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. Advanced eClinical Training (ACT) offers an online, self-paced program that includes training and preparation for national certification.
Here’s what you can expect to pay and what’s included.
How Much Does ACT’s Medical Assistant Program Cost?
Advanced eClinical Training offers three Medical Assistant program options, starting at $3,100. Each option includes the core online training, CCMA certification preparation, certification exam, clinical learning, and career support, with additional features available depending on the package you choose.
ACT Medical Assistant Program Options
CCMA Course
Standard Package
$3,100
Includes ACT’s complete Medical Assistant training and certification pathway.
- Online, self-paced CCMA course
- NHA CCMA certification exam
- 6 official NHA practice exams
- Virtual patient simulations
- Interactive ECG lab
- BLS training through the American Heart Association
- Optional externship placement
- Career coaching and job support
CCMA Course +
Venipuncture Kit
$3,300
Includes everything in the Standard Package plus an at-home clinical skills kit.
- Everything in the $3,100 Standard Package
- Venipuncture kit shipped to your home
- Real medical training equipment
- Practice arm with veins and puncture sites
- Step-by-step procedure manual
- Instructional videos and demonstrations
- At-home clinical skills practice
CCMA Course +
Pre-Med / Pre-PA Mentorship
$4,500
Designed for students who want additional guidance for medical or PA school preparation.
- Everything in the Standard Package
- Venipuncture kit included
- Medical Terminology course included
- 8 virtual one-on-one mentorship sessions
- Personalized mentor reference letter
- Personal statement review and mock interviews
- Application and exam timeline planning
- Research, volunteer, and clinical advising
What’s Included in ACT Medical Assistant Tuition?
The Standard Package includes the core training, certification, clinical preparation, and career resources. Higher-tier packages add hands-on equipment or pre-health mentorship.
- NHA CCMA certification exam fee
- 6 official NHA practice exams
- 12 months of NHA study portal access
- Virtual patient simulation platform
- Interactive ECG training
- Expert-developed Medical Assistant curriculum
- One-on-one virtual instructor office hours
- 24/7 academic support
- BLS training through the American Heart Association
- Optional nationwide externship placement
- Resume and interview preparation
- Employer matching and career support
Hands-On Clinical Experience
Eligible graduates can request placement in an optional 160-hour clinical externship through ACT’s network of 1,000+ healthcare partners. ACT coordinates the placement so students do not have to find an externship site on their own.
Payment Options
Students can pay tuition in full or choose a 0% interest monthly payment plan. ACT states that its Medical Assistant tuition is all-inclusive with no hidden fees, and students receive course access after enrollment.
Compare the three enrollment options, see the full curriculum, and review current Medical Assistant program details.
View Medical Assistant ProgramWhat Is Included in ACT Medical Assistant Tuition?
When comparing medical assistant program costs, the advertised tuition does not always show what you will pay from enrollment through certification. Some programs may charge separately for certification exams, exam preparation, clinical training, or other services. ACT’s Medical Assistant tuition includes many of these costs in the program price.
ACT Medical Assistant Outcomes
Outcomes are reported by Advanced eClinical Training and may vary by student. Job placement and certification are not guaranteed.
Certification Costs
ACT tuition includes the NHA CCMA certification exam, six official NHA practice exams, and 12 months of access to the NHA study portal.
Training & Academic Support
Students receive the online Medical Assistant curriculum, virtual patient simulations, interactive ECG training, one-on-one instructor office hours, and academic support.
BLS Training
Basic Life Support (BLS) training through the American Heart Association is included in the Standard Package, adding another healthcare credential to the training experience.
Clinical Experience Support
Eligible students can request an optional 160-hour clinical externship coordinated through ACT’s network of 1,000+ healthcare partners in approved locations.
Pennsylvania students are subject to additional externship restrictions. Review the Pennsylvania disclosure.
Career Support
Tuition includes career resources such as resume and interview preparation, career coaching, employer matching, and support as students prepare to enter the job market.
Course Access
Students have up to 12 months of course and study access, giving them flexibility to complete the self-paced training around work, school, or other responsibilities.
Don’t Compare Tuition Alone
A lower advertised price does not necessarily mean a lower total cost. Before choosing a medical assistant program, check whether tuition includes:
- CCMA certification exam
- Certification exam preparation
- Practice exams
- Learning and study materials
- Clinical skills training
- Externship support
- BLS training
- Instructor and academic support
- Career services
- Length of course access
Before enrolling: Compare the total cost of completing the program and preparing for certification, not just the tuition number shown on the program page.
How Does ACT’s Medical Assistant Program Compare With Other Training Options?
Medical assistant training can range from a short-term certification program to a two-year college degree. The differences go beyond tuition. Completion time, class format, certification preparation, clinical experience, and general education requirements can all affect which route makes sense for a student.
What do you want to compare?
