data provided in the table below shows the U.S. medical assistant job growth rate is expected to grow by a robust 13.8% between 2022 and 2032. The BLS projects total employment across all jobs in the U.S. is projected to grow 0.3% annually during the same time period, illustrating the impressive opportunities for this career. Maryland’s job growth rate is above the national average at 15.7%, translating to approximately 2,220 annual openings.

Source: Projections Central, 2022 – 2032

Answering Your Questions About Medical Assistant Programs in Maryland

If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant in Maryland, you understandably have questions. Digging into education requirements, career outlook, and program options takes time and research. Let’s explore some common questions about medical assistant programs in Maryland to help you make an informed decision about your professional future in healthcare.

What do you need to be a medical assistant in Maryland?

Maryland does not require certification or licensing for medical assistants. However, those who acquire professional certification are able to seek membership in professional organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or Association of Medical Technologists. Students should expect to have to pass a background check and have a strong desire to help others.

How long is a medical assistant program in Maryland?

The length of your program depends on a few factors. Duration can vary widely depending on the degree or certification being sought, your previous experience in the field, and course structure. Generally speaking, medical assistant programs in Maryland are expected to take around 12 months to complete.

How much do certified medical assistants make in Maryland?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in Maryland earn an average annual wage of $44,100. This is slightly above the national average and can vary across the state depending on cost of living, demand, and population.

Do medical assistants need a license in Maryland?

While the state of Maryland does not require certification or licensing for medical assistants, you’ll likely find that many employers will require it. Other benefits of seeking certification include membership in professional organizations, higher earning potential, and improved opportunities for job advancement.

What can a medical assistant do in Maryland?

Working as a CMA in Maryland means you will be responsible for completing a variety of tasks. For example, you may be tasked with taking patient medical histories, preparing laboratory samples, obtaining vital signs, or scheduling appointments for patients. Maryland does have state scope of practice laws covering medical assistants. Students will learn about this during their program and will need to keep up with applicable changes throughout the course of their career.

How important is accreditation for Maryland medical assistant programs?

Seeking an accredited program can help ensure you receive excellent training and preparation for your role as a medical assistant. To become a successful medical assistant, you will need to complete proper education, and accreditation by an objective reviewing agency qualifies your education as meeting or exceeding a standardized baseline. If you choose to pursue certification by the AAMA, you must complete an accredited program.