Guides to becoming a medical assistant: training options, timelines, costs, externships, and how to compare online programs. Start with our guide to choosing a reputable online medical assistant training program.

Start here: How to Become a Medical Assistant in 8 Steps [+ How Long It Takes]

Popular guides

Ready to train? See ACT’s online medical assistant (CCMA) program.

CCMA Certification Guide for Aspiring Medical Assistants

CCMA Certification 2026: Requirements, Exam & Renewal. This CCMA certification guide explains the NHA certification, the exam, and how to renew it.
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Student taking notes during a virtual medical assistant lesson, illustrating online vs in-person medical assistant training.

Medical Assisting Online Program vs. In-Person Training: Which Is Better?

Choosing between online vs in-person medical assistant programs comes down to more than convenience.
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Medical assistant school online student studying on a laptop and taking notes at home.

Medical Assistant School Online: What to Expect From Virtual Healthcare Training

Wondering what attending medical assistant school online is actually like? Advanced eClinical Training (ACT) offers self-paced coursework, virtual clinical simulations, and certification exam preparation…
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Medical assistant in scrubs speaking with a patient and taking notes in a clinic, representing career opportunities after completing medical assistant online programs.

Medical Assistant Online Programs: How to Choose the Right One for Your Career

Not all medical assistant online programs offer the same training, certification preparation, or support.
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medical assisting online program

Medical Assisting Online Program: Everything You Need to Know Before Enrolling

A medical assisting online program can help you prepare for a healthcare career without attending in-person classes.
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Medical assistant classes preparing students for patient care skills, including taking vital signs in a clinical setting.

What Classes Do You Need to Become a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistant classes cover the clinical and administrative skills used in patient care, including medical terminology, vital signs, phlebotomy, EKGs, and medical office procedures.
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Student researching medical assistant program cost while completing online healthcare training at home.

How Much Does a Medical Assistant Program Cost?

Medical assistant program cost varies based on the type of training and what’s included in tuition.
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Student completing online coursework at home for an article about how long does it take to complete an online medical assistant program.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Medical Assistant Program?

If you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: How long does it take to complete…
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Student in medical scrubs completing an online medical assistant certification program on a laptop while studying from home.

Can You Earn a Medical Assistant Certification While Working Full-Time?

Earning a medical assistant certification while working full-time is possible, and many people do it successfully.
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Healthcare student during an ACT externship placement preparing to take a patient's vital signs

How Does ACT’s Externship Placement Work? A Complete Guide

Many students have questions about the ACT externship placement process, especially if they’re wondering what hands-on training will actually look like before they begin…
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Advanced eClinical Training Nationwide Externship placement

Advanced eClinical Training Externship Placement Explained

Bridging the Gap Between Certification and Real Healthcare Experience For many aspiring healthcare professionals, earning a certification is only one part of the journey.
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Advanced eClinical Training CCMA Certification

Why Advanced eClinical Training Is One of the Best CCMA Certification Programs

Looking for the Best CCMA Certification Program? If you’re searching for the best CCMA certification program, you’re likely looking for more than just an…
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