Keep in mind: Program length, tuition, certification preparation, clinical requirements, and included services vary by school. Compare the specific programs you are considering rather than assuming every certificate or college program follows the same structure.
Think about what you want from your training
What Additional Medical Assistant Costs Should You Expect?
Tuition is not always the final cost of becoming a medical assistant. Depending on the program and clinical site, students may also need to budget for uniforms, health requirements, background checks, transportation, or certification-related expenses. ACT includes several costs in tuition, while others may depend on the student’s circumstances or externship requirements.
One cost ACT students don’t have to add later
The initial NHA CCMA exam is already included in ACT tuition. The program also includes six official NHA practice exams and BLS training, so students do not have to treat those as separate add-on costs when calculating the program price.
Before enrolling, ask about the full cost
If you’re comparing ACT with another medical assistant program, these questions can uncover expenses that may not appear in the advertised tuition.
- Is the certification exam included?
- Are practice exams included?
- Are textbooks or online materials extra?
- Is BLS or CPR training an additional fee?
- Are clinical supplies or equipment included?
- Are there separate lab or technology fees?
- Who pays for externship requirements?
- What happens if I need to retake the exam?
Externship and clinical site requirements can vary by location and placement site. Students should confirm any required documentation, screenings, clothing, transportation, or other expenses that may apply to their individual placement.
Does an Online Medical Assistant Program Cost Less?
An online medical assistant program is not automatically less expensive than an in-person program. Tuition varies by school, so it is more useful to compare the total cost of completing your training, including expenses that come with attending classes in person.
Think beyond the tuition price
Less Routine Travel
Completing coursework online can eliminate a regular commute to class. Depending on the alternative, that may mean fewer expenses for gas, public transportation, parking, or relocating closer to a school.
More Control Over Study Time
Self-paced coursework can make it easier to fit training around a job or other responsibilities. Fixed class schedules may give students less flexibility in when they complete coursework.
Tuition Still Matters
Online does not automatically mean cheaper. Compare the actual tuition and required fees of each program, along with what is included in that price.
Clinical Costs Can Still Apply
Medical assistant training may include an in-person clinical experience. Students should account for transportation and any site-specific requirements associated with an externship.
ACT’s Medical Assistant coursework is completed online, but students who participate in an optional 160-hour externship may need to budget for transportation and any requirements set by their clinical site.
Before choosing a medical assistant program, compare the full cost
Two programs with similar tuition can include very different things. Check each of these before deciding what the program will actually cost you:
- Total tuition
- Additional fees
- Certification exam
- Exam preparation
- Learning materials
- Hands-on training
- Externship support
- Program length
- Course format
ACT includes the initial NHA CCMA exam, six official NHA practice exams, BLS training, online learning resources, academic support, and optional externship placement in its Medical Assistant program. When comparing programs, check whether another school’s advertised tuition includes the same types of services or charges for them separately.
Is a Medical Assistant Program Worth the Cost?
Whether a medical assistant program is worth the cost depends on your career goals, what you pay for training, and what is included in the program. Current employment data can help put that cost into context.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assistants
What do these numbers tell you?
BLS projects medical assistant employment to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035. The projected annual openings include both newly created positions and openings that result when workers leave the occupation. The wage figure is a national median, so actual earnings can be higher or lower depending on location, employer, experience, and work setting.
What should you consider before paying for training?
The $45,690 figure is the national median wage for medical assistants, not an expected starting salary or guaranteed income. Completing a medical assistant program or earning certification does not guarantee employment or a specific salary. Pay and employment opportunities vary by employer, location, experience, and other factors.
FAQs About Medical Assistant Program Costs
ACT’s Medical Assistant program starts at $3,100. Packages range from $3,100 to $4,500 depending on the training and support included.
Tuition includes the online course, NHA CCMA exam, six NHA practice exams, BLS training, clinical simulations, academic support, optional externship placement, and career support.
Possibly. Students may need to pay for scrubs, transportation, background checks, health requirements, or CCMA retesting depending on their circumstances and externship site.
ACT includes the first NHA CCMA exam attempt in tuition, so there is no separate initial exam fee. Retesting fees may apply.
Yes. ACT offers 0% interest monthly payment plans for its Medical Assistant program.
The program can be completed in as little as eight weeks. It is 100% online and self-paced, with up to 12 months of course access.
Learn From Expert MD, PA, DNP & RN Instructors
Learn from experienced physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and registered nurses who bring clinical expertise and real-world healthcare experience into your training.
ACT instructors provide personalized support to help you master clinical concepts, prepare for CCMA certification, and build confidence for real patient care.
- One-on-One Instructor Support
- Live Virtual Office Hours
- Interactive Clinical Case Discussions
- CCMA Certification Exam Preparation
- Personalized Feedback & Academic Guidance
- Clinical Skills & Externship Readiness
- Pre-Health Mentorship with MD & PA Advisors